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. Professor Immel believes that behaviors that are predominant in certain species probably serve some adaptive function. Professor Immel's beliefs are most consistent with which perspective?

• A. Behavioral perspective.
• B. Cognitive perspective.
• C. Humanistic perspective.
• D. Evolutionary perspective.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Professor Immel's belief that behaviors in certain species serve an adaptive function aligns with the evolutionary perspective. The evolutionary perspective posits that behaviors have developed over time because they provide an advantage for survival and reproduction. This perspective emphasizes the role of natural selection in shaping behaviors based on their adaptive value. Choices A, B, and C do not specifically address the idea that behaviors have evolved to serve specific functions for survival, making them inconsistent with Professor Immel's beliefs.

3. Which school of psychology is associated with understanding the purpose of behavior?

• A. Functionalism.
• B. Behaviorism.
• C. Neodynamism.
• D. Psychoanalysis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Functionalism. Functionalism, founded by William James, emphasizes understanding the purpose and adaptive function of behavior. This school of psychology focuses on how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment. Choice B, Behaviorism, is incorrect as behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors rather than the purpose behind them. Choice C, Neodynamism, is not a recognized school of psychology. Choice D, Psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, focuses on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences, not specifically on the purpose of behavior.

4. Which of the following statements about brain dysfunction and psychiatric disorders is correct?

• A. Identifiable brain damage is often the cause of psychiatric disorders.
• B. Brain damage may decrease the risk of developing a psychiatric condition.
• C. Changes in brain function appear to play a role in many psychiatric disorders.
• D. Brain development can be altered by experience, always leading to changes in the brain that decrease the risk of developing a psychiatric condition.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement is C: 'Changes in brain function appear to play a role in many psychiatric disorders.' This statement is accurate as research suggests that alterations in brain function are associated with various psychiatric disorders. Option A is incorrect because while brain damage can contribute to some psychiatric conditions, it is not always the primary cause. Option B is incorrect as brain damage typically increases the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Option D is incorrect because while brain development can be influenced by experiences, it does not always decrease the risk of psychiatric conditions.

5. Larry is a graduate student whose major area of interest is social psychology. What should you expect that Larry is most interested in?

• A. The ways in which physical or genetic factors influence and determine behavior.
• B. The internal factors that lead people to act consistently across a variety of situations.
• C. How people relate to each other and influence each other.
• D. The ways in which behavior and mental processes change over a lifetime.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Social psychology focuses on how individuals relate to each other, influence each other, and interact within social groups. This field is more concerned with social interactions and behaviors rather than physical or genetic factors influencing behavior (choice A), internal factors leading to consistent behavior (choice B), or changes in behavior and mental processes over a lifetime (choice D). Therefore, the most appropriate area of interest for Larry, being a graduate student in social psychology, would be how people relate to and influence each other.

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