ATI RN
Psychological Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 5
Which theoretical viewpoint is most closely associated with Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Humanism. Humanism, associated with Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization. The cognitive approach (choice A) focuses on mental processes such as thinking and memory, not specifically associated with Rogers and Maslow. Structuralism (choice C) is a historical school of psychology that aimed to identify the structures of consciousness, not linked to Rogers and Maslow. The biological approach (choice D) emphasizes the influence of biology on behavior, also not directly associated with Rogers and Maslow.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following psychologists would be most likely to stress that each person has a drive to grow and fulfill his or her potential?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Abraham Maslow. He was a leading humanist psychologist who introduced the concept of the hierarchy of needs. Maslow emphasized the human drive for self-actualization, which involves fulfilling one's potential and striving for personal growth. Sigmund Freud (choice A) focused on psychoanalysis and the unconscious mind. B.F. Skinner (choice B) was a behaviorist who studied operant conditioning. G. Stanley Hall (choice C) was a pioneering psychologist in the field of child development.
Question 4 of 5
Which approach contends that psychology must study internal mental events to fully understand behavior?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Cognitive psychology. Cognitive psychology focuses on studying internal mental processes like perception, memory, and problem-solving to understand behavior. Behaviorism (choice A) emphasizes observable behavior over internal mental processes. Evolutionary psychology (choice C) examines how evolutionary principles influence behavior, not solely focusing on internal mental events. Humanism (choice D) emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization rather than internal mental events as the primary focus of study.
Question 5 of 5
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.