etiology is

ATI RN

Psychology 2301 Exam 1

1. Etiology refers to ________

A. a condition that tends to maintain maladaptive behavior.
B. the causal pattern of a disorder.
C. a predisposition toward developing a disorder.
D. a condition that makes it less likely a person will experience the negative consequences of stress.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Etiology refers to the causal pattern of a disorder, explaining the factors contributing to the development of a specific condition. Choice A is incorrect as it describes a condition that maintains maladaptive behavior, which is not the definition of etiology. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to a predisposition, which is more related to risk factors rather than the cause itself. Choice D is incorrect as it discusses a condition that reduces the negative consequences of stress, which is not directly related to the cause of a disorder.

2. One of Freud's major contributions to current perspectives of mental disorders is ________.

A. the concept of the Oedipal complex.
B. the concept of the unconscious and how it can affect behavior.
C. the concept of the Electra complex.
D. the understanding of the three structures of personality.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Freud's major contribution to current perspectives of mental disorders is the concept of the unconscious and its influence on behavior. While the Oedipal complex (Choice A) and Electra complex (Choice C) are important psychoanalytic concepts introduced by Freud, they are more focused on childhood psychosexual development rather than mental disorders. The understanding of the three structures of personality (Choice D) refers to Freud's id, ego, and superego model, which is essential in psychoanalytic theory but not specifically related to mental disorders.

3. Which of the following is a common criticism against Piaget's theory of cognitive development?

A. The sequence of stages is not fixed.
B. Research has not supported the existence of the preoperational stage.
C. Piaget put a heavy emphasis on the environment, ignoring the importance of mental processes.
D. Children develop abilities earlier than Piaget theorized.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because one common criticism of Piaget's theory is that children often acquire cognitive abilities earlier than Piaget proposed. This criticism suggests that Piaget's stages might not be as fixed or rigid as he believed. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A is a characteristic of Piaget's theory; B is not a common criticism, as research generally supports the existence of Piaget's stages; and C is inaccurate, as Piaget actually emphasized the importance of mental processes in cognitive development.

4. What is a set of age norms defining a sequence of life experiences that is considered normal in a given culture and that all individuals in that culture are expected to follow, which may lead to ____?

A. Normative age-graded influence; sexism
B. Social clock; ageism
C. Critical period; normative age-graded influence
D. Sensitive period

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Social clock; ageism. A social clock refers to the normal sequence of life events in a culture, and not meeting these norms can result in ageism. Choice A is incorrect because normative age-graded influence is not directly related to sexism. Choice C is incorrect as critical period refers to specific time frames for development, not a set of age norms. Choice D, sensitive period, does not directly relate to the concept described in the question.

5. What would a humanist most likely say about Manny's passivity?

A. Manny will find it difficult to change because he probably has deep-seated feelings of inferiority.
B. Manny can become more assertive once he begins to feel better about himself and recognizes that he has the ability to fulfill his potential.
C. Manny simply needs to take an assertiveness training class in which he can learn and practice assertive behaviors.
D. Manny should undergo analysis so that he can begin to resolve whatever unconscious conflict is at the root of his passivity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Humanists believe in the inherent goodness and potential of individuals. They would most likely say that Manny can become more assertive by improving his self-esteem and recognizing his abilities. Choice A is incorrect because humanists focus on self-actualization rather than deep-seated feelings of inferiority. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the issue by suggesting a training class can solve the problem without addressing underlying beliefs. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests a psychoanalytic approach, while humanists usually emphasize personal growth and self-improvement.