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ABPN Psychiatry study materials
ABPN Psychiatry study resources

ABPN Psychiatry practice questions

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Question 1Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety primarily through which action at the GABA-A receptor?

  1. Blockade of presynaptic GABA reuptake transporters
  2. Competitive antagonism at the barbiturate binding site
  3. Positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A chloride channels Correct answer.
  4. Direct agonism at the GABA-A receptor chloride pore

Explanation

Benzodiazepines occupy the benzodiazepine site on GABA-A receptors and enhance the frequency of chloride channel opening in the presence of GABA. This positive allosteric modulation strengthens inhibitory neurotransmission and produces anxiolysis, sedation, and anticonvulsant effects.

Question 2Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Which dopaminergic pathway is most directly linked to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia and to the therapeutic D2 blockade of antipsychotics?

  1. Mesocortical pathway
  2. Mesolimbic pathway Correct answer.
  3. Nigrostriatal pathway
  4. Tuberoinfundibular pathway

Explanation

Mesolimbic dopamine hyperactivity is associated with hallucinations and delusions, and D2 blockade in this pathway reduces positive symptoms. The nigrostriatal pathway mediates extrapyramidal effects, the tuberoinfundibular pathway regulates prolactin, and the mesocortical pathway is linked to negative and cognitive symptoms.

Question 3Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Donepezil improves cognition in Alzheimer disease mainly by which mechanism?

  1. Blocking nicotinic receptor desensitization
  2. Activating muscarinic M1 receptors directly
  3. Increasing acetylcholine release from presynaptic terminals
  4. Inhibiting acetylcholinesterase Correct answer.

Explanation

Donepezil reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase, reducing acetylcholine breakdown and increasing cholinergic transmission in the brain. The resulting enhancement of cholinergic function modestly improves cognition in Alzheimer disease.

Question 4Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

The suprachiasmatic nucleus regulates circadian rhythms mainly by responding to which signal?

  1. Hippocampal theta activity during REM sleep
  2. Circulating cortisol levels released by the adrenal cortex
  3. Retinal light input via the retinohypothalamic tract Correct answer.
  4. Pineal melatonin secretion during daylight hours

Explanation

The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master circadian pacemaker and receives photic information directly from the retina through the retinohypothalamic tract. Light entrains the clock, which then coordinates rhythms including melatonin secretion and the sleep-wake cycle.

Question 5Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Loss of orexin (hypocretin) neurons is most closely associated with which condition?

  1. Obstructive sleep apnea
  2. REM sleep behavior disorder
  3. Restless legs syndrome
  4. Narcolepsy with cataplexy Correct answer.

Explanation

Narcolepsy with cataplexy is strongly associated with degeneration of orexin-producing neurons in the lateral hypothalamus and low cerebrospinal fluid orexin levels. Orexin stabilizes wakefulness and suppresses inappropriate REM sleep.

Question 6Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

The respiratory depression and euphoria of opioid drugs are mediated primarily by which receptor?

  1. Mu opioid receptors Correct answer.
  2. Kappa opioid receptors
  3. Delta opioid receptors
  4. Sigma-1 receptors

Explanation

Mu opioid receptors are the principal mediators of opioid analgesia, euphoria, respiratory depression, and physical dependence. Kappa and delta receptors contribute to other opioid effects, while sigma-1 is a distinct non-opioid receptor.

Question 7Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

A patient develops severe anterograde amnesia after bilateral medial temporal lobe damage. Which structure is most critical for forming new declarative memories?

  1. Hippocampus Correct answer.
  2. Caudate nucleus
  3. Amygdala
  4. Mammillary bodies

Explanation

The hippocampus is essential for consolidating new declarative memories, and bilateral damage produces dense anterograde amnesia. The mammillary bodies are part of the extended circuit but are not the primary medial temporal structure for this function.

Question 8Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Bupropion's antidepressant effect is attributed mainly to which mechanism?

  1. Monoamine oxidase inhibition
  2. Serotonin reuptake inhibition
  3. Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibition Correct answer.
  4. Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonism

Explanation

Bupropion inhibits norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake and has little direct serotonergic activity. This mechanism underlies its activating and smoking-cessation effects as well as its lower risk of sexual dysfunction.

Question 9Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Atypical antipsychotics such as risperidone have lower extrapyramidal risk than haloperidol partly because they share which receptor action?

  1. Selective D2 partial agonism
  2. Potent 5-HT2A antagonism Correct answer.
  3. Dopamine transporter blockade
  4. Muscarinic M1 agonism

Explanation

Blockade of 5-HT2A receptors increases dopamine release in the striatum, which offsets D2 blockade and reduces extrapyramidal symptoms. This serotonin-dopamine antagonism is a defining feature of many atypical antipsychotics.

Question 10Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

The glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia proposes that symptoms arise primarily from which disturbance?

  1. Reduced glutamate reuptake by astrocytes
  2. Excess AMPA receptor stimulation
  3. Increased metabotropic glutamate receptor autoinhibition
  4. NMDA receptor hypofunction on GABAergic interneurons Correct answer.

Explanation

The glutamate hypothesis centers on NMDA receptor hypofunction, particularly on inhibitory GABAergic interneurons, which can disinhibit cortical circuits. This model is supported by the psychotic effects of NMDA antagonists such as ketamine and phencyclidine.

Question 11Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is synthesized primarily in which brain region?

  1. Basolateral complex of the amygdala
  2. Paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus Correct answer.
  3. Locus coeruleus
  4. Anterior pituitary corticotroph cells

Explanation

CRH is produced by neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and drives ACTH release from the anterior pituitary. This initiates the HPA axis stress response and is restrained by cortisol negative feedback.

Question 12Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Which thyroid abnormality is most often associated with depressed mood and psychomotor slowing?

  1. Hypothyroidism Correct answer.
  2. Subclinical hyperthyroidism
  3. Hyperthyroidism
  4. Thyroid storm

Explanation

Hypothyroidism commonly produces depressed mood, fatigue, psychomotor slowing, and cognitive complaints, and it can mimic major depression. Thyroid function testing is therefore important when depression is atypical or treatment-resistant.

Question 13Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Neuroimaging studies in adults with chronic PTSD most consistently show which structural finding?

  1. Reduced hippocampal volume Correct answer.
  2. Increased cortical thickness in the occipital lobe
  3. Enlarged caudate nucleus
  4. Symmetrical basal ganglia calcification

Explanation

Chronic PTSD has been associated with reduced hippocampal volume, although causation and the contribution of stress exposure remain debated. Functional studies also show amygdala hyperreactivity and diminished medial prefrontal regulation.

Question 14Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Polysomnography in a patient with major depressive disorder is most likely to show which abnormality?

  1. Prolonged REM latency
  2. Shortened REM latency and higher REM density Correct answer.
  3. Delayed sleep onset with a normal REM latency
  4. Absence of slow-wave sleep

Explanation

Major depression is associated with shortened REM latency, increased REM density, and altered sleep continuity. These changes reflect dysregulation of sleep architecture and can persist after clinical recovery.

Question 15Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is most closely associated with which cognitive function?

  1. Working memory and executive planning Correct answer.
  2. Primary visual processing
  3. Fear conditioning and extinction
  4. Speech comprehension

Explanation

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex supports working memory, planning, cognitive flexibility, and other executive functions. Dysfunction here contributes to the cognitive deficits seen in schizophrenia and frontal lobe disorders.

Question 16Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Huntington disease is characterized by atrophy of which brain structure?

  1. Cerebellar vermis
  2. Caudate nucleus Correct answer.
  3. Substantia nigra
  4. Globus pallidus externa only

Explanation

Huntington disease involves progressive degeneration of the caudate nucleus and putamen, producing chorea and cognitive decline. Caudate atrophy is a classic neuroimaging finding and reflects striatal medium spiny neuron loss.

Question 17Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Chronic antidepressant treatment is thought to increase neuroplasticity partly by raising levels of which neurotrophic factor?

  1. Epidermal growth factor (EGF)
  2. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)
  3. Nerve growth factor (NGF)
  4. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Correct answer.

Explanation

The neurotrophic hypothesis of depression links stress and depression to reduced BDNF signaling, while chronic antidepressants increase BDNF and hippocampal plasticity. BDNF supports neuronal survival, synaptic remodeling, and neurogenesis.

Question 18Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

A patient with poor CYP2D6 metabolizer status is at greatest risk of toxicity from which medication?

  1. Lithium
  2. Olanzapine
  3. Risperidone Correct answer.
  4. Valproate

Explanation

Risperidone is metabolized mainly by CYP2D6, so poor metabolizers can develop higher parent-drug concentrations and more adverse effects. Olanzapine is metabolized largely by CYP1A2, while lithium is renally cleared and valproate undergoes glucuronidation.

Question 19Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is most strongly associated with which pathophysiologic mechanism?

  1. Acetylcholine excess at neuromuscular junctions
  2. Serotonin excess at 5-HT2A receptors
  3. Central dopamine D2 receptor blockade Correct answer.
  4. GABA-A receptor overactivation

Explanation

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is linked to abrupt central dopamine D2 blockade, producing rigidity, hyperthermia, autonomic instability, and elevated creatine kinase. It is most often seen with potent typical antipsychotics and after rapid dose changes.

Question 20Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Which clinical feature best distinguishes serotonin syndrome from neuroleptic malignant syndrome?

  1. Clonus and hyperreflexia Correct answer.
  2. Hyperthermia and altered mental status
  3. Rigidity and elevated creatine kinase
  4. Autonomic instability and diaphoresis

Explanation

Serotonin syndrome characteristically produces neuromuscular hyperactivity such as clonus and hyperreflexia, especially in the lower extremities. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome instead features lead-pipe rigidity, bradyreflexia, and marked creatine kinase elevation.

Question 21Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Bilateral damage to the amygdala produces which classic behavioral syndrome?

  1. Gerstmann syndrome with agraphia and acalculia
  2. Kluver-Bucy syndrome with hyperorality and placidity Correct answer.
  3. Balint syndrome with optic ataxia and simultanagnosia
  4. Wernicke aphasia with fluent paraphasic speech

Explanation

Bilateral amygdala damage, especially in temporal lobe disease, can produce Kluver-Bucy syndrome with placidity, hyperorality, hypersexuality, and visual agnosia. The amygdala is critical for assigning emotional significance to stimuli and for fear learning.

Question 22Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Twin studies estimate the heritability of schizophrenia at approximately which value?

  1. 80% Correct answer.
  2. 10%
  3. 50%
  4. 30%

Explanation

Twin and family studies consistently indicate a heritability of roughly 80% for schizophrenia. This high heritability reflects polygenic risk and does not imply that environmental factors are unimportant.

Question 23Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Lithium's mood-stabilizing action is best linked to which molecular effect?

  1. Potentiation of GABA-A chloride currents
  2. Irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibition
  3. Inositol monophosphatase and GSK-3 inhibition Correct answer.
  4. Direct competitive blockade of dopamine D2 receptors

Explanation

Lithium inhibits inositol monophosphatase and glycogen synthase kinase-3, among other targets, which may stabilize intracellular signaling and circadian pathways. These actions differ from those of antipsychotics, antidepressants, and GABAergic drugs.

Question 24Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Long-term use of typical antipsychotics can cause tardive dyskinesia through which proposed mechanism?

  1. Acute allergic reaction to the drug
  2. Dopamine D2 supersensitivity in the striatum Correct answer.
  3. Excessive serotonin reuptake inhibition
  4. Irreversible destruction of striatal neurons

Explanation

Chronic D2 blockade is thought to lead to compensatory striatal D2 receptor supersensitivity, so involuntary movements emerge despite continued treatment. This model explains the delayed onset and the persistence of tardive dyskinesia after drug withdrawal.

Question 25Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

The delayed antidepressant effect of SSRIs is best explained by which adaptive change?

  1. Increased monoamine oxidase activity in the raphe nuclei
  2. Desensitization of presynaptic 5-HT1A autoreceptors Correct answer.
  3. Immediate downregulation of postsynaptic 5-HT2A receptors
  4. Upregulation of serotonin transporter expression

Explanation

SSRIs immediately raise synaptic serotonin, but clinical improvement lags because presynaptic 5-HT1A autoreceptors must desensitize. This reduces negative feedback, allowing serotonergic firing and postsynaptic transmission to increase over weeks.

Question 26Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Blockade of dopamine D2 receptors in which pathway is most directly responsible for the antipsychotic efficacy of first-generation antipsychotics?

  1. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
  2. Mesocortical pathway
  3. Nigrostriatal pathway
  4. Mesolimbic pathway Correct answer.

Explanation

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia have been linked to excess subcortical dopamine signaling in the mesolimbic pathway. D2 blockade in this pathway reduces delusions and hallucinations, which is the main basis of antipsychotic efficacy. Blockade elsewhere explains adverse effects or limited benefit.

Question 27Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Benzodiazepines such as diazepam produce anxiolysis by binding to which site on the GABA-A receptor complex?

  1. The orthosteric GABA binding site between alpha and beta subunits
  2. The glycine co-agonist site
  3. An allosteric site at the alpha-gamma subunit interface Correct answer.
  4. The chloride channel pore

Explanation

Classical benzodiazepines are positive allosteric modulators that bind at the alpha-gamma subunit interface of GABA-A receptors. They increase the frequency of chloride channel opening when GABA is present, enhancing inhibition. They do not directly open the channel.

Question 28Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Melatonin, which helps regulate circadian timing, is synthesized primarily in which structure?

  1. Hypothalamus
  2. Pituitary gland
  3. Pineal gland Correct answer.
  4. Adrenal medulla

Explanation

Melatonin is produced mainly by pinealocytes in the pineal gland from serotonin. Its secretion is suppressed by light and coordinated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus. The pituitary and adrenal medulla are not primary sources.

Question 29Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Deficiency of orexin (hypocretin) neurons is most closely associated with which disorder?

  1. Generalized anxiety disorder
  2. Major depressive disorder
  3. Narcolepsy with cataplexy Correct answer.
  4. Schizophrenia

Explanation

Orexin (hypocretin) neurons in the lateral hypothalamus stabilize wakefulness and REM sleep boundaries. Their loss produces narcolepsy type 1, with cataplexy and sleep attacks. The other disorders are not defined by orexin deficiency.

Question 30Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

A patient taking risperidone develops galactorrhea and amenorrhea. This adverse effect is best explained by blockade of dopamine D2 receptors in which pathway?

  1. Nigrostriatal pathway
  2. Mesolimbic pathway
  3. Mesocortical pathway
  4. Tuberoinfundibular pathway Correct answer.

Explanation

Tuberoinfundibular dopamine tonically inhibits prolactin release from the anterior pituitary. D2 blockade here removes that inhibition and causes hyperprolactinemia, galactorrhea, and amenorrhea. Mesolimbic blockade relates to efficacy, nigrostriatal to extrapyramidal effects, and mesocortical to negative symptoms.

Question 31Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

A patient with melancholic depression shows failure to suppress cortisol after overnight dexamethasone. This finding most likely reflects which abnormality?

  1. Impaired negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis Correct answer.
  2. Reduced cortisol-binding globulin
  3. Increased renal clearance of dexamethasone
  4. Excessive adrenal cortisol synthesis independent of ACTH

Explanation

Dexamethasone normally suppresses ACTH and cortisol through glucocorticoid receptor-mediated negative feedback. Failure to suppress in melancholic depression suggests impaired feedback, often involving hippocampal and hypothalamic signaling. This is not explained by a primary adrenal tumor or altered binding globulin.

Question 32Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Lamotrigine and carbamazepine owe part of their mood-stabilizing and anticonvulsant action to blockade of which target?

  1. Voltage-gated sodium channels Correct answer.
  2. Dopamine D2 receptors
  3. Voltage-gated calcium channels of the T type
  4. GABA-A receptor chloride channel pore

Explanation

Lamotrigine and carbamazepine stabilize neuronal membranes by use-dependent blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels. This reduces repetitive firing and glutamate release. T-type calcium channels are the target of ethosuximide, and D2 blockade is not their mechanism.

Question 33Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Donepezil improves cognition in Alzheimer disease by which mechanism?

  1. Blocking NMDA receptors
  2. Activating nicotinic receptors directly
  3. Increasing dopamine release
  4. Inhibiting acetylcholinesterase Correct answer.

Explanation

Donepezil reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase, slowing acetylcholine breakdown and increasing cholinergic transmission. This produces modest symptomatic improvement in Alzheimer disease. Memantine, not donepezil, is an NMDA receptor antagonist.

Question 34Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

The COMT Val158Met polymorphism affects prefrontal dopamine because the Met allele results in which change?

  1. Reduced enzyme activity and higher synaptic dopamine Correct answer.
  2. Increased enzyme activity and lower dopamine
  3. Increased dopamine transporter expression
  4. No change in enzyme activity

Explanation

Catechol-O-methyltransferase degrades prefrontal dopamine. The Met allele reduces enzyme activity, raising synaptic dopamine and often improving working memory but increasing stress sensitivity. The Val allele has higher activity and lower dopamine.

Question 35Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Hyperconnectivity of the default mode network in major depression has been most consistently linked to which clinical feature?

  1. Rumination and self-referential thinking Correct answer.
  2. Auditory hallucinations
  3. Psychomotor retardation
  4. Panic attacks

Explanation

The default mode network includes medial prefrontal and posterior cingulate regions active during self-referential thought. Its hyperconnectivity in depression correlates with rumination and negative self-focus. Psychomotor retardation and hallucinations involve other circuits.

Question 36Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Elevated proinflammatory cytokines in depression are thought to contribute to symptoms partly by activating which pathway?

  1. The phosphatidylinositol pathway
  2. The kynurenine pathway, increasing neurotoxic metabolites Correct answer.
  3. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway
  4. The cAMP response element-binding protein pathway

Explanation

Proinflammatory cytokines activate indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, shunting tryptophan into the kynurenine pathway. Metabolites such as quinolinic acid can be neurotoxic and may contribute to depressive symptoms. This is distinct from the phosphatidylinositol or cAMP pathways.

Question 37Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Clozapine frequently causes constipation and urinary retention. These effects are best attributed to antagonism at which receptor?

  1. Muscarinic acetylcholine M1 Correct answer.
  2. Histamine H1
  3. Dopamine D2
  4. Serotonin 5-HT2A

Explanation

Clozapine has strong muscarinic M1 antagonism, which reduces parasympathetic tone and causes constipation, urinary retention, and dry mouth. Histamine H1 blockade mainly causes sedation and weight gain, while D2 and 5-HT2A blockade do not explain these effects.

Question 38Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Ketamine's rapid antidepressant effect is best explained by which sequence of events?

  1. Direct activation of AMPA receptors followed by GABA release
  2. Blockade of dopamine transporters increasing synaptic dopamine
  3. NMDA receptor blockade that disinhibits glutamate release and increases AMPA-mediated synaptogenesis Correct answer.
  4. Irreversible inhibition of monoamine oxidase

Explanation

Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors, preferentially those on GABAergic interneurons, which disinhibits glutamate release. The glutamate surge promotes AMPA receptor signaling, BDNF release, and rapid synaptogenesis. This differs from monoamine-based mechanisms.

Question 39Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid with anxiolytic effects, acts primarily through which mechanism?

  1. Direct antagonism of NMDA receptors
  2. Partial agonism at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors
  3. Positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors Correct answer.
  4. Inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels

Explanation

Allopregnanolone is a progesterone metabolite that positively modulates GABA-A receptors, enhancing chloride currents and inhibitory transmission. It acts at a neurosteroid site distinct from the benzodiazepine site. It is not primarily an NMDA antagonist or sodium channel blocker.

Question 40Biological and clinical neurosciences relevant to psychiatry

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for depression most commonly targets which brain region, and what is its immediate physiologic effect?

  1. Left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; alters cortical excitability Correct answer.
  2. Left amygdala; increases fear conditioning
  3. Right occipital cortex; induces visual hallucinations
  4. Cerebellum; increases gait stability

Explanation

High-frequency rTMS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is a standard depression protocol. Magnetic pulses induce cortical currents that alter excitability and connected network activity. Occipital, amygdalar, and cerebellar targets are not standard for depression.

Question 41Behavioral and social sciences, development, and psychopathology

A 10-month-old infant repeatedly searches for a toy after it is hidden beneath a blanket. According to Piaget, this behavior is the hallmark of which stage of cognitive development?

  1. Preoperational
  2. Concrete operational
  3. Formal operational
  4. Sensorimotor Correct answer.

Explanation

Object permanence-the understanding that objects continue to exist when out of sight-emerges during the sensorimotor stage (birth to about 2 years), typically in substage 4 at 8–12 months. Preoperational thought begins around age 2 and is marked by symbolic play and egocentrism rather than the acquisition of object permanence.

Question 42Behavioral and social sciences, development, and psychopathology

According to Erikson, an infant whose feeding, comfort, and affection needs are consistently met is most likely to resolve which psychosocial crisis favorably?

  1. Initiative versus guilt
  2. Autonomy versus shame and doubt
  3. Industry versus inferiority
  4. Trust versus mistrust Correct answer.

Explanation

Erikson's first psychosocial stage, trust versus mistrust, spans roughly the first 18 months and is resolved through predictable, responsive caregiving. Successful resolution yields a sense of basic trust and optimism about the world.

Question 43Behavioral and social sciences, development, and psychopathology

In Pavlov's classic experiments, the bell that comes to elicit salivation after repeated pairing with food is best described as the:

  1. Unconditioned response
  2. Conditioned stimulus Correct answer.
  3. Conditioned response
  4. Unconditioned stimulus

Explanation

A neutral stimulus repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus (food) becomes a conditioned stimulus that elicits a conditioned response (salivation). The food itself is the unconditioned stimulus, and salivation to food is the unconditioned response.

Question 44Behavioral and social sciences, development, and psychopathology

Bandura's Bobo doll studies showed that children who watched an adult behave aggressively toward an inflatable doll:

  1. Were less likely to imitate the behavior without direct reward
  2. Became fearful of the doll and avoided it
  3. Showed increased aggression only after being reinforced themselves
  4. Often reproduced the aggressive acts they had observed Correct answer.

Explanation

Observational learning occurs when behavior is acquired by watching models, without the observer being directly reinforced. Imitation was especially likely when the model's behavior was seen as rewarded, but acquisition occurred through exposure alone.

Question 45Behavioral and social sciences, development, and psychopathology

Which Freudian psychosexual stage extends roughly from age 6 to puberty and is characterized by relative quiescence of sexual impulses and investment in school and peers?

  1. Anal
  2. Genital
  3. Latency Correct answer.
  4. Phallic

Explanation

In Freud's model, the latency period follows the phallic stage and lasts from about age 6 until puberty, during which libido is sublimated into academic, social, and same-sex peer pursuits. Sexual impulses reemerge in the genital stage at puberty.

Question 46Behavioral and social sciences, development, and psychopathology

Which feature is required for a DSM-5-TR diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?

  1. Full-scale IQ below 70
  2. Presence of motor or vocal tics
  3. Several symptoms present before age 12 Correct answer.
  4. Symptoms confined to a single setting such as school

Explanation

DSM-5-TR requires several symptoms before age 12, symptoms in two or more settings, clear evidence of interference, and persistence for at least 6 months. Tics and low IQ are neither required nor exclusionary.

Question 47Behavioral and social sciences, development, and psychopathology

A clinician groups a 10-digit number into three familiar chunks to hold it in mind while dialing. This primarily exploits which memory system?

  1. Procedural memory
  2. Working memory capacity through chunking Correct answer.
  3. Echoic memory
  4. Implicit memory

Explanation

Working memory holds a limited amount of information briefly, and chunking expands effective capacity by grouping items into meaningful units (Miller's classic 7 ± 2). Procedural and implicit memory concern skills and habits, and echoic memory is brief auditory sensory storage.

Question 48Behavioral and social sciences, development, and psychopathology

A clinician assumes a patient who repeatedly misses appointments is 'irresponsible by nature,' giving little weight to the patient's loss of housing and transportation. This reasoning best illustrates:

  1. Fundamental attribution error Correct answer.
  2. Halo effect
  3. Just-world hypothesis
  4. Self-serving bias

Explanation

The fundamental attribution error is the tendency to overattribute others' behavior to dispositional traits while underestimating situational factors. Here the clinician emphasizes character and discounts housing and transportation problems.

Question 49Behavioral and social sciences, development, and psychopathology

In the Strange Situation, a 14-month-old shows little distress when the mother leaves, ignores her on return, and is comforted equally by the stranger. This pattern is classified as:

  1. Insecure-avoidant attachment Correct answer.
  2. Secure attachment
  3. Disorganized-disoriented attachment
  4. Insecure-resistant (ambivalent) attachment

Explanation

Insecure-avoidant infants show minimal distress at separation and avoid or ignore the caregiver on reunion, having learned that expressing need does not reliably bring comfort. Secure infants seek contact and are easily soothed, resistant infants are clingy and hard to soothe, and disorganized infants show contradictory or frozen behavior.

Question 50Behavioral and social sciences, development, and psychopathology

A 12-year-old explains that stealing is wrong because 'it is against the law and would break apart society if everyone did it.' In Kohlberg's theory, this reasoning reflects:

  1. Premoral egocentrism
  2. Preconventional morality
  3. Postconventional morality
  4. Conventional morality Correct answer.

Explanation

Conventional morality (stages 3–4) justifies rules by social approval and by maintaining the social order and legal system. Preconventional reasoning focuses on punishment and self-interest, while postconventional reasoning appeals to abstract principles that may override law.