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. Where is the site of chemical communication in the brain?

A. Neuron
B. Synapse
C. Axon
D. Dendrite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Synapse. The synapse is the site where chemical communication occurs between neurons. Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal of one neuron, cross the synaptic cleft, and bind to receptors on the dendrites of the next neuron. Choice A, Neuron, is incorrect as it refers to the entire nerve cell. Choices C and D, Axon and Dendrite, are also incorrect as they are specific parts of a neuron and not the primary site of chemical communication.

3. Which of the following is a common effect of persistent discrimination?

A. Increased happiness
B. Greater intelligence and wisdom
C. Cardiovascular reactivity
D. Increased consciousness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cardiovascular reactivity. Persistent discrimination can have negative impacts on an individual's physical health, leading to increased cardiovascular reactivity. This can manifest as higher blood pressure, heart rate, and overall stress on the cardiovascular system. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because persistent discrimination typically does not result in increased happiness, greater intelligence and wisdom, or increased consciousness. Instead, it often leads to detrimental effects on mental and physical health.

4. Who took the position that organisms tend to repeat responses that lead to positive outcomes and tend not to repeat responses that lead to neutral or negative outcomes?

A. Sigmund Freud
B. B.F. Skinner
C. Carl Rogers
D. Abraham Maslow

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B.F. Skinner. Skinner proposed the theory of operant conditioning, where behavior is shaped by its consequences. Positive outcomes increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, while neutral or negative outcomes decrease it. Sigmund Freud (choice A) is known for his psychoanalytic theory, Carl Rogers (choice C) for person-centered therapy, and Abraham Maslow (choice D) for the hierarchy of needs.

5. During which period of psychosexual development does a child become preoccupied with the development of skills and activities?

A. Genital
B. Phallic
C. Latency
D. Pubertal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Latency. In the Latency stage of psychosexual development, which occurs from around age 6 to puberty, children are focused on developing skills and engaging in activities rather than exploring sexuality. This period is characterized by the suppression of sexual impulses and the emphasis on social and intellectual pursuits. Choice A, Genital, refers to the final stage of psychosexual development in Freud's theory where individuals reach sexual maturity. Choice B, Phallic, pertains to the stage where children become aware of anatomical differences between boys and girls and develop unconscious sexual desires for the opposite-sex parent. Choice D, Pubertal, is not a recognized stage in Freud's psychosexual development theory.