Question 1

What can be said about individuals who have a history of at least one serious psychological disorder?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that individuals with a history of a serious psychological disorder are at a greater risk of developing multiple disorders, with over 50% developing two or more comorbid disorders. While treatment can be effective, the risk of future mental health issues remains high.

Question 2

Which of the following typically involves the use of trained observers?

Accepted Answer

Direct observation typically involves the use of trained observers who systematically observe and record behavior. The other options (case study method, self-report data collection, and psychophysiological data collection) do not necessarily require trained observers.

Question 3

A psychologist reports a single case of a disorder, detailing the person's feelings and responses. This research strategy is

Accepted Answer

A single case study may provide rich, detailed information about an individual's experiences, but it cannot provide information that can be generalized to others with the disorder. Therefore, it is considered a weak research strategy in terms of external validity.

Question 4

Why is it dangerous to make conclusions based on case studies?

Accepted Answer

Case studies typically involve analyzing data from a small sample size or even just one individual. Making conclusions based on such limited information is inherently risky and may lead to flawed interpretations. It is important to conduct thorough research with larger sample sizes and control groups in order to draw more accurate conclusions.

Question 5

The trend toward deinstitutionalization in recent years means that

Accepted Answer

Deinstitutionalization means that individuals with psychological problems are shifted from long-term inpatient hospitalization to community-based care. Therefore, people are hospitalized for a shorter duration and then treated on an outpatient basis, which is reflected in choice C.

Question 6

Upon deciding to study individuals with a given disorder, what is the next step that should be taken?

Accepted Answer

The first step in studying individuals with a given disorder would be to select criteria for identifying individuals with the disorder. This is necessary in order to ensure that the sample of individuals being studied is representative of the population affected by the disorder, and is essential for conducting valid and reliable research. Once the criteria for identifying individuals with the disorder have been established, researchers can then move on to selecting treatment approaches to be tested, designing a study protocol, and recruiting participants for the study.

Question 7

Carl is asked to provide information about his drinking. Despite the fact that he has had several arrests for driving while intoxicated, Carl reports that he has no problems with drinking. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

This question is about the problems of self-report data, which refers to the tendency for individuals to not accurately report information about themselves. In this case, Carl is not being truthful about his drinking habits despite having a history of arrests for driving under the influence. This shows that self-report data can be unreliable, as individuals may not want to admit to behaviors that are stigmatized or may have negative consequences.

Question 8

A major finding from the National Comorbidity Survey (NCS) was that

Accepted Answer

The answer of A major finding from the National Comorbidity...

Question 9

A clinical psychologist is

Accepted Answer

A clinical psychologist is a Ph.D. in psychology with experience in mental health. They diagnose and treat various mental illnesses and emotional disorders. They may also conduct research in the field of psychology. The other choices do not accurately define the role of a clinical psychologist.

Question 10

Which of the following mental health professionals has a medical degree?

Accepted Answer

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of mental health disorders and have the ability to prescribe medication. Clinical psychologists and counseling psychologists have doctoral degrees in psychology but do not possess a medical degree. Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals who help individuals with physical or mental disabilities to engage in everyday activities.

Question 11

What is important to remember about the apparent high lifetime rate of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

The high lifetime rate of mental disorders does not necessarily mean that everyone affected by them is greatly impacted or permanently affected. Many people have disorders for only a short time or are able to manage them effectively without experiencing significant disruptions to their daily lives.

Question 12

Describing a disorder as acute means that

Accepted Answer

Describing a disorder as acute means that it is a disorder that is short in duration.

Question 13

Which of the following typically involves having a patient or research participant fill out questionnaires?

Accepted Answer

Self-report data collection involves having a patient or research participant fill out questionnaires or surveys about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This method is commonly used in research studies and clinical assessments.

Question 14

Why is it important to have some understanding of what causes a psychological disorder?

Accepted Answer

Understanding the cause of a psychological disorder is important for selecting the most effective treatment approach. Different assumptions about causality will lead to different treatment options, and the success of treatment relies on addressing the root cause of the disorder. While not all disorders have clear-cut or known causes, having some understanding of potential contributing factors can help guide treatment decisions.

Question 15

Which of the following mental health professionals has a doctoral degree in psychology with both research and clinical skill specialization?

Accepted Answer

Clinical psychologists hold doctoral degrees in psychology and have expertise in both research and clinical skills. Occupational therapists and psychoanalysts may have specialized training in mental health, but they do not hold doctoral degrees in psychology. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and may prescribe medication, but their training is primarily medical, not psychological.

Question 16

Comorbidity means

Accepted Answer

Comorbidity refers to a person experiencing two or more disorders simultaneously. It can complicate diagnosis and treatment, and increase the risk of negative outcomes.

Question 17

Most people with psychological disorders

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that many people with psychological disorders delay seeking treatment, sometimes for years. This can be due to stigma, lack of access to treatment, or a belief that the problem will go away on its own. It is important for individuals with psychological disorders to seek treatment as early as possible, as early intervention is associated with better outcomes.

Question 18

One strength of case studies is

Accepted Answer

Case studies can provide rich and detailed information about a particular subject, which can generate new ideas for further research or exploration. However, they may not necessarily prove causal relationships between variables, be completely unbiased, or always be highly accurate due to potential limitations in sample size and representativeness.

Question 19

________ are more or less plausible ideas used to explain something (e.g., a behavior) and can be tested using research methods.

Accepted Answer

Hypotheses are ideas used to explain something that can be tested using research methods. Observations are simply the act of noting something, variables are factors that can change in an experiment or study, and correlations are statistical associations between variables.

Question 20

An important FIRST step in studying a particular disorder is

Accepted Answer

Before beginning a study on a particular disorder, it is important to establish clear criteria for identifying individuals who have the disorder. This ensures that the sample group is homogeneous and that the results of the study are valid and reliable. Without clear criteria, it is difficult to determine who should be included or excluded from the study, and the results may be skewed. Therefore, determining the criteria for identifying people who have the disorder is an important first step in studying a particular disorder.

Quiz 1: Abnormal Psychology: an Overview