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. Which of the following is an appropriate description of a child with conduct disorder?

A. They may argue repeatedly with adults, ignore adult rules and requests, deliberately annoy other people, and feel much anger and resentment
B. They have great difficulty attending to tasks, or behave overactively and impulsively, or both
C. Marked by extreme unresponsiveness to other people, severe communication deficits, and highly rigid and repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities
D. They are often aggressive, deliberately destroy other people's property, steal or lie, skip school, or run away from home

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Children with conduct disorder often exhibit behaviors such as arguing with adults, ignoring rules, deliberately annoying others, and displaying anger and resentment. Choice B describes symptoms more characteristic of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Choice C describes symptoms commonly seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Choice D outlines behaviors associated with oppositional defiant disorder rather than conduct disorder.

3. David believes that characters in a popular science fiction show are secretly sending him messages. This would be an example of a delusion of?

A. Persecution
B. Influence
C. Reference
D. Grandeur

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reference. A delusion of reference is when an individual believes that external events or characters are sending them personal messages. In this scenario, David's belief that characters from the science fiction show are sending him messages aligns with a delusion of reference. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because persecution delusions involve feeling targeted or harassed, influence delusions involve believing external forces are controlling one's thoughts or actions, and grandeur delusions involve an exaggerated sense of importance or power.

4. What is the biopsychosocial model?

A. A model that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental disorders.
B. A model that emphasizes the interaction between biological and psychological factors, excluding social influences.
C. The biopsychosocial model emphasizes only psychological factors in mental disorders.
D. The biopsychosocial model is a purely biological approach to mental health.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The biopsychosocial model is a comprehensive approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental disorders. Choice A is correct because it accurately describes how this model integrates these three factors. Choice B is incorrect as it excludes social influences from the model. Choice C is incorrect because it states that the model only emphasizes psychological factors, which is not true. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests that the model is purely biological, which is also inaccurate.

5. Which of the following is not a common method for studying genetic influences?

A. The study of specific gene defects
B. Twin studies
C. Adoption studies
D. Family history (pedigree) studies

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Studying specific gene defects is not a common method for investigating genetic influences. Choices B, C, and D are common methods used in genetic research. Twin studies help determine the heritability of traits, adoption studies compare similarities between adopted individuals and their adoptive families versus biological families, and family history studies track the inheritance patterns of traits within families.