what is extinction and how might it be used in treating a disorder

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Final Exam

1. What is extinction and how might it be used in treating a disorder?

A. Extinction strengthens the conditioned response by continuously pairing the conditioned stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus.
B. Extinction is the process of eliminating a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus.
C. Extinction is ineffective and is not used in treating disorders.
D. Extinction is the process of intensifying the conditioned response by pairing the conditioned stimulus with a stronger unconditioned stimulus.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Extinction is the process of eliminating a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus. This helps in reducing or eliminating undesired behaviors. Choice A is incorrect because extinction does not strengthen the conditioned response but weakens it. Choice C is also incorrect as extinction is a valid technique used in treating disorders by reducing unwanted behaviors. Choice D is incorrect as extinction does not involve intensifying the conditioned response but rather diminishing it.

2. Sandy took part in the April 2013 Boston Marathon, where two bombs were detonated near the finish line, killing three spectators. For approximately 2 weeks after the marathon, Sandy was unable to sleep or concentrate and often found herself reliving the moment she heard the bombs explode. What disorder might Sandy be diagnosed with?

A. Posttraumatic stress disorder
B. Phobic disorder
C. Panic disorder
D. Acute stress disorder

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sandy might be diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD typically develops after exposure to a traumatic event and is characterized by symptoms such as re-experiencing the event, avoidance of reminders of the event, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and heightened reactivity. While acute stress disorder can occur shortly after a traumatic event, the duration of symptoms in the scenario suggests a more prolonged impact, aligning with PTSD. Phobic disorder and panic disorder are not as closely related to the described symptoms as PTSD.

3. Marissa wants to study people's emotional reactions to increases in temperature. Her classmate, Bernard, tells her that she should focus on observable behaviors rather than internal states in her study. Bernard's views are most similar to those found in?

A. The psychodynamic perspective.
B. The evolutionary perspective.
C. The behavioral perspective.
D. The biological perspective.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bernard's advice to focus on observable behaviors aligns with the behavioral perspective. Behaviorists emphasize studying external actions rather than internal states to understand human behavior. The psychodynamic perspective (Choice A) focuses on unconscious processes, the evolutionary perspective (Choice B) on adaptation and natural selection, and the biological perspective (Choice D) on the biological underpinnings of behavior, making them less similar to Bernard's suggestion.

4. Why is it discouraged to use terms such as 'schizophrenic', 'autistic', and 'retarded' when referring to people with mental illness?

A. These terms are no longer in the DSM
B. There are only a small number of people diagnosed with these terms
C. There is nothing wrong in using these terms
D. Because people with mental illness are not defined by their condition

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is discouraged to use terms like 'schizophrenic', 'autistic', and 'retarded' when referring to people with mental illness because people with mental illness should not be defined solely by their condition. Using such labels can reduce individuals to just their diagnosis, overlooking their individuality and other aspects of their identity. It is essential to treat individuals with mental illness with respect and dignity, focusing on their humanity rather than reducing them to a label. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the main reason for discouraging these terms lies in not defining individuals by their conditions, rather than the terms being in or out of the DSM, the number of diagnosed individuals, or the perception of whether there is anything wrong with using such terms.

5. 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.