Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test Related

Review Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test related questions and content

In order to develop chicken pox, one must be exposed to the virus that causes chicken pox. Note, however, that not everyone who is exposed to the virus is affected. In other words, the virus is a ________

  • A. risk factor.
  • B. necessary cause.
  • C. sufficient cause.
  • D. contributory cause.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'necessary cause.' A necessary cause must be present for a disorder to occur. In the context of developing chicken pox, being exposed to the virus is a necessary condition for contracting the disease. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A 'risk factor' increases the probability of developing a disease but is not essential for its occurrence. A 'sufficient cause' can produce the outcome on its own, which is not the case with exposure to the chicken pox virus. A 'contributory cause' adds to other causes to produce an effect, but in this scenario, exposure to the virus is crucial by itself.