PSYCH 111: Introduction to Psychology Final Exam

The Correct Answer is:

C. Exhaustion stage

The exhaustion stage occurs when a stressor persists long enough that the body’s adaptive resources are depleted. After the initial surge of the alarm reaction and the sustained coping of the resistance stage, prolonged activation of the stress systems (sympathetic and endocrine) exacts a physiological toll. Immune functioning declines, energy stores are drained, and wear-and-tear accumulates in tissues and organs. People may experience fatigue, increased susceptibility to illness, concentration problems, sleep disturbances, and heightened risk for stress-related diseases. At this point, the organism can no longer effectively mount defenses against the ongoing stressor.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Alarm reaction

This is incorrect because the alarm reaction is the body’s immediate, short-term response to a perceived threat, marked by a rapid sympathetic surge (fight-or-flight), not the breakdown seen after prolonged stress.

Resistance stage

This is incorrect because the resistance stage reflects partial adaptation and sustained coping with the stressor. Physiological systems remain activated but relatively stabilized to meet ongoing demands, unlike the depleted state of exhaustion.

Secondary appraisal

This is incorrect because secondary appraisal is a cognitive evaluation of one’s coping options and perceived efficacy, not a physiological stage in the general adaptation syndrome.

The Correct Answer is:

C. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication; psychologists usually cannot

The main difference is that psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D. or D.O.) who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications. Psychologists, on the other hand, typically hold a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and focus on providing therapy, conducting psychological assessments, and using evidence-based interventions. While some states allow specially trained psychologists to prescribe medications, psychiatrists generally handle medication management alongside therapy when needed.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Psychologists prescribe medication, psychiatrists do not

This is incorrect because it reverses the roles. Psychiatrists, being licensed physicians, are the ones who typically prescribe medications, while psychologists mainly focus on therapy, counseling, and behavioral interventions rather than pharmacological treatment.

Psychiatrists treat only children, psychologists treat adults

This is incorrect because both psychologists and psychiatrists work with people of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. Their specialization depends on their training and area of expertise, not on the type of patients they are permitted to treat.

Psychologists only study theories, not practical treatment

This is incorrect because psychologists not only study psychological theories but also apply them in practice through therapy, counseling, assessments, and research. Clinical psychologists, in particular, provide hands-on treatment for mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, making this statement inaccurate.

The Correct Answer is:

B. Resistance stage

In the resistance stage, the initial shock of the alarm reaction has subsided and the body has partially adapted to the ongoing stressor. Sympathetic activation remains elevated relative to baseline, but physiological systems stabilize enough to sustain coping and performance. Stress hormones and arousal are regulated to meet continued demands, conserving resources while keeping the organism engaged with the challenge. This stage can persist for some time, but sustained pressure risks drifting into exhaustion if recovery does not occur.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Alarm reaction

This is incorrect because the alarm reaction is the immediate, short-term response to a threat, marked by a surge of sympathetic and endocrine activity preparing the body for fight or flight, not the adapted, sustained response to prolonged stress.

Exhaustion stage

This is incorrect because exhaustion occurs after long, unrelieved stress depletes physiological reserves, leading to reduced immunity, fatigue, and breakdown; it follows the resistance stage when coping can no longer be maintained.

Primary appraisal

This is incorrect because primary appraisal is a cognitive judgment about whether an event is threatening, challenging, or benign; it is not a physiological stage within the general adaptation syndrome.

The Correct Answer is:

B. Sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis

The physiological mechanisms of stress involve the activation of two key systems: the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The sympathetic system triggers the “fight-or-flight” response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability. Meanwhile, the HPA axis releases stress hormones like cortisol, helping the body manage prolonged stress. Together, these systems coordinate physical and hormonal responses to stressors.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Parasympathetic nervous system and limbic system

This is incorrect because the parasympathetic nervous system primarily calms the body and restores balance after stress, rather than initiating stress responses. While the limbic system is involved in emotional regulation, it does not directly control the physiological activation needed during stress.

C. Somatic nervous system and amygdala

This is incorrect because the somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and muscle activation, not automatic stress responses. While the amygdala helps detect threats and signals danger, it is not the main driver of physiological changes. The HPA axis and sympathetic system perform this function.

D. Reticular formation and cerebellum

This is incorrect because the reticular formation regulates sleep-wake cycles and basic alertness, while the cerebellum primarily manages motor coordination and balance. Neither plays a central role in activating the hormonal and nervous system changes that occur during stress.

The Correct Answer is:

B. The orbitofrontal cortex and other regions of the OCD circuit become hyperactive, increasing intrusive thoughts and compulsive urges

In people with OCD, the orbitofrontal cortex—a region involved in decision-making and evaluating consequences—becomes hyperactive when they are exposed to triggers, such as photos of toilets or crooked pictures. This region is part of the OCD circuit, a network of interconnected brain areas that influence emotional responses and behavioral selection. Hyperconnectivity and heightened activity in this circuit contribute to intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and difficulty stopping repetitive actions.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. The amygdala shows decreased activation, leading to reduced emotional response

This is incorrect because the amygdala is primarily involved in fear and emotional regulation, but it is not the main driver of OCD symptoms. In OCD, hyperactivity occurs in the orbitofrontal cortex and related brain regions, not decreased activation.

C. The hippocampus strengthens memory processing to reduce obsessive thinking

This is incorrect because the hippocampus mainly supports memory formation and spatial navigation. It does not regulate obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors and is not considered a core component of the OCD circuit.

D. The cerebellum controls repetitive behaviors through motor coordination

This is incorrect because the cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements, posture, and balance, but it is not directly involved in generating intrusive thoughts or compulsive rituals. The OCD circuit, not the cerebellum, plays the central role in symptom development.

The Correct Answer is:

A. Alarm reaction

The alarm reaction is the body’s immediate response to an acute, threatening event and closely parallels Cannon’s fight-or-flight response. Upon perceiving the fire, the sympathetic nervous system and endocrine system surge into action, releasing catecholamines (e.g., adrenaline) and cortisol. Heart rate and respiration increase, attention narrows, and glucose mobilizes to supply rapid energy. These rapid physiological changes prepare the person to act instantly—wake others, call for help, or escape—making the alarm reaction the best description of this scenario.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Resistance stage

This is incorrect because the resistance stage follows the initial shock once the immediate threat has been recognized. During resistance, the body attempts to cope and maintain functioning in the face of a sustained stressor; it is not the instantaneous, first response triggered at the moment the person discovers the fire.

Exhaustion stage

This is incorrect because exhaustion occurs only after prolonged, unrelieved stress depletes physiological resources, leading to fatigue, lowered immunity, and impaired functioning. The house-fire scenario describes the onset of stress, not the long-term wear that marks exhaustion.

Secondary appraisal

This is incorrect because secondary appraisal refers to judging one’s coping options and perceived efficacy, a cognitive evaluation step, not a physiological stage in the general adaptation syndrome. The immediate bodily surge described in this scenario reflects the alarm reaction, not a deliberative assessment of coping resources.

The Correct Answer is:

B. It means having two or more psychological disorders at the same time

Comorbidity refers to the co-occurrence of two or more psychological or medical disorders within the same individual. For example, a person may be diagnosed with both major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Comorbidity is common in mental health and can make diagnosis and treatment more complex, often requiring integrated care approaches to address multiple conditions effectively.

Why the other options are incorrect:

It refers to hallucinations in schizophrenia

This is incorrect because hallucinations are symptoms of schizophrenia, not comorbidity. Comorbidity involves having more than one disorder, not a single symptom within a disorder.

It describes stress-related illnesses

This is incorrect because stress-related illnesses may coexist with other conditions, but comorbidity itself does not specifically refer to stress. Instead, it broadly describes the simultaneous presence of multiple disorders, whether stress-related or not.

It’s a treatment method for anxiety

This is incorrect because comorbidity is not a treatment method; it is a diagnostic concept. While comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression are often treated together, the term refers to the coexistence of disorders rather than any therapeutic technique.

The Correct Answer is:

B. A process involving perception, response, and adjustment to challenging events

In psychology, stress refers to the process of perceiving, responding to, and adapting to challenges or demands in the environment. Stress occurs when individuals perceive a situation as threatening or overwhelming, triggering physiological and psychological responses. While mild stress can be motivating, chronic stress can negatively impact physical and mental health. This definition captures stress as an interactive process involving both internal perception and external pressures.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A feeling of sadness caused by life changes

This is incorrect because sadness is an emotional response, not the full definition of stress. While stress can result from major life changes, it involves more than sadness — it includes cognitive appraisal, coping strategies, and physiological responses.

An uncontrollable emotion resulting from fear

This is incorrect because fear is a specific emotional reaction to perceived danger, while stress is a broader process that may or may not involve fear. Stress also includes how individuals evaluate and respond to various challenges, not just uncontrollable emotional experiences.

A short burst of energy before exercise

This is incorrect because a burst of energy before exercise is related to physical arousal and preparation, not stress itself. While stress can activate similar physiological responses, such as increased heart rate or adrenaline release, stress involves a much wider process involving appraisal and coping mechanisms.

Correct Answer:

A. Empirical

Explanation

Empirical knowledge is based on objective, observable, and measurable evidence that can be repeated and verified by different researchers. In psychology and other sciences, empirical methods rely on experimentation, observation, and data collection rather than personal opinions or untested theories. For example, if multiple researchers independently observe the same behavioral pattern using the same methods, the finding is considered empirical.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

B. Psychodynamic

The psychodynamic approach, founded by Sigmund Freud, focuses on unconscious drives, childhood experiences, and internal conflicts. While influential, it is based more on theory than on direct, observable evidence, making it different from empirical methods.

C. Independent

An independent variable is a factor manipulated in an experiment to observe its effect on a dependent variable. While important in research design, it does not define evidence-based knowledge.

D. A placebo

A placebo is an inactive substance or treatment used in experiments to control for psychological effects. While placebos are used in empirical studies, they are not a type of knowledge and therefore do not fit this definition.