how do neurotransmitters affect behavior and mental processes

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. How do neurotransmitters affect behavior and mental processes?

A. Neurotransmitters have little effect on behavior.
B. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that influence mood, thought, and behavior.
C. Neurotransmitters have a minor role in mental health.
D. Neurotransmitters determine intelligence levels.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neurotransmitters are chemicals that influence mood, thought, and behavior, playing a significant role in mental health. Choice A is incorrect as neurotransmitters do have a notable effect on behavior. Choice C is incorrect as neurotransmitters have a major role in mental health. Choice D is incorrect as neurotransmitters do not solely determine intelligence levels.

2. Which of the following statements is least likely to be made by a humanist?

A. Humans are unique.
B. The behavior of humans tends to be influenced by environmental circumstances.
C. Humans have a basic need to fulfill their potentials.
D. Research on animals has little relevance to understanding human behavior.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The corrected question assesses the least likely statement made by a humanist. Choice B, 'The behavior of humans tends to be influenced by environmental circumstances,' is least likely to be made by a humanist. Humanists believe that human behavior is not simply dictated by environmental circumstances but is influenced by a combination of factors, including personal experiences, emotions, and conscious decisions. Choices A, C, and D are more aligned with humanist perspectives. Choice A acknowledges the uniqueness of humans, which is a common theme in humanistic psychology. Choice C reflects the humanistic belief that individuals strive to reach their full potential and self-actualization. Choice D contrasts with humanist views as humanists often consider research on animals to be relevant in understanding human behavior due to shared basic psychological processes.

3. Dr. Lee is studying pain perception using a functionalist perspective. It is most likely that Dr. Lee would suggest that we can only understand the conscious experience of pain?

A. If all the component parts that make up the experience of pain are understood.
B. By observing the outward expression of pain in response to different stimuli.
C. If we first understand the role of pain in human survival and adaptation.
D. If we understand the unconscious processes that initiate the sensation of pain.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The functionalist perspective, as used by Dr. Lee, focuses on understanding the role of pain in human survival and adaptation. This perspective suggests that to fully comprehend pain perception, one must first grasp the significance of pain in terms of its adaptive functions and impact on behavior. Choices A, B, and D do not align with the functionalist perspective, as they do not emphasize the role of pain in human survival and adaptation.

4. Freud's view of mental disorders was that they were a result of ________.

A. unresolved conflicts between the id, the ego, and the superego.
B. genetic abnormalities that influence people's ability to cope with their environment.
C. problematic tendencies we develop while dealing with our early interpersonal environments.
D. learned maladaptive behaviors that were rewarded with attention.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Freud believed that mental disorders were a result of unresolved conflicts between the id, ego, and superego. This concept is central to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, where conflicts between these three components of personality lead to psychological distress. Choice B is incorrect because Freud focused more on unconscious conflicts rather than genetic abnormalities. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to later psychodynamic theories rather than Freud's specific view. Choice D is incorrect as Freud's perspective does not emphasize learned behaviors as the primary cause of mental disorders.

5. The ability to adapt successfully to even very difficult circumstances is called ________.

A. resilience
B. hardiness
C. perseverance
D. a challenge orientation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Resilience is indeed the correct term for the ability to adapt successfully to difficult circumstances. Resilience involves bouncing back from setbacks, handling stress, and persevering in the face of adversity. Choice B, 'hardiness,' refers more to toughness or durability rather than adapting to difficult circumstances. Choice C, 'perseverance,' is about persistence and determination rather than adaptability. Choice D, 'a challenge orientation,' does not directly relate to the ability to adapt to difficult circumstances, making it an incorrect choice.