Question 1

Although Buford Furrow's family recognized that there was something wrong with him, he was not institutionalized. What is the primary reason that he was not committed to a mental institution?

Accepted Answer

C

Question 2

Harvard University psychiatrist, Alvin Poussaint, is going to debate a colleague who holds an opinion diametrically opposed to his on cases such as those of Buford Furrow. Which of the following would make for the best title for this debate?

Accepted Answer

The debate is centered around differing opinions on whether racial bigotry should be considered a mental disorder or not, which is reflected in option A. The other options are not as closely related to the topic of the debate.

Question 3

What is the primary focus of the field of abnormal psychology?

Accepted Answer

The primary focus of the field of abnormal psychology is to study and understand maladaptive behavior, including its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Group processes, prevention programs, and pharmacological treatments are all relevant to abnormal psychology, but they are not the primary focus.

Question 4

Which of the following are true of abnormal psychology?

Accepted Answer

All of the options listed are true of abnormal psychology. Abnormal psychology examines how society deals with people whom it considers to be different from other people, investigates how it feels for people to be different, and deals with meanings that get attached to being different.

Question 5

The ability to think rationally, coping effectively, and showing stability and growth are factors of:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The ability to think rationally, coping effectively,...

Question 6

Mental health problems account for what percentage of disabling conditions?

Accepted Answer

Mental health problems account for 50% of disabling conditions.

Question 7

What factors assist clinicians to both explain and treat problems?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What factors assist clinicians to both explain...

Question 8

Stigmatization can:

Accepted Answer

Stigmatization can come from external factors, such as societal attitudes and discrimination, or internal factors, such as shame and self-blame. It can also be a combination of both. It can lead to diminished self-esteem and increased pathology, and may affect recovery. Extended hospitalization is not necessarily required to deal with the effects of stigmatization.

Question 9

You walk into a classroom to find the word adaptation written on the board. It appears that the instructor was using a diagram to show that adaptation involves a balance between two factors, one of which is what people do or want to do. What is the other factor?

Accepted Answer

Adaptation involves the balance between two factors: the environment and the organisms inhabiting it. Therefore, the other factor must be what the environment requires.

Question 10

A survey was conducted to determine what the general public views as the causes of abnormal behavior. What are two of the common erroneous problem the general population believes are responsible for abnormal behavior?

Accepted Answer

The options "demons and spirits" and "diet and genetic factors" are not commonly believed to be causes of abnormal behavior in the general population. However, the options "lack of will power and poor nutrition" and "emotional weakness and bad parenting" are commonly believed to be responsible for abnormal behavior, even though research suggests otherwise.

Question 11

Henry was hospitalized with a serious mental disorder. With treatment, he returned to his previous level of functioning and was released. When a psychiatrist conducted a follow-up interview, Henry said he felt "stigma." What is the most likely reason for Henry's feeling?

Accepted Answer

Henry's feeling of "stigma" suggests that he experienced social stigma, which means that he was treated differently or negatively by others because of his mental illness. The fact that he specifically mentioned "stigma" implies that he was aware of and affected by the negative attitudes and behaviors of others towards him, which could include avoidance or discrimination. The other options (A, C, and D) do not address the issue of social stigma.

Question 12

Jane is a psychologist who has practiced psychology for many years. People are intrigued by her work, and she has several offers for public appearances and lectures. However, she has become annoyed at questions regarding the public's perception of abnormal behavior; especially the manner in which the media portrays the behavior. Jane has indicated that:

Accepted Answer

As a practicing psychologist, it is Jane's duty to not only help her patients but also educate the public about abnormal behavior. It is important to correct misperceptions and stigmas surrounding abnormal behavior in order to promote understanding and support for those who struggle with it. Jane should not give up on this responsibility and must meet the challenge to the field of abnormal psychology to make a positive impact on the public's perception of abnormal behavior.

Question 13

What term is used to describe people's ability or inability to modify their behavior in response to changing environmental requirements?

Accepted Answer

Adaptation refers to the ability of individuals or populations to modify their behavior or physiology in response to changing environmental conditions, such as changes in temperature, food availability or predators. Adoption refers to the process of taking on or accepting something new, such as a behavior or technology. Acclimation refers to physiological adjustment to a specific environmental condition over a short period of time. Accommodation refers to the process of adjusting one's behavior or assumptions to fit in with a particular situation or environment.

Question 14

Adaptation is the ability to

Accepted Answer

Adaptation refers to the ability to modify one's behavior in response to changing circumstances. It can involve changes in both physical and behavioral traits to better survive and thrive in a given environment. While mastering the environment and learning the expectations of one's social group can be important components of adaptation, they do not fully capture the broader meaning of the term. Feeling at peace with oneself is unrelated to the concept of adaptation.

Question 15

After switching careers from librarian to kindergarten teacher, John developed a greater tolerance for noise. This change in John is an example of

Accepted Answer

John's development of a greater tolerance for noise after switching careers is an example of adaptation, or the ability to adjust and adapt to new situations or environments.

Question 16

Most of the behaviors studied by those with an interest in abnormal psychology are related to failures in

Accepted Answer

Abnormal psychology focuses on studying behaviors that deviate from the norm and are often related to failures in adaptation, such as maladaptive behaviors, thought patterns, and emotional responses. Vulnerability, stigmatization, and balancing hormone levels may also be factors in some abnormal behaviors, but they are not the primary focus of the field.

Question 17

By definition, all maladaptive behavior is considered to be

Accepted Answer

The answer of By definition, all maladaptive behavior is considered...

Question 18

When a psychologist describes behavior as maladaptive, this indicates that:

Accepted Answer

Describing behavior as maladaptive indicates that there is a problem that is causing difficulty in the person's ability to function in their daily life. It may be due to vulnerabilities or other factors, but it is negatively impacting their ability to cope and manage stress effectively.

Question 19

What does the study of the history of abnormal psychology reveal about theories of maladaptive behavior?

Accepted Answer

The study of the history of abnormal psychology reveals that theories of maladaptive behavior have resurfaced over and over again throughout history. While some theories may have been short-lived, others have persisted and reemerged in different forms. This suggests that theories of maladaptive behavior are not static or independent of social mores, but rather dynamic, changing over time and influenced by cultural and historical factors. It also suggests that theories have not necessarily become progressively more enlightened, but rather have evolved in complex and often unpredictable ways.

Question 20

The technique called exorcism is based on the assumption that mental illness is caused by:

Accepted Answer

The technique of exorcism is based on the belief that mental illness is caused by evil spirits, which need to be expelled from the body.

Quiz 1: Introduction