how does the environment interact with genetic predispositions to influence mental health

ATI RN

Psychology 2301 Exam 1

1. How does the environment interact with genetic predispositions to influence mental health?

A. The environment has no influence on mental health.
B. The environment interacts with genetic predispositions to either enhance or mitigate mental health risks.
C. The environment can only influence physical health, not mental health.
D. The environment has a minimal effect on mental health outcomes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The environment interacts with genetic predispositions to either enhance or mitigate mental health risks. This highlights the intricate relationship between one's genetic makeup and the environmental factors they are exposed to, both contributing significantly to mental health outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as numerous studies show that the environment plays a crucial role in mental health. Choice C is incorrect as the environment can influence both physical and mental health. Choice D is incorrect as research indicates that the environment can have a substantial impact on mental health outcomes.

2. 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.

3. In a discussion with your professor, she tells you that she believes that the focus of psychological study should be to break the conscious experience into its basic elements. Which of the following historical schools of thought is your professor's idea most consistent with?

A. Behaviorism
B. Functionalism
C. Structuralism
D. Psychoanalysis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Structuralism. Structuralism, as introduced by Wundt, aimed to break down mental processes into their most basic elements. This aligns with the idea of breaking the conscious experience into its fundamental components. Choice A, Behaviorism, focuses on observable behavior and not on breaking down conscious experience. Choice B, Functionalism, emphasizes the purpose of behavior rather than breaking it down into basic elements. Choice D, Psychoanalysis, delves into unconscious processes and conflicts, which is different from breaking down conscious experiences into basic elements.

4. What does ethnography refer to?

A. A detailed description of a single culture or context
B. Corrupted by original sin
C. The product of evolution
D. A blank slate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Ethnography refers to a detailed description of a single culture or context. It involves the systematic study and recording of human cultures, including customs, behaviors, and social structures. Choice B, 'Corrupted by original sin,' is incorrect as it does not relate to ethnography. Choice C, 'The product of evolution,' is incorrect as it does not define ethnography. Choice D, 'A blank slate,' is incorrect as it does not describe the practice of ethnography.

5. Distinguish between assimilation and accommodation.

A. Assimilation refers to adjusting our mental frameworks to incorporate new information.
B. Assimilation is when new experiences are interpreted in terms of existing schemas.
C. Assimilation is adapting our behaviors to match societal norms.
D. Assimilation and accommodation are unrelated to cognitive development.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assimilation is when new experiences are interpreted in terms of existing schemas, meaning individuals try to fit new information into their pre-existing understanding of the world. Accommodation, on the other hand, involves adjusting our schemas to fit new information, which means changing our existing mental frameworks when new information doesn't fit. Choice A is incorrect because it describes accommodation rather than assimilation. Choice C is incorrect as it confuses assimilation with social adaptation. Choice D is incorrect as assimilation and accommodation are fundamental processes in cognitive development, as described by Piaget.