biological discoveries

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. Biological discoveries ________.

A. have lessened the subjectivity of definitions of abnormality.
B. demonstrate that the environment plays only a minimal role in the development of psychopathology.
C. make it clear that mental disorders are diseases and should be dealt with by the medical profession.
D. have led to a recognition of the role that genetic factors and other biological influences play in the development of many disorders.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Biological discoveries have indeed led to a recognition of the role that genetic factors and other biological influences play in the development of many disorders. This understanding has shifted the focus from purely environmental explanations to acknowledging the significant impact of genetics and biology on mental health. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because biological discoveries have not specifically addressed the subjectivity of definitions of abnormality, minimized the role of the environment in psychopathology, or definitively classified mental disorders as diseases that should only be handled by the medical profession.

2. Neural plasticity is ________.

A. the process by which neurotransmitters are broken down in the brain.
B. the flexibility of the brain—existing neural circuits can change or new ones can be made.
C. strong evidence of brain damage, leading to the development of a mental disorder.
D. the best indicator of temperament and its effect on the personality development of a child.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neural plasticity refers to the brain's flexibility to change existing neural circuits or create new ones. Choice A is incorrect as it describes neurotransmitter breakdown, not neural plasticity. Choice C is incorrect because neural plasticity does not necessarily indicate brain damage leading to mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect because neural plasticity is not specifically related to temperament or personality development in children.

3. School phobia among kids may be a form of?

A. Occurs every time when one is in a certain situation
B. Occurs most of the time when one is in a specific situation
C. Be unexpected
D. Expected

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Be unexpected.' School phobia in children is often associated with separation anxiety disorder, leading to unexpected and intense fear or anxiety about attending school. Choices A and B are incorrect because school phobia does not necessarily occur every time or most of the time when in a specific situation; it is more about the unexpected fear related to attending school. Choice D is also incorrect because school phobia is characterized by an unexpected and overwhelming fear of school, not an expected or anticipated reaction.

4. Which term describes the conditions that guarantee the occurrence of a disorder?

A. Necessary causes
B. Contributory causes
C. Sufficient causes
D. Protective factors

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Sufficient causes.' Sufficient causes are conditions that alone are enough to guarantee the occurrence of a disorder. Necessary causes refer to factors that must be present for the disorder to occur but are not enough on their own. Contributory causes increase the likelihood of a disorder but are not enough to cause it by themselves. Protective factors are conditions that reduce the likelihood of a disorder occurring.

5. A predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a __________ .

A. Diathesis
B. Risk factor
C. Sufficient cause
D. Diathesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a diathesis. In this context, diathesis refers to an individual's susceptibility or predisposition to developing a disorder. A diathesis is not the same as a risk factor or a sufficient cause. A risk factor is a variable that increases the likelihood of developing a disorder but is not a predisposition itself. A sufficient cause is a factor that can produce the disorder on its own, not just a predisposition.