Question 1

Which of the following statements is true of subcortical structures in the brain?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 2

Biochemicals that carry impulses from one neuron to another in the brain and in other parts of the nervous system are called _____.

Accepted Answer

Biochemicals that carry impulses from one neuron to another in the brain and in other parts of the nervous system are called neurotransmitters.

Question 3

A _____ is a treatment, usually based on a theory of a phenomenon, that addresses those factors the theory says cause the phenomenon.

Accepted Answer

The word "therapy" is specifically used to describe a treatment that targets the factors believed to cause a particular condition or phenomenon. A practice or modus operandi may not necessarily have a theoretical underpinning or be designed to address specific factors. A hypothesis is an untested idea or explanation, and is not a treatment or intervention.

Question 4

In the context of neurotransmitter functioning, degradation refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Degradation refers to the breakdown of the neurotransmitter into other biochemicals. This process involves the release of an enzyme by the receiving neuron that breaks down the neurotransmitter. A is incorrect because release refers to the initial release of the neurotransmitter into the synaptic gap. B is incorrect because reabsorption refers to the process of the initial neuron taking back the neurotransmitter after release. C is incorrect because attachment refers to the neurotransmitters attaching onto a receptor.

Question 5

Which of the following statements is true about the diathesis-stress model of the development of disorders?

Accepted Answer

The diathesis-stress model proposes that a preexisting vulnerability, or "diathesis," interacts with a stressor (which can be biological, psychological, or social in nature) to trigger the manifestation of a disorder. Option B suggests that minimal stress alone is enough to cause a disorder, which is not supported by the diathesis-stress model. Option C suggests that social stressors are created by biological and psychological factors, which is not quite accurate as these factors interact with social stressors, but do not necessarily create them. Option D is also incorrect as the diathesis-stress model recognizes the importance of both biological and psychological factors in the development of disorders.

Question 6

Neurotransmitters are released into the _____, the gap between synaptic terminals and adjacent neurons, and then bind to special _____, molecules on the membrane of adjacent neurons.

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, and then bind to special receptors, molecules on the membrane of adjacent neurons. Synapses are the gaps between the synaptic terminals and adjacent neurons, where neurotransmitters are released. Receptors are typically located on dendrites, but can also be found on axons and cell bodies. Option B correctly identifies both synapse and receptors.

Question 7

Which of the following statements is true regarding the different approaches to abnormality and the continuum model?

Accepted Answer

Proponents of the sociocultural approach view abnormal behaviors as understandable consequences of social stresses in people's lives, which suggests that they would be more likely to endorse the continuum model. The other statements are not necessarily true; people who take a biological approach have not always accepted the continuum model, and the psychological approach has not necessarily moved away from it in recent years.

Question 8

Cindy's mood has become increasingly unstable since her traffic accident, in which she obtained a serious brain injury. She often experiences bouts of aggression and fits of rage in reaction to the slightest provocation. At other times, she is overly passive and fails to recognize direct threats. In which area of Cindy's brain has the damage most likely occurred?

Accepted Answer

The limbic system is responsible for regulating emotions and behaviors related to survival, such as aggression and fear. Damage to this area can lead to mood instability and inappropriate emotional responses.

Question 9

Which of the following best defines a theory?

Accepted Answer

A theory is essentially a framework or set of ideas that helps us understand and explain a phenomenon. It guides us in asking questions about the phenomenon and in gathering and interpreting data to gain insights into it. The other choices do not fully capture the essence of a theory, as they either focus only on observed behaviors or on treatments for a phenomenon.

Question 10

When the initial neuron releasing a neurotransmitter into the synapse reabsorbs some of the neurotransmitter and thereby decreases the amount of neurotransmitter left in the synapse, the process is called _____.

Accepted Answer

The process described is reuptake, where the initial neuron retrieves some of the neurotransmitter it released from the synapse. This is important for regulating the amount of neurotransmitter in the synapse and preventing excessive stimulation. Degradation refers to enzymes breaking down neurotransmitters in the synapse, blocking refers to a substance or action preventing neurotransmitters from reaching their receptors, and carrying is not a term used in describing neurotransmitter processes.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the nature-nurture question of abnormality?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following best describes the...

Question 12

Abnormality in eating, drinking, and sexual behavior is most likely a result of the dysfunction of the:

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating basic biological needs such as eating, drinking, and sexual behavior. Dysfunction in this area can lead to disruptions in these behaviors.

Question 13

Dopamine plays an important role in:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dopamine plays an important role in:
...

Question 14

The cerebral cortex is responsible for:

Accepted Answer

The cerebral cortex is responsible for advanced thinking processes such as reasoning, planning, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Question 15

Which of the following statements is true about the various structures of the brain?

Accepted Answer

The superior colliculus and inferior colliculus are part of the midbrain involved in relaying sensory information and controlling movements, particularly those related to auditory and visual stimuli. The other options incorrectly describe the functions of the pons, medulla, and cerebellum.

Question 16

The outer layer of the cerebrum is called the _____.

Accepted Answer

The outer layer of the cerebrum is called the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for a variety of functions such as sensation, movement, perception, thinking, and memory. The hippocampus is a structure within the temporal lobe that plays a key role in the formation and retrieval of memories. The thalamus is a relay center for sensory information, and the cerebellum is involved in motor coordination and balance.

Question 17

Maria and her parents recently moved to a new state because her mother received a job transfer. Maria has had difficulty adjusting to her new school, and has been suffering from loss of appetite, irritability, and lack of interest in her usual activities. Assuming that Maria's behavior meets the criteria for abnormal behavior, which of the following approaches would best explain Maria's behavior?

Accepted Answer

The psychological approach focuses on the role of the individual's thoughts, emotions, and behavior in their abnormal behavior. Maria's symptoms suggest a possible mental health issue that may be related to her difficulty adjusting to her new environment. The psychological approach would examine factors such as her coping strategies, cognitive processes, and social support systems to help understand and address her behavior.

Question 18

Which of the following neurotransmitters plays an important role in regulating emotional well-being and aggressive impulses?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin plays an important role in regulating emotional well-being and aggressive impulses, as well as regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. Dopamine is involved in motivation and reward, norepinephrine is involved in arousal and attention, and acetylcholine is involved in memory and learning.

Question 19

A psychologist who applies a sociocultural approach to anxiety disorders would:

Accepted Answer

A psychologist who applies a sociocultural approach to anxiety disorders would consider the way cultural values or the social environment affect anxiety, rather than focusing solely on genetics or individual psychological factors.

Question 20

The biological approach to abnormality focuses on all of the following causes of abnormality EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The biological approach to abnormality does not focus on poor physiological responses as a cause of abnormality. Instead, it primarily looks at brain dysfunction, genetic abnormalities, and biochemical imbalances as potential factors contributing to abnormal behavior or mental health disorders.

Quiz 2: Theories and Treatment of Abnormality