the humanistic perspective focuses primarily upon the capacity of the individual to

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. The humanistic perspective focuses primarily upon the capacity of the individual to ________.

A. confront the dilemma of our deaths.
B. be driven by unconscious motives.
C. rationally explain our behavior.
D. engage in positive self-growth.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The humanistic perspective, as highlighted by proponents like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes the inherent drive of individuals to achieve self-actualization and positive self-growth. It focuses on the individual's potential for growth, self-improvement, and fulfilling their highest capabilities. Choice A is incorrect as the humanistic perspective is more concerned with personal growth than with addressing the fear of death. Choice B is associated with the psychodynamic perspective, which focuses on unconscious motives. Choice C is related to cognitive-behavioral approaches that emphasize the rational understanding of behavior.

2. Distinguish between assimilation and accommodation.

A. Assimilation refers to adjusting our mental frameworks to incorporate new information.
B. Assimilation is when new experiences are interpreted in terms of existing schemas.
C. Assimilation is adapting our behaviors to match societal norms.
D. Assimilation and accommodation are unrelated to cognitive development.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assimilation is when new experiences are interpreted in terms of existing schemas, meaning individuals try to fit new information into their pre-existing understanding of the world. Accommodation, on the other hand, involves adjusting our schemas to fit new information, which means changing our existing mental frameworks when new information doesn't fit. Choice A is incorrect because it describes accommodation rather than assimilation. Choice C is incorrect as it confuses assimilation with social adaptation. Choice D is incorrect as assimilation and accommodation are fundamental processes in cognitive development, as described by Piaget.

3. 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.

4. Defense mechanisms ________.

A. make a person feel more anxious and have more problems, as they begin to act defensively.
B. are strategies the id uses to try to achieve its desires.
C. are conscious, intentional attempts to cope effectively with an anxiety-producing event.
D. help a person feel less anxious, but because they usually work by distorting reality, they are not always adaptive.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because defense mechanisms aim to reduce anxiety but can lead to distortion of reality, making them not always beneficial. Choice A is incorrect as defense mechanisms are meant to reduce anxiety, not increase it. Choice B is incorrect because defense mechanisms are not strategies of the id specifically. Choice C is incorrect as defense mechanisms are often unconscious and not always intentional.

5. 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.