Psychology Brain Structures & Models

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of operant conditioning?

The consequences that follow a response or behavior (correct)

The influence of early life experiences on behavior

The unconscious conflicts within an individual

The acceptance of difficult emotions in therapy

Which model emphasizes the role of unconscious conflicts in explaining abnormal behavior?

Psychoanalytic/psychodynamic model (correct)

Psychological model

Mindfulness/acceptance-based models

Sociocultural model

Which part of the brain is critical to executive functioning?

Prefrontal cortex (correct)

Hippocampus

Limbic system

Occipital lobe

In terms of explaining mental disorders, the sociocultural model considers which of the following factors?

Cultural and ethnic backgrounds Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily involved in the process of transference during psychoanalytic therapy?

The transfer of feelings towards parental figures onto the therapist Signup and view all the answers

Which statement most accurately describes the role of the amygdala?

It evaluates sensory information and regulates emotions. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates reinforcement from punishment in behavior therapy?

Reinforcement increases the likelihood of behavior while punishment decreases it. Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological model emphasizes multiple intersecting influences on mental disorders?

Biopsychosocial model Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy?

To restructure cognitive patterns and enhance communication skills. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes repression as a defense mechanism?

Blocking unacceptable ideas or memories from awareness. Signup and view all the answers

What does the diathesis-stress model explain regarding mental disorders?

Individuals inherit vulnerabilities that may activate under stress. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of dream analysis according to psychoanalytic theory?

To explore manifest and latent content for understanding wishes. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the proportion of observed differences in a sample attributable to genetic variations?

Heritability coefficient (h2) Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the humanistic/person-centered model of psychological disorders?

Consistency between individuals’ behaviors and their true identity. Signup and view all the answers

Which brain structure is closely associated with survival drives?

Hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Brain Structures & Functions

Amygdala: Part of the limbic system responsible for evaluating sensory information and regulating emotions and impulses.
Hypothalamus: Involved in drives related to survival, regulates the endocrine system.
Prefrontal Cortex: Located in the frontal lobe and critical for executive functioning, including memory, planning, and problem-solving.

Models of Abnormal Behavior

Biological Model: Focuses on biological factors like genetics, neurochemistry, and nervous system functioning to explain mental disorders.
Psychological Model: Includes learning, personality, stress, cognition, self-efficacy, and early life experiences as contributing factors.
Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic Model: Associated with Freud, emphasizes unconscious conflicts and maladaptive defense mechanisms as root causes.
Humanistic/Person-Centered Model: Associated with Carl Rogers, emphasizes inconsistency between behavior and true identity leading to lack of self-worth and self-acceptance.
Behavioral/Cognitive Behavioral Model: Focuses on dysfunctional thoughts, emotions, and learned behaviors as the cause of psychopathology.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Aims to identify and change destructive thought patterns impacting behavior and emotions. It includes cognitive restructuring and cognitive coping skills training.
Mindfulness/Acceptance-Based Models: Emphasizes acceptance of difficult emotions and present moment focus.
Biopsychosocial Model: Integrates biological, psychological, and social-cultural influences to explain mental disorders.

Concepts & Processes

Defense Mechanisms: Coping strategies that protect from emotional distress, but can become maladaptive when misused.
Repression: Blocking unacceptable ideas, wishes, or memories from consciousness.
Denial: Refusing to acknowledge or accept reality to avoid overwhelming emotions.
Regression: Reverting to immature behaviors in the face of stress.
Diathesis-Stress Models: Individuals may inherit a vulnerability (diathesis) that can be activated by stress.
Gene X Environment Interaction: The likelihood of a behavioral outcome depends on genetic potential interacting with specific environmental conditions.
Heritability Coefficient (h2): Measures the proportion of differences in a trait attributable to genetic factors.
Learning: Any relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience and practice.
Operant Conditioning: A type of learning where consequences following a behavior either increase or decrease the likelihood of the behavior occurring again.
Maladaptive Cognitions: Irrational thought patterns.
Free Association: A psychoanalytic technique where patients describe whatever comes to mind during session.
Dream Analysis: Used to understand unconscious wishes by examining the manifest (actual) and latent (hidden) content of dreams.
Transference: In psychoanalytic therapy, patients transfer feelings and attitudes held towards past figures onto the therapist.

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Description

Explore the intricate functions of brain structures such as the amygdala and hypothalamus. Additionally, delve into various models of abnormal behavior, including biological and psychodynamic perspectives. This quiz will test your knowledge of key psychological concepts and structures.