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

ATI RN

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?

A. Autonomic
B. Sympathetic
C. Parasympathetic
D. Somatic

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. What does the diathesis-stress model entail?

A. The diathesis-stress model suggests that stress alone is sufficient to cause a mental disorder.
B. The diathesis-stress model involves a combination of genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors.
C. The diathesis-stress model suggests that genetic factors alone cause mental disorders.
D. The diathesis-stress model suggests that stressors in the environment do not affect the onset of mental disorders.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The diathesis-stress model proposes that mental disorders develop from a combination of genetic vulnerability (the diathesis) and environmental stressors. Choice A is incorrect because it states that stress alone can cause mental disorders, which is not in line with the model. Choice C is incorrect as it simplifies the model to genetic factors alone causing mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests that environmental stressors do not play a role in the onset of mental disorders, which contradicts the essence of the diathesis-stress model.

3. Which of the following is a common criticism against Piaget's theory of cognitive development?

A. The sequence of stages is not fixed.
B. Research has not supported the existence of the preoperational stage.
C. Piaget put a heavy emphasis on the environment, ignoring the importance of mental processes.
D. Children develop abilities earlier than Piaget theorized.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because one common criticism of Piaget's theory is that children often acquire cognitive abilities earlier than Piaget proposed. This criticism suggests that Piaget's stages might not be as fixed or rigid as he believed. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A is a characteristic of Piaget's theory; B is not a common criticism, as research generally supports the existence of Piaget's stages; and C is inaccurate, as Piaget actually emphasized the importance of mental processes in cognitive development.

4. Which of the following statements is least likely to be made by a humanist?

A. Humans are unique.
B. The behavior of humans tends to be influenced by environmental circumstances.
C. Humans have a basic need to fulfill their potentials.
D. Research on animals has little relevance to understanding human behavior.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The corrected question assesses the least likely statement made by a humanist. Choice B, 'The behavior of humans tends to be influenced by environmental circumstances,' is least likely to be made by a humanist. Humanists believe that human behavior is not simply dictated by environmental circumstances but is influenced by a combination of factors, including personal experiences, emotions, and conscious decisions. Choices A, C, and D are more aligned with humanist perspectives. Choice A acknowledges the uniqueness of humans, which is a common theme in humanistic psychology. Choice C reflects the humanistic belief that individuals strive to reach their full potential and self-actualization. Choice D contrasts with humanist views as humanists often consider research on animals to be relevant in understanding human behavior due to shared basic psychological processes.

5. What term describes exceptional mental abilities such as mental math, memorization, musical, and artistic ability found among individuals with autism?

A. Savant skills
B. Theory of mind
C. Echolalia
D. Self-stimulatory behaviors

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Savant skills. Savant skills refer to exceptional abilities commonly observed in individuals with autism. These skills can include remarkable talents in areas such as mental math, memorization, music, and art. Choice B, Theory of mind, is the ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others, which is a different concept. Choice C, Echolalia, is the repetition of words or phrases, not related to exceptional abilities. Choice D, Self-stimulatory behaviors, involves repetitive body movements or sounds often seen in individuals with autism but is not directly related to exceptional mental abilities.