Nursing Elites

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. Alison believes that individuals learn to be either aggressive or nonaggressive as a result of the experiences they have. Alison's views are most consistent with which view in psychology?

• A. Behaviorist view of psychology.
• B. Structuralist view of psychology.
• C. Functionalist view of psychology.
• D. Psychoanalytic view of psychology.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Alison's belief that individuals learn to be either aggressive or nonaggressive as a result of their experiences aligns with the Behaviorist view of psychology. Behaviorism focuses on how behavior is learned through interactions with the environment, emphasizing the role of experience in shaping behavior. The other options are not directly related to the idea that behavior is learned through experiences: Structuralism focuses on the structure of conscious experience, Functionalism emphasizes the purpose of behavior, and Psychoanalytic theory focuses on the role of unconscious processes.

3. 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.

4. A group of psychologists is conducting research to determine whether people eat more when they are in the presence of environmental stimuli that increase anxiety, such as loud noises or flashing lights. These scientists most likely follow?

• A. The behavioral perspective.
• B. The psychodynamic perspective.
• C. The humanistic perspective.
• D. The functionalist perspective.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the behavioral perspective. This perspective focuses on how environmental stimuli influence behavior, making it suitable for studying how anxiety-inducing stimuli affect eating behavior. The psychodynamic perspective (choice B) would focus more on unconscious processes and early life experiences. The humanistic perspective (choice C) emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization. The functionalist perspective (choice D) is more related to the study of the purpose of behavior and mental processes in adapting to the environment.

5. The process of ________ is used to increase the probability that a behavior will occur.

• A. operant conditioning
• B. reinforcement
• C. classical conditioning
• D. punishment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is reinforcement. Reinforcement involves providing a consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Operant conditioning (Choice A) refers to learning through consequences for behavior, which includes reinforcement and punishment. Classical conditioning (Choice C) involves forming associations between stimuli and involuntary responses. Punishment (Choice D) involves providing a consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. In this context, the question specifically asks about a process that increases the probability of a behavior occurring, aligning with the concept of reinforcement.

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