Psychology 2301 Exam 1

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Scientific research has demonstrated that the authoritative parenting style is most likely to lead to healthy psychological development in children. Authoritative parents are responsive to their children's emotional needs, set clear boundaries, and encourage independence. This balance fosters a positive environment for children to thrive emotionally and psychologically. Authoritarian parenting (choice A) focuses on strict rules without much warmth, which can lead to obedience but may hinder emotional development. Permissive parenting (choice B) lacks structure and rules, potentially resulting in children feeling insecure. Neglectful parenting (choice D) is characterized by a lack of responsiveness and involvement, leading to various negative outcomes for the child's development.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct definition of resilience is the ability to adapt successfully to difficult circumstances, not avoiding stress entirely. Resilience is significant in mental health as it helps individuals overcome adversity rather than avoiding it. Choice A is incorrect as resilience doesn't mean avoiding all mental health issues but rather dealing with stress effectively. Choice C is incorrect as resilience involves facing and overcoming stress, not being unaffected by it. Choice D is incorrect as resilience involves facing challenges and stress, not avoiding them altogether.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Neural plasticity refers to the brain's flexibility to change existing neural circuits or create new ones. Choice A is incorrect as it describes neurotransmitter breakdown, not neural plasticity. Choice C is incorrect because neural plasticity does not necessarily indicate brain damage leading to mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect because neural plasticity is not specifically related to temperament or personality development in children.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Freud believed that mental disorders were a result of unresolved conflicts between the id, ego, and superego. This concept is central to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, where conflicts between these three components of personality lead to psychological distress. Choice B is incorrect because Freud focused more on unconscious conflicts rather than genetic abnormalities. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to later psychodynamic theories rather than Freud's specific view. Choice D is incorrect as Freud's perspective does not emphasize learned behaviors as the primary cause of mental disorders.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because high SES as a cause for abnormal behavior is not supported by existing data. Abnormal behavior is often associated with factors like stress, trauma, genetics, or environmental influences. High SES is not a known cause of abnormal behavior. Choices A, B, and C are more plausible explanations: Low SES may lead to limited access to mental health care, untreated abnormal behavior due to financial constraints, and difficulties in coping with mental health issues after job loss, respectively.