the school of psychology associated with understanding the purpose of behavior was
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Exam 4 Psychology

1. Which school of psychology is associated with understanding the purpose of behavior?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Functionalism. Functionalism, founded by William James, emphasizes understanding the purpose and adaptive function of behavior. This school of psychology focuses on how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment. Choice B, Behaviorism, is incorrect as behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors rather than the purpose behind them. Choice C, Neodynamism, is not a recognized school of psychology. Choice D, Psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, focuses on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences, not specifically on the purpose of behavior.

2. Skinner would agree with all the following statements except:

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Skinner's behaviorist perspective emphasized that behavior is influenced by external factors and reinforcement, rather than individual free will. Therefore, Skinner would not agree with the statement that individuals have free will. Choices A, C, and D align with Skinner's beliefs as he believed that behavior is shaped by external consequences, organisms tend to repeat behaviors leading to positive outcomes, and organisms tend to avoid behaviors leading to neutral or negative outcomes.

3. William James, who was a pioneer in the development of functionalism, was most heavily influenced by?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: William James was heavily influenced by Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, which shaped his functionalist views on psychology. This influence is evident in James's emphasis on adaptation, survival, and the functional purposes of behavior. Choice B, Sigmund Freud, is incorrect because Freud's psychoanalytic theory focused on unconscious processes and childhood experiences, which differ significantly from James's functionalism. Choice C, John Watson, is incorrect as Watson was a behaviorist who emphasized observable behavior and rejected mental processes, which contrasts with James's focus on mental processes. Choice D, B.F. Skinner, is also incorrect as Skinner was a behaviorist known for his work on operant conditioning, which is not directly aligned with James's functionalist perspective.

4. Which of the following psychodynamic elements of the personality can be described as impulsive and selfish?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Id. In psychodynamic theory, the Id is the component driven by basic, primal instincts, seeking instant gratification without consideration for consequences. It operates on the pleasure principle, aiming to fulfill desires immediately. The Superego, on the other hand, represents the internalized moral standards and ideals, while the Ego mediates between the Id and Superego, balancing impulses with societal norms. The 'Ideal self' is a concept from humanistic psychology related to one's aspirations and goals, not a component in psychodynamic theory. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect.

5. When interviewing a new member of the psychology department for the university newspaper, the faculty member states, 'many times, people are unaware of the unconscious motivations that drive their overt actions.' This faculty member's views are most similar to the views held by?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Sigmund Freud. Freud's psychoanalytic theory emphasized the influence of unconscious motivations on behavior. This aligns with the faculty member's statement about people being unaware of the unconscious drives behind their actions. Choice A, F. Skinner, is incorrect because Skinner focused on observable behavior and reinforcement. Choice B, Carl Rogers, is incorrect as Rogers is associated with humanistic psychology and self-actualization, not unconscious motivations. Choice C, Wilhelm Wundt, is also incorrect as he is known for establishing the first psychology laboratory and structuralism, not unconscious motivations.

Similar Questions

Classical and operant conditioning theories are classified under _________________, while sociocultural theory and Piaget's theory fall under ________________.?
The baby coos and the mom smiles, so the baby coos again to get mom to smile again. Piaget would say that this action is an example of?
Freud's psychosexual stage that occurs between the ages of 3 and 5 and includes the Oedipal period is the ________ stage.
Who founded functionalism?
Which approach contends that psychology must study internal mental events to fully understand behavior?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses