according to wilhelm wundt the focus of psychology was on the scientific study of

ATI RN

Exam 4 Psychology 101

1. According to Wilhelm Wundt, the focus of psychology was on the scientific study of?

A. Observable behavior.
B. Conscious experience.
C. Unconscious motivation.
D. The functions of behavior.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Wilhelm Wundt's approach emphasized the study of conscious experience, marking a shift towards scientific methods in psychology. Choice A, observable behavior, is associated with behaviorism and not Wundt's structuralism. Choice C, unconscious motivation, is more aligned with Freud's psychoanalytic theory. Choice D, the functions of behavior, relates more to functionalism, which was developed by William James.

2. Distinguish between necessary, sufficient, and contributory causes of abnormal behavior.

A. Necessary causes are required for a disorder to develop but do not guarantee it.
B. Sufficient causes guarantee a disorder will develop, but they are not required.
C. Contributory causes increase the likelihood of a disorder but are neither necessary nor sufficient.
D. Contributory causes are conditions that guarantee the occurrence of a disorder.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In understanding abnormal behavior, it is crucial to differentiate between necessary, sufficient, and contributory causes. Necessary causes are those that are required for a disorder to develop, meaning that without them, the disorder would not occur. However, their presence does not guarantee the occurrence of the disorder. Sufficient causes, on the other hand, are those that alone can guarantee the development of a disorder, but they are not the only factors that can lead to it. Contributory causes are factors that increase the likelihood of a disorder but are not essential on their own nor do they guarantee the disorder. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the role of necessary causes in the development of abnormal behavior. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they misrepresent the definitions and roles of sufficient and contributory causes in causing abnormal behavior.

3. Which of the following is an appropriate description of a child with conduct disorder?

A. They may argue repeatedly with adults, ignore adult rules and requests, deliberately annoy other people, and feel much anger and resentment
B. They have great difficulty attending to tasks, or behave overactively and impulsively, or both
C. Marked by extreme unresponsiveness to other people, severe communication deficits, and highly rigid and repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities
D. They are often aggressive, deliberately destroy other people's property, steal or lie, skip school, or run away from home

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Children with conduct disorder often exhibit behaviors such as arguing with adults, ignoring rules, deliberately annoying others, and displaying anger and resentment. Choice B describes symptoms more characteristic of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Choice C describes symptoms commonly seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Choice D outlines behaviors associated with oppositional defiant disorder rather than conduct disorder.

4. What are psychology's intellectual parents?

A. Physics and physiology.
B. Philosophy and physiology.
C. Chemistry and physics.
D. Philosophy and chemistry.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Psychology's intellectual parents are philosophy and physiology. Philosophy contributed to the early development of psychology by exploring questions about the mind and behavior, while physiology provided a scientific foundation for understanding the biological aspects of human psychology. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the disciplines that significantly influenced the emergence of psychology as a distinct field of study.

5. How do defense mechanisms contribute to psychopathology?

A. They do not contribute to psychopathology as they are healthy coping mechanisms.
B. They contribute to psychopathology by allowing individuals to avoid confronting painful realities.
C. Defense mechanisms have no connection to psychopathology.
D. Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies that can lead to the development of psychopathology.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Defense mechanisms contribute to psychopathology by allowing individuals to avoid confronting painful realities. This avoidance can prevent individuals from dealing with underlying issues, leading to the development or exacerbation of psychopathological conditions. Choice A is incorrect because while defense mechanisms may serve as coping mechanisms, they can also contribute to psychopathology when used excessively or inappropriately. Choice C is incorrect as defense mechanisms are indeed connected to psychopathology. Choice D is incorrect because defense mechanisms, when maladaptive, can contribute to psychopathology rather than being considered healthy coping strategies.