ATI RN
Psychological Exam
1. When interviewing a new member of the psychology department for the university newspaper, the faculty member states, 'Internal states undoubtedly exist, but it is not necessary to draw inferences about unobservable states in order to understand behavior.' This faculty member's views are most similar to the views held by?
- A. William James.
- B. F. Skinner.
- C. Sigmund Freud.
- D. Carl Rogers.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: F. Skinner's views emphasized the importance of observable behavior and dismissed the need to infer unobservable mental states. This aligns with the faculty member's statement that internal states exist but are not essential for understanding behavior. William James, known for his work in functionalism, did consider internal mental states important. Sigmund Freud focused on unconscious motives and internal conflicts. Carl Rogers emphasized the importance of subjective experiences and personal growth, which differs from the faculty member's perspective.
2. 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.
3. Down syndrome is caused by ________
- A. a chemical imbalance.
- B. a gene on the X chromosome.
- C. possessing an extra X chromosome.
- D. possessing an extra chromosome in chromosome 21.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Down syndrome is caused by possessing an extra chromosome in chromosome 21, not a chemical imbalance (choice A), a gene on the X chromosome (choice B), or possessing an extra X chromosome (choice C). The presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, also known as trisomy 21, leads to the characteristic features and health problems associated with Down syndrome.
4. A male college student begins feeling sad and lonely. Although still able to go to classes and work at his job, he finds himself feeling down much of the time and worrying about what is happening to him. Which part of the definition of abnormality applies to his situation?
- A. Personal distress
- B. Cultural factors
- C. Impaired functioning
- D. Violation of societal norms
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Personal distress. In this scenario, the student is experiencing personal distress as he feels sad and lonely, despite being able to function in his daily life. Personal distress is a key criterion for determining abnormality as it signifies significant emotional discomfort. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as cultural factors, impaired functioning, and violation of societal norms are not the primary factors highlighted in the student's situation.
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.
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