Exam 4 Psychology

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Psychoanalytic theory focuses on the unconscious determinants of behavior to explain personality, motivation, and mental disorders. This approach suggests that hidden forces in the unconscious mind influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, shaping our overall psychological makeup. Choice A is incorrect because psychoanalytic theory delves beyond observable behavior. Choice B is incorrect as psychoanalytic theory goes deeper than analyzing conscious experience alone. Choice D is incorrect as psychoanalytic theory is more concerned with unconscious processes rather than the function or purpose of consciousness.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Secondary circular reactions. Secondary circular reactions are repeated actions that infants engage in to trigger a response from the environment, such as the baby cooing to make the mom smile. This behavior is characterized by a focus on the external environment and the repetition of actions to achieve a desired response. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Reflexes (choice A) are automatic, involuntary responses to a stimulus, while primary circular reactions (choice B) involve the repetition of actions primarily for the infant's own enjoyment rather than to elicit a response from the environment. Tertiary circular reactions (choice D) refer to the experimentation with new behaviors and variations in the way the infant interacts with the environment.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In defining a mental disorder, deviance refers to behavior that is culturally unexpected or violates social norms. This means that the individual displays behaviors that are not typical or acceptable within their specific culture or society. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the concept of deviance in the context of defining a mental disorder. The amount of suffering, inability to fulfill a role, or capacity to cause harm are important considerations in understanding mental disorders but are not specifically related to deviance.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because one common criticism of Piaget's theory is that children often acquire cognitive abilities earlier than Piaget proposed. This criticism suggests that Piaget's stages might not be as fixed or rigid as he believed. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A is a characteristic of Piaget's theory; B is not a common criticism, as research generally supports the existence of Piaget's stages; and C is inaccurate, as Piaget actually emphasized the importance of mental processes in cognitive development.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Dr. Smythe's belief that understanding the purpose of taste in survival is more critical than focusing on the elementary components aligns with the functionalist approach to psychology. Functionalism emphasizes understanding the purpose or function of mental processes and behavior, rather than just analyzing their individual components. This approach looks at how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment and survive. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not prioritize understanding the purpose of mental processes and behavior in the context of survival.