pruning is best defined as

ATI RN

Exam 4 Psychology

1. How is pruning best defined?

A. The process of eliminating unused synapses
B. The process of synapse development
C. The connection between neurons
D. Fatty sheath that wraps around neurons and enables them to transmit information more rapidly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pruning is the process of eliminating unused synapses in the brain. This process helps the brain to become more efficient by strengthening important connections and eliminating unnecessary ones. Choice B is incorrect because pruning is about eliminating synapses, not developing them. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the general concept of connections between neurons, not specifically about pruning. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the myelin sheath, which is responsible for rapid transmission of information along neurons, not pruning.

2. How can attributional style influence the likelihood of developing depression?

A. By fostering a positive attributional style, individuals can enhance their resilience against depression.
B. Attributional style does not significantly influence the development of depression.
C. By adopting a negative attributional style, individuals increase their vulnerability to depression.
D. Attributional style influences the likelihood of developing depression by determining how individuals interpret and respond to events.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because attributional style plays a crucial role in influencing the likelihood of developing depression by shaping how individuals interpret and respond to events. A positive attributional style can indeed enhance resilience against depression by promoting adaptive coping mechanisms and positive interpretations of situations, which can buffer against the development of depressive symptoms. Conversely, a negative attributional style, characterized by attributing negative events to internal, stable, and global factors, can increase vulnerability to depression by fostering feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Choices A and C provide accurate insights into how different attributional styles can impact the development of depression, making them incorrect. Choice B is incorrect as research indicates that attributional style does have a significant influence on the likelihood of developing depression.

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. The ____ believed that consciousness developed in humans because it serves a useful purpose?

A. Behaviorists
B. Humanists
C. Functionalists
D. Structuralists

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Functionalists believed that consciousness evolved because it serves a useful purpose in helping humans adapt to their environment. Choice A, Behaviorists, focused on observable behaviors rather than consciousness. Choice B, Humanists, emphasized human potential and self-actualization. Choice D, Structuralists, studied the basic elements of consciousness rather than its function and purpose.

5. What is the result when a single zygote separates into two parts, each developing into a separate individual?

A. Dizygotic twin
B. Monozygotic twin
C. Fraternal twin
D. Nonidentical twin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Monozygotic twin. A monozygotic twin, also known as an identical twin, is the result when a single zygote splits into two parts, leading to the development of two genetically identical individuals. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the scenario where a single zygote splits into two parts to form identical twins. Dizygotic twin (Choice A) refers to fraternal twins, which result from two separate eggs fertilized by two different sperm cells. Fraternal twin (Choice C) is another term for dizygotic twins, arising from two separate zygotes. Nonidentical twin (Choice D) is a synonymous term for dizygotic or fraternal twins, indicating that they are not genetically identical.