MCAT (Psychological, Social, and Biological) 5

Question 1

During REM sleep, the brain exhibits which of the following EEG patterns?

Accepted Answer

Low-amplitude, high-frequency waves similar to waking

Answer

REM sleep shows desynchronized, low-amplitude, high-frequency EEG activity resembling an awake brain, along with rapid eye movements and muscle atonia.

Question 2

A physician notices that patients from collectivist cultures tend to describe illness in terms of family and community impact rather than personal symptoms. This reflects which concept?

Accepted Answer

Individualism versus collectivism

Answer

Individualism-collectivism is a cultural dimension describing the extent to which people define themselves through personal versus group identity, influencing health perceptions and communication.

Question 3

Which defense mechanism involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to another person?

Accepted Answer

Projection

Answer

Projection is a Freudian defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously attributes their own unwanted impulses or feelings to someone else.

Question 4

Sensory adaptation is best illustrated by which of the following examples?

Accepted Answer

No longer noticing the smell of a bakery after being inside for 20 minutes

Answer

Sensory adaptation refers to the diminished sensitivity to a constant stimulus over time, as receptor firing decreases with prolonged exposure.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'stigma' as it relates to mental illness, according to sociological perspectives?

Accepted Answer

A mark of disgrace that sets a person apart and leads to social discrimination

Answer

Goffman defined stigma as a deeply discrediting attribute that reduces a person from a 'whole' person to a 'tainted' or 'discounted' one, resulting in social exclusion and discrimination.

MCAT - Medical College Admission Test Practice Test

MCAT - Medical College Admission Test Practice Test

MCAT (Psychological, Social, and Biological) 5