ATI RN
Psychological Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
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?
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.
Question 2 of 9
Professor Immel believes that behaviors that are predominant in certain species probably serve some adaptive function. Professor Immel's beliefs are most consistent with which perspective?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Professor Immel's belief that behaviors in certain species serve an adaptive function aligns with the evolutionary perspective. The evolutionary perspective posits that behaviors have developed over time because they provide an advantage for survival and reproduction. This perspective emphasizes the role of natural selection in shaping behaviors based on their adaptive value. Choices A, B, and C do not specifically address the idea that behaviors have evolved to serve specific functions for survival, making them inconsistent with Professor Immel's beliefs.
Question 3 of 9
Which field of psychology studies attitude change and group behavior?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Social psychology. Social psychology specifically focuses on studying topics like attitude change and group behavior. Developmental psychology (Choice A) primarily deals with human growth and development across the lifespan. Psychoanalysis (Choice C) is a theoretical approach to psychology developed by Sigmund Freud focusing on the unconscious mind and childhood experiences. Psychometrics (Choice D) involves the measurement of psychological variables such as intelligence, personality traits, and abilities.
Question 4 of 9
In order for one to be diagnosed with panic disorder, the panic attacks must?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Suddenly; unexpectedly.' Panic disorder is diagnosed when panic attacks occur unexpectedly, not gradually. Panic attacks are characterized by their sudden onset and are unpredictable. Choice B is incorrect because panic attacks do not manifest gradually. Choice C is incorrect because panic attacks are not expected or predicted. Choice D is incorrect as well because the unexpected nature of panic attacks is a key criterion for diagnosing panic disorder.
Question 5 of 9
Which orientation focuses on symptoms rather than looking at underlying causes?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Psychodynamic. The psychodynamic orientation focuses on symptoms rather than underlying causes, emphasizing the importance of the unconscious mind. This approach views symptoms as manifestations of underlying psychological issues rooted in the unconscious. Choice B, Adlerian, is focused on individual psychology, social interests, and the importance of feelings of inferiority. Choice C, Jungian, is based on analytical psychology and the concepts of the collective unconscious and archetypes. Choice D, Behavioral, concentrates on observable behaviors and how they are learned and reinforced through interactions with the environment, rather than focusing on underlying causes.
Question 6 of 9
The early approach in psychology that fostered the development of modern-day applied psychology was?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Functionalism is the correct answer. Functionalism was an early approach in psychology that emphasized the practical applications of psychological research, laying the groundwork for modern-day applied psychology. Structuralism, focusing on the structure of the mind, and Behaviorism, emphasizing observable behaviors, were more theoretical in nature and did not directly lead to applied psychology. Pragmatism is a philosophical approach and not a specific early psychological theory.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following is an appropriate description of a child with conduct disorder?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Children with conduct disorder often exhibit behaviors such as arguing with adults, ignoring rules, deliberately annoying others, and displaying anger and resentment. Choice B describes symptoms more characteristic of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Choice C describes symptoms commonly seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Choice D outlines behaviors associated with oppositional defiant disorder rather than conduct disorder.
Question 8 of 9
Which term refers to events that typically happen to everyone at certain times of life?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Normative age-graded influence. Normative age-graded influences are events that typically happen to everyone at certain life stages, such as marriage, parenthood, puberty, and menopause. Choice B, 'Social clock,' refers to the culturally preferred timing of social events. Choice C, 'Sensitive period,' represents a time when a particular development occurs most easily. Choice D, 'Normative history-graded influences,' are common to people of a particular generation due to historical circumstances.
Question 9 of 9
In the Philippines, the existing laws only allow for 7 days of paternity leave. Consequently, fathers get to spend less time with their newborn baby. Which context in Bronfenbrenner's theory does this fall under?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This situation falls under the exosystem in Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory. The exosystem comprises broader social systems that indirectly influence individuals' lives, such as laws governing parental leave. The limited paternity leave directly impacts fathers' ability to spend time with their newborns but is determined by external factors like societal policies, making it an exosystem influence. Choices A, B, and C do not fit this scenario as they refer to more immediate social environments or broader cultural norms that do not directly determine parental leave policies.