psychologys intellectual parents are the disciplines of

ATI RN

Psychological Exam

1. What are psychology's intellectual parents?

A. Physics and physiology.
B. Philosophy and physiology.
C. Chemistry and physics.
D. Philosophy and chemistry.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Psychology's intellectual parents are philosophy and physiology. Philosophy contributed to the early development of psychology by exploring questions about the mind and behavior, while physiology provided a scientific foundation for understanding the biological aspects of human psychology. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the disciplines that significantly influenced the emergence of psychology as a distinct field of study.

2. Which neurotransmitter is reduced in both the manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder?

A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. Norepinephrine
D. Serotonin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Serotonin. Serotonin levels are reduced during both the manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder. Acetylcholine (choice A) is not typically linked to bipolar disorder. Dopamine (choice B) and norepinephrine (choice C) are more commonly associated with conditions like schizophrenia and depression, respectively, rather than bipolar disorder. Therefore, they are not the neurotransmitters reduced in both manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder.

3. Why is it difficult to determine the nature of the relationship between divorce and the psychological functioning of family members?

A. Cause and effect cannot be determined as preexisting behavioral abnormalities in either the parents or the children may make divorce more likely.
B. The findings have been too inconsistent to draw any conclusions.
C. While the effects of divorce are negative on children, the effects on the spouses are generally positive.
D. Due to modern acceptance of divorce, there has been an ongoing decrease in the negative effects of divorce.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it highlights a crucial factor that makes it challenging to establish a clear cause and effect relationship between divorce and the psychological functioning of family members. Preexisting behavioral abnormalities in either the parents or the children may influence both the likelihood of divorce and the psychological functioning of family members. Choice B is incorrect as it generalizes the findings without specifying the key issue of preexisting conditions. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the effects of divorce on family members. Choice D is incorrect as it presents a broad statement without addressing the complexities involved in determining the effects of divorce.

4. When examining heredity, mental disorders are almost always ________.

A. influenced by one particular gene.
B. influenced by multiple genes.
C. influenced by recessive genes.
D. not influenced by genes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When examining heredity and mental disorders, it is important to note that these conditions are influenced by multiple genes working together. Mental disorders are complex traits that arise from the interplay of various genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, choice B, 'influenced by multiple genes,' is the correct answer. Choice A, 'influenced by one particular gene,' is incorrect because mental disorders typically do not result from the action of a single gene. Choice C, 'influenced by recessive genes,' is incorrect as it oversimplifies the genetic basis of mental disorders. Choice D, 'not influenced by genes,' is also incorrect as genes play a significant role in the development of mental disorders.

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.