Question 1

Which of the following tools of assessment is MOST likely to be administered to a new civilian employees of the United States Department of Defense?

Accepted Answer

A urine test for drugs is the most likely tool of assessment for new civilian employees of the United States Department of Defense since drug use is prohibited for employees in sensitive positions within the department. The Rorschach is a projective test that is not typically used in employment assessments, while the MMPI-2-RF and Addiction Potential Scale are personality assessments that may not be directly relevant to the job requirements of Department of Defense civilian employees.

Question 2

Making diagnostic criteria specific and listing specific areas to be addressed in an interview are ways of ____ the Barnum effect in the resulting psychological report.

Accepted Answer

The Barnum effect refers to the tendency of people to accept generalized, vague, and ambiguous statements as accurate descriptions of themselves, when in fact they could apply to almost anyone. By making diagnostic criteria specific and providing detailed areas to address in an interview, the resulting psychological report becomes less susceptible to the Barnum effect, as it focuses on specific and objective characteristics and behaviors rather than broad, general statements. Therefore, the best way to reduce the Barnum effect is by decreasing the vagueness and ambiguity in the report.

Question 3

Which of the following is the BEST predictor of violence on the part of an assessee?

Accepted Answer

The assessee's case history being replete with acts of violence is the best predictor of future violence, as it indicates a pattern of behavior. The other options may indicate a potential for violence, but do not necessarily guarantee it. Option A indicates a past behavior, but may not necessarily lead to future violence. Option C indicates contemplation but not necessarily intention or action. Option D is not related to violence and is a distractor.

Question 4

Which of the following tools is MOST useful in identifying factors related to an individual's potential for violence against public official?

Accepted Answer

The case study is most useful as it provides a comprehensive analysis of an individual's history, behavior, and circumstances, which can help identify factors related to potential violence.

Question 5

One way in which the description of disorders has changed in successive editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)is that greater relationship to ________ is in evidence with regard to the descriptions of the various disorders.

Accepted Answer

The DSM's evolution over its editions reflects a shift towards a more empirical and research-based approach, moving away from theoretical models like psychoanalysis towards a greater emphasis on diagnostic criteria and classifications based on observable symptoms and research findings. None of the options provided (psychoanalytic theory, behavioral measures, cognitive-behavioral measures) accurately capture this broad, evidence-based approach.

Question 6

In which type of interview would the interviewee most likely be encouraged to shift his or her perspective and describe events from the viewpoint of the person who committed a crime?

Accepted Answer

In a cognitive interview, the interviewee is encouraged to recall events from different perspectives, including that of the perpetrator, to enhance memory retrieval.

Question 7

The Beck Depression Inventory-II measures testtakers' feelings over what period of time?

Accepted Answer

The Beck Depression Inventory-II is designed to assess an individual's depressive symptoms over the past two weeks.

Question 8

Dr.Marks wishes to conduct a research study that has to do with the private lives and thoughts of substance abusers.Which ethical issue is MOST relevant for Dr.Marks to keep in mind?

Accepted Answer

The issue of informed consent is most relevant in this scenario as Dr. Marks will be conducting research on the private lives and thoughts of substance abusers, which may involve sensitive and personal information. Informed consent is necessary to ensure that participants are fully aware of the study's purpose, risks, and benefits, and have given their voluntary and informed consent to participate. This protects their autonomy and right to privacy while also ensuring that Dr. Marks meets ethical standards for research involving human subjects. Other issues such as "First, do no harm," right to treatment, and cultural sensitivity are also important in research, but informed consent is the most directly relevant in this scenario.

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE of the cognitive interview?

Accepted Answer

The cognitive interview is a method used in law enforcement to enhance the memory recall of eyewitnesses. It involves open-ended questions and prompts to encourage the witness to retrieve as much information as possible. It is not typically used for the assessment of mental retardation, evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders, or the use of hypnosis.

Question 10

The Parenting Stress Index (PSI)was designed to measure

Accepted Answer

The Parenting Stress Index (PSI) is primarily designed to measure the risk for child abuse by identifying stress levels in parenting situations.

Question 11

Compared with clinical psychologists,counseling psychologists are more likely to be

Accepted Answer

Counseling psychologists are more likely to be involved in providing vocational guidance, whereas clinical psychologists typically focus on diagnosing and treating more severe forms of psychopathology. The use of the MMPI-2-RF is not limited to either field, so option D is not the best choice. Option A is not necessarily true as both counseling and clinical psychologists may work in independent practice.

Question 12

Data from the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAP)is MOST likely to be used

Accepted Answer

The Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAP) is used to assess the risk of child abuse by a parent or caregiver. This information can be used by social services to prioritize families for intervention and support services. It may also be used to inform the development of risk-reduction plans for families. While the data from CAP may be considered as evidence in a court of law, its primary purpose is for assessment and intervention rather than legal prosecution. Similarly, it is not typically used by police officers as part of their response to domestic disputes, and it does not compel parents to take a risk-reduction class.

Question 13

Which of the following is MOST typically used early in independent practice settings to help devise a therapeutic contract?

Accepted Answer

An interview is the most typical way to gather information and establish rapport with the client in order to develop a therapeutic contract. Behavioral observation and case history data may also be used, but they are not typically the primary method for devising a therapeutic contract. An attorney would not be involved in the early stages of therapy, unless there were legal or ethical issues that needed to be addressed.

Question 14

Which type of interview is MOST likely to be used in a criminal investigation?

Accepted Answer

The cognitive interview technique is most likely used in a criminal investigation as it helps the witness to recall details accurately by reviving their memories of the event without introducing any new information. This technique involves open-ended questions, allowing the witness to reconstruct the event from their perspective. It can also involve visualization, context reinstatement, and recalling the event in reverse order.

Question 15

Why might a clinician interview a culturally different client about cultural aspects of his or her life?

Accepted Answer

To distinguish psychopathological behavior from that which is more typical of the culture of the interviewee

Question 16

An experiment is conducted wherein college student subjects play the role of party-goers who are thinking aloud as they are being asked to participate in illicit drug use.What tool of assessment is being used?

Accepted Answer

The tool of assessment being used in this experiment is a behavioral analogue. The college student subjects are role-playing as party-goers, providing researchers with a simulated situation designed to uncover attitudes and behaviors related to illicit drug use. This tool is commonly used in research to provide a controlled and standardized environment in which to observe and measure behavior.

Question 17

One difference between the MacAndrew Alcohol Scale-Revised (MAC-R)and The Addiction Acknowledgment Scale (AAS)is that the

Accepted Answer

The Addiction Acknowledgment Scale (AAS) has more face validity than the MacAndrew Alcohol Scale-Revised (MAC-R) because it is designed to more directly assess acknowledgment of problems associated with substance abuse, making its purpose more apparent to respondents.

Question 18

Which of the following is generally TRUE regarding the similarities and differences between the specialties of clinical and counseling psychology?

Accepted Answer

While there may be some differences between clinical and counseling psychology, such as focus on certain populations or settings, overall there are more similarities than differences between the two specialties. Both involve the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders using evidence-based practices. Both also require a doctoral degree in psychology and licensure to practice. Neither specialty is necessarily more involved in consumer issues or psychoanalysis, although individual psychologists within each specialty may have unique interests and areas of expertise.

Question 19

Instruments used to screen for depression are

Accepted Answer

Instruments used to screen for depression are designed for a broad application across various populations, not just specific groups like prospective game show contestants, individuals with manic-depressive disorder, or psychology students. They are valuable tools in detecting a range of depressive disorders, not limited to manic-depressive disorder, and are validated on diverse populations, not exclusively on any single group.

Question 20

Of the following tests,which one is the MOST commonly used in evaluating substance abuse?

Accepted Answer

The Addiction Severity Index (ASI) is the most commonly used test in evaluating substance abuse. It provides a comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance use history, related problems, and treatment needs. It covers seven areas: medical status, employment and support, drug use, alcohol use, legal status, family/social status, and psychiatric status. The ASI is widely used in research and clinical settings to inform treatment planning and outcomes monitoring.

Quiz 13: Clinical and Counseling Assessment