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. According to John Watson, behavior is governed primarily by?
- A. Heredity.
- B. Personal motives.
- C. The environment.
- D. Unconscious desires.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: According to John Watson, behavior is primarily governed by environmental factors. Watson was a behaviorist who emphasized the influence of the environment on behavior. He believed that behavior is shaped by external stimuli and experiences, rather than internal factors like heredity or unconscious desires. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with Watson's perspective on behaviorism.
3. Dr. Kali works with clients to help them learn deep relaxation. Next, he has them list their fears from least to most anxiety-provoking. Finally, Dr. Kali slowly exposes his clients to each of their fears and assists them in gaining control of their anxiety. His approach is best known as?
- A. Systematic desensitization
- B. Aversion therapy
- C. Flooding
- D. Fear therapy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, systematic desensitization. This therapy involves a step-by-step exposure to feared stimuli, helping individuals manage and reduce their anxiety. In this case, Dr. Kali's method of listing fears from least to most anxiety-provoking and gradually exposing clients to them aligns with the principles of systematic desensitization. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Aversion therapy involves associating an undesirable behavior with an unpleasant stimulus, flooding involves immediate and intense exposure to feared stimuli, and 'fear therapy' is a broad term that does not specifically describe the systematic exposure and relaxation techniques used in systematic desensitization.
4. Elliot became widowed after nearly 40 years of marriage. He has convinced himself that no one will ever love him again. His irrational thinking has caused him to suffer from depression, and he rarely leaves his house. What perspective might best explain his behavior?
- A. Psychodynamic
- B. Behavioral
- C. Biological
- D. Cognitive
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The cognitive perspective might best explain Elliot's irrational thinking and resulting depression. In this case, Elliot's belief that he will never be loved again is a cognitive distortion, leading to depressive symptoms and social withdrawal. The psychodynamic perspective primarily focuses on unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts from the past, which do not directly address Elliot's current cognitive distortions. The behavioral perspective would focus on observable behaviors and how they are reinforced, which is not the central issue in this scenario. The biological perspective would examine the role of genetics, brain chemistry, and other physiological factors, which are not the primary cause of Elliot's behavior in this context.
5. Which orientation focuses on symptoms rather than looking at underlying causes?
- A. Psychodynamic
- B. Adlerian
- C. Jungian
- D. Behavioral
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Psychodynamic. The psychodynamic orientation focuses on symptoms rather than underlying causes, emphasizing the importance of the unconscious mind. This approach views symptoms as manifestations of underlying psychological issues rooted in the unconscious. Choice B, Adlerian, is focused on individual psychology, social interests, and the importance of feelings of inferiority. Choice C, Jungian, is based on analytical psychology and the concepts of the collective unconscious and archetypes. Choice D, Behavioral, concentrates on observable behaviors and how they are learned and reinforced through interactions with the environment, rather than focusing on underlying causes.
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