Question 1

In Aaron Beck's model of depression, the cognitive triad consists of

Accepted Answer

The cognitive triad in Aaron Beck's model of depression consists of three types of negative thoughts: negative thoughts about oneself, negative thoughts about the world, and negative thoughts about the future. These negative thoughts contribute to and maintain a person's depressive symptoms.

Question 2

In the classical conditioning paradigm demonstrated by Pavlov through his study of the physiology of dog digestion, what was the UCS?

Accepted Answer

The UCS, or unconditioned stimulus, was the food powder that Pavlov presented to the dogs. This elicited an unconditioned response (UCR) of salivation, which is a naturally occurring reflex. Over time, the bell (conditioned stimulus) was repeatedly paired with the food powder (UCS), until the bell alone could elicit the salivation response (now a conditioned response).

Question 3

Object relations theory proposes that people have a basic drive for

Accepted Answer

Object relations theory proposes that people have a basic drive for engaging in social interactions, specifically focused on forming early attachment bonds with caregivers that influence later relationships. The theory suggests that these early relationship experiences shape individuals' internal object representations, which affect their behaviors and attitudes towards others throughout life. The theory does not address domination, sexual instinct, or spiritual development as basic drives.

Question 4

Dr. Pambros returns Abnormal Psychology exams. Juanita, Kevin, and Morgan all receive grades of "C." Juanita is grateful to have passed. Kevin is devastated. Morgan is mildly disappointed but recognizes that there are three remaining exams that could boost his grade. How would the cognitive model explain the different responses of these students to the same event?

Accepted Answer

According to the cognitive model, it is not the event itself that determines one's emotional response, but rather their interpretation of the event. In this case, the event (receiving a "C" on an exam) is essentially neutral, and it is the students' thoughts and beliefs about the event that lead to their different emotional reactions. Juanita is grateful to have passed because she likely interprets a "C" as a satisfactory grade, while Kevin is devastated because he may interpret a "C" as a failure. Morgan, on the other hand, recognizes that there are still opportunities to improve his grade and therefore has a less extreme emotional reaction.

Question 5

In operant conditioning, a reinforcer serves to _______ a behaviour it follows.

Accepted Answer

A reinforcer is any stimulus or event that follows a behavior and increases the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future. Therefore, a reinforcer serves to strengthen a behavior it follows, making it more likely to occur again in the future.

Question 6

According to Freud, which of the following was critical to overcoming psychological difficulties?

Accepted Answer

According to Freud, gaining insight into the unconscious conflicts and motivations that drive behavior is critical to overcoming psychological difficulties. This can be achieved through therapy, particularly psychoanalysis, which relies on the interpretation of dreams and free association to access the unconscious. Empathy, hypnosis, and regression may also play a role in therapy, but they are not considered the critical factor in overcoming psychological difficulties according to Freud.

Question 7

In Pavlov's experiment with dogs, classical conditioning was demonstrated when

Accepted Answer

In Pavlov's experiment with dogs, classical conditioning was demonstrated when the CS (bell) elicited the CR (salivation), which had been previously elicited by the UCS (food). This occurred after the CS (bell) had been repeatedly paired with the UCS (food) during the conditioning phase of the experiment.

Question 8

Neurons release neurotransmitters into synapses. These neurotransmitters

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters bind to receptor sites on the next neuron, causing an electrical signal to travel down the axon and continue the neural communication.

Question 9

Freud and his successor, Carl Jung, had fundamental disagreements about the motivation for Behaviour. While Freud thought that past events and sexual impulses were important, Jung believed that

Accepted Answer

Jung believed that future goals and spiritual motivators may cause behavior, while Freud focused on past events and sexual impulses as the main motivators for behavior. The other options either include elements that were not emphasized by either Freud or Jung (e.g. birth order) or do not accurately reflect their differing beliefs about motivation (e.g. option B suggests that they agreed on combining past events and spiritual motivators, which is not the case).

Question 10

Biological scarring, as seen in some disorders such as PTSD, demonstrates that

Accepted Answer

Biological scarring refers to changes in the brain that occur as a result of experiencing trauma, which can lead to disorders such as PTSD. This indicates that the brain may change and adapt as a result of the disorder, supporting choice B. The other options are not supported by this concept.

Question 11

Every time little Jeffrey goes shopping with his mom, there is an incident at the checkout line when he spots candy. Typically, Jeffrey's mom initially refuses his request for a candy bar. When the child throws himself to the floor kicking and screaming, Jeffrey's mom gives in and hands him the candy bar to end the embarrassing scene. In operant conditioning terms, what is maintaining the child's "checkout tantrums"?

Accepted Answer

The child's behavior of throwing a tantrum is being positively reinforced because it is resulting in the desired outcome of receiving the candy bar. This is causing the behavior to be more likely to occur in the future.

Question 12

Which of the following reinforcers meets the criterion for being "primary"?

Accepted Answer

Primary reinforcers are those that are inherently pleasurable and do not require learning or experience to be valued, such as food, water, and physical touch. Attention can also fall under this category as it has been shown to activate the pleasure centers in the brain. Money, grades, and power are all considered secondary reinforcers as they have gained their value through learning and experience.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the viral infection theory as it relates to the development of psychological disorders is True?

Accepted Answer

While it is not fully understood, research has suggested that viral infections may impact the brain in different pathways, leading to changes in behavior and the development of psychological disorders. These pathways may include both direct impact on the brain as well as indirect effects through immune system suppression. Therefore, statement D is true. Statements A, B, and C are all false.

Question 14

Which of the following forms of learning explains why television has a profound effect on children's learning?

Accepted Answer

Vicarious conditioning, or learning by observing and imitating others, explains why television has a profound effect on children's learning as they tend to model the behaviors they see on TV.

Question 15

Dr. Barstow is treating a young man who is afraid of dogs. One method he uses is progressive muscle relaxation using vivid imagery. Once the patient is relaxed, Dr. Barstow introduces the patient to a picture of a dog with instructions to "Breathe deeply and remain calm and relaxed." Which learning principle established by Wolpe is being employed in this example?

Accepted Answer

The learning principle being employed in this example is reciprocal inhibition, which involves teaching a patient to substitute one incompatible response (relaxation) for another (fear/anxiety) in the presence of a feared stimulus (dog). This can eventually lead to desensitization and decreased anxiety towards the stimulus.

Question 16

Which of the following statements about reinforcement is True?

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement is subjective and can vary between individuals; what is reinforcing for one person may be punishing for another, depending on personal preferences and experiences.

Question 17

Derek did not clean the dishes even though it was his turn. As a result, his parents told him he could not go to his friend's house to play. What did his parents engage in?

Accepted Answer

Derek's parents engaged in punishment by taking away his ability to go to his friend's house as a consequence of not cleaning the dishes.

Question 18

Whereas the behavioural approach focuses on ________, the cognitive model targets _______ in explaining behaviour.

Accepted Answer

The behavioural approach focuses on external events, such as rewards and punishments, in explaining behaviour. In contrast, the cognitive model targets mental processes, such as thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes, in explaining behaviour.

Question 19

John B. Watson, the founder of Behaviourism, maintained that

Accepted Answer

John B. Watson believed in the principles of Behaviourism, which held that all behaviours were learned through exposure to the environment. He viewed behaviour as a result of environmental stimuli, rather than being innate or instinctive.

Question 20

If a psychologist defines herself as a "scientist-practitioner," what do we automatically know about her through this label?

Accepted Answer

By defining herself as a "scientist-practitioner," the psychologist is indicating that she values both the scientific approach (research) and the practical approach (therapy). This suggests that she relies on the latest research findings in providing quality care and treatment to patients. Option A is incorrect because while she is focused on research, she is also a practitioner. Option C is incorrect because she may adopt different theoretical orientations, not just a behavioural approach. Option D is incorrect because while she values research-based treatment approaches, she is also a practitioner who focuses on etiology.

Quiz 1: Abnormal Psychology: Historical and Modern Perspectives