neural plasticity is

ATI RN

Psychology 2301 Exam 1

1. 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.

2. Classical and operant conditioning theories are classified under _, while sociocultural theory and Piaget's theory fall under .?

A. Psychodynamic; cognitive
B. Learning; behavior modelling
C. Behavioral; sociocultural
D. Centration; cognitive

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Classical and operant conditioning theories are forms of learning theories, making them fall under the category of cognitive theories. On the other hand, sociocultural theory and Piaget's theory are cognitive theories that focus on how individuals perceive and process information, hence correctly classified under cognitive theories. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the classifications of the specified theories.

3. Behaviors that deviate from the norm are?

A. Always seen as a disorder if they violate social norms
B. Considered a disorder regardless of culture
C. Typically seen as a disorder when they impair functioning
D. Never considered as a sign of abnormality

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Behaviors that deviate from the norm are typically considered disorders when they impair functioning. Choice A is incorrect because not all behaviors that deviate from the norm are considered disorders; they need to impair functioning. Choice B is incorrect because the cultural context plays a significant role in determining what is considered abnormal. Choice D is incorrect because behaviors that deviate from the norm can indeed be considered signs of abnormality, especially if they impair functioning.

4. 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.

5. During conception, the 23 unpaired chromosomes in the ovum and sperm combine to form 23 pairs in an entirely new cell called the?

A. Embryo
B. DNA
C. Fetus
D. Zygote

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Zygote. A zygote is formed when the 23 chromosomes from the ovum and sperm combine during conception. It is the initial cell formed and marks the beginning of a new organism. Choice A, Embryo, is incorrect as an embryo is formed later in the development process. Choice B, DNA, is incorrect as DNA is the genetic material within the chromosomes but is not the name of the new cell formed after fertilization. Choice C, Fetus, is incorrect as a fetus is the stage of prenatal development that occurs well after the zygote stage.