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 approach contends that psychology must study internal mental events to fully understand behavior?

A. Behaviorism.
B. Cognitive psychology.
C. Evolutionary psychology.
D. Humanism.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Cognitive psychology. Cognitive psychology focuses on studying internal mental processes like perception, memory, and problem-solving to understand behavior. Behaviorism (choice A) emphasizes observable behavior over internal mental processes. Evolutionary psychology (choice C) examines how evolutionary principles influence behavior, not solely focusing on internal mental events. Humanism (choice D) emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization rather than internal mental events as the primary focus of study.

3. Which of the following psychologists would be most likely to stress that each person has a drive to grow and fulfill his or her potential?

A. Sigmund Freud
B. F. Skinner
C. G. Stanley Hall
D. Abraham Maslow

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Abraham Maslow. He was a leading humanist psychologist who introduced the concept of the hierarchy of needs. Maslow emphasized the human drive for self-actualization, which involves fulfilling one's potential and striving for personal growth. Sigmund Freud (choice A) focused on psychoanalysis and the unconscious mind. B.F. Skinner (choice B) was a behaviorist who studied operant conditioning. G. Stanley Hall (choice C) was a pioneering psychologist in the field of child development.

4. What is the diathesis-stress model of psychopathology?

A. The idea that stress is the primary cause of psychopathology.
B. A model that focuses solely on genetic predispositions.
C. A theory that involves only environmental factors in the development of disorders.
D. A person must have both a vulnerability for a disorder and exposure to stressors to develop the disorder.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The diathesis-stress model of psychopathology posits that individuals must have a vulnerability or predisposition to a disorder (diathesis) and be exposed to stressful environmental factors for the disorder to manifest. This model emphasizes the interaction between genetic or biological vulnerabilities (diathesis) and environmental stressors. Choice A is incorrect because the model does not suggest that stress is the sole cause of psychopathology. Choice B is incorrect as the model considers both genetic predispositions and environmental stressors. Choice C is incorrect because the diathesis-stress model acknowledges the role of both genetic and environmental factors in the development of disorders.

5. Barney helps his younger brother, who has just learned to cycle on his own, to navigate narrow roads and sharp turns. Vygotsky will refer to this as ________?

A. Microsystem
B. Macrosystem
C. Mesosystem
D. Exosystem

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, where Barney is assisting his younger brother in navigating narrow roads and sharp turns, Vygotsky would refer to this as an example of the 'mesosystem.' The mesosystem involves the interactions between different systems in a child's environment, such as family and peers. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A) Microsystem refers to the immediate environment where the child lives, like home and school; B) Macrosystem encompasses the larger cultural context; D) Exosystem involves external settings that indirectly influence the child.