while out for a walk you come across a ferocious dog you feel your heart beat faster and your palms begin to sweat which part of the peripheral nervou
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Exam 4 Psychology 101

1. While out for a walk, you come across a ferocious dog. You feel your heart beating faster and your palms begin to sweat. Which part of the peripheral nervous system is activated in this situation?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sympathetic. When encountering a stressful situation like a ferocious dog, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to the 'fight or flight' response. This response triggers physiological changes like increased heart rate, sweating, and heightened alertness to prepare the body to deal with the perceived threat. The autonomic nervous system (Choice A) encompasses both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, so it's a broader category. The parasympathetic nervous system (Choice C) is responsible for the body's 'rest and digest' functions, which are opposite to the physiological changes seen in a stress response. The somatic nervous system (Choice D) controls voluntary movements and sensory information, not the physiological responses seen in a stress reaction.

2. _______ tends to be seen in American children, whereas _______ tends to be seen in Thai children.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Undercontrolled behavior tends to be seen in American children, whereas overcontrolled behavior is seen in Thai children.' This statement is supported by cultural studies and observations. American children are often described as exhibiting undercontrolled behavior, which includes impulsivity and lack of inhibition. On the other hand, Thai children are often described as showing overcontrolled behavior, characterized by restraint and adherence to social norms. Choice A is incorrect because calm behavior is not typically associated with American children. Choice B is incorrect as overcontrolled behavior is not commonly associated with American children. Choice D is incorrect as there are observed differences in behavioral traits between American and Thai children.

3. Colleen found herself attracted to her psychology instructor. She would frequently go by his office just to be near him. When he didn't respond to her advances, Colleen eventually told him that she had thoughts of killing herself so that he would spend time trying to counsel her. What personality disorder best describes Colleen's thinking and behavior?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Colleen's behavior of seeking attention and manipulating others by threatening self-harm to elicit a response from her psychology instructor aligns with the characteristics of borderline personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by unstable relationships, impulsive actions, and efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not match Colleen's behavior as described in the scenario. Schizoid personality disorder is characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, Schizotypal personality disorder involves social anxiety and odd behavior, and Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for others' feelings and violating their rights.

4. What neurotransmitter was first believed to be the cause of schizophrenia?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Dopamine. Dopamine was initially thought to be the primary cause of schizophrenia. This neurotransmitter hypothesis was based on the observation that drugs that increase dopamine activity can worsen symptoms of schizophrenia, while drugs that decrease dopamine activity can improve symptoms. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because GABA, serotonin, and epinephrine were not the neurotransmitters initially believed to be the cause of schizophrenia.

5. Distinguish between assimilation and accommodation.

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.

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