ATI RN
Psychological Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
You are taking part in a survey that asks about your attitudes toward physical punishment of children. Even though you believe that spanking is sometimes necessary, you answer that you are opposed to any sort of physical punishment. Which of the following terms best describes why you answered the way you did?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, social desirability. Social desirability bias occurs when respondents answer questions in a way they think will be viewed favorably by others, rather than according to their true beliefs. In this scenario, the respondent may feel pressured to provide an answer that aligns with societal norms or expectations, even if it contradicts their personal beliefs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Random responding refers to answering survey questions haphazardly, without consideration. Faking bad is intentionally providing extreme or negative responses. The placebo effect is a phenomenon where a person's belief in a treatment's effectiveness produces a positive outcome, unrelated to the treatment's actual effects.
Question 2 of 9
Sandy took part in the April 2013 Boston Marathon, where two bombs were detonated near the finish line, killing three spectators. For approximately 2 weeks after the marathon, Sandy was unable to sleep or concentrate and often found herself reliving the moment she heard the bombs explode. What disorder might Sandy be diagnosed with?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sandy might be diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD typically develops after exposure to a traumatic event and is characterized by symptoms such as re-experiencing the event, avoidance of reminders of the event, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and heightened reactivity. While acute stress disorder can occur shortly after a traumatic event, the duration of symptoms in the scenario suggests a more prolonged impact, aligning with PTSD. Phobic disorder and panic disorder are not as closely related to the described symptoms as PTSD.
Question 3 of 9
According to John Watson, behavior is governed primarily by?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to John Watson, behavior is primarily governed by environmental factors. Watson was a behaviorist who emphasized the influence of the environment on behavior. He believed that behavior is shaped by external stimuli and experiences, rather than internal factors like heredity or unconscious desires. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with Watson's perspective on behaviorism.
Question 4 of 9
Michael, age 16, has recently gained a considerable amount of weight but has not grown any taller. His father experienced a similar pattern of growth when he was a teenager. Theorists who suggest that Michael's growth pattern was inherited from his father emphasize the ________ side of the nature-nurture debate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Nature.' In this scenario, the emphasis is on the genetic inheritance of the growth pattern from father to son, highlighting the role of nature in determining physical characteristics. Choice B, 'Nurture,' focuses on environmental influences, which are not the primary factor in this case. Choice C, 'Environmental,' is similar to 'Nurture' and does not address the genetic aspect mentioned. Choice D, 'Experiential,' pertains more to the learning and experiential aspects rather than genetic inheritance, making it an incorrect choice.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following groups of psychologists would be most likely to focus on individual uniqueness, freedom, and potential for growth as a person?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Humanists. Humanistic psychologists emphasize individual uniqueness, freedom, and the potential for personal growth. They believe in the importance of personal experiences and self-actualization. Behaviorists (choice A) focus on observable behaviors and environmental influences. Psychoanalysts (choice B) are more concerned with unconscious processes and early childhood experiences. Gestalt psychologists (choice D) concentrate on perception and the organization of experience, rather than individual uniqueness and personal growth.
Question 6 of 9
What does ethnography refer to?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ethnography refers to a detailed description of a single culture or context. It involves the systematic study and recording of human cultures, including customs, behaviors, and social structures. Choice B, 'Corrupted by original sin,' is incorrect as it does not relate to ethnography. Choice C, 'The product of evolution,' is incorrect as it does not define ethnography. Choice D, 'A blank slate,' is incorrect as it does not describe the practice of ethnography.
Question 7 of 9
Kai and Ken received their Christmas gifts from their parents. Although their gifts vary in many characteristics, the two compared their gifts based on size. This tendency among children is known as:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Overextension. Overextension happens when children compare objects or experiences based on one characteristic, such as size. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Semiotic refers to the study of signs and symbols; Abstraction is the process of thinking about something as a general concept rather than a specific example; Preoperational is a stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, not related to comparing gifts based on size.
Question 8 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 9 of 9
_______ memory stores information about facts, whereas _______ memory stores information about our personal experiences.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Semantic, episodic." Semantic memory is responsible for storing factual information, such as concepts and general knowledge. Episodic memory, on the other hand, stores personal experiences and events. Choice A is incorrect because declarative memory is an umbrella term that includes both semantic and episodic memory, so it is not a direct contrast. Choice B is incorrect as it switches the definitions of episodic and semantic memory. Choice C is incorrect because nondeclarative memory refers to implicit or procedural memory, which is different from episodic memory.