Question 1

In 1866 what did the British physician Langdon Down describe for the first time?

Accepted Answer

Langdon Down described a subgroup of mental retardation which is now commonly known as Down Syndrome.

Question 2

The majority of individuals with mental retardation are classified as mildly mentally retarded. What level of academic functioning do these individuals typically achieve?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with mild mental retardation typically have intellectual functioning that falls within the range of 50-70 IQ points. They may be able to learn academics up to approximately a sixth-grade level with appropriate support and accommodations. However, it is important to note that each individual with mental retardation will have unique strengths and challenges, and academic achievement may vary.

Question 3

A psychologist administered an IQ test to Jonathan, age 12, and found his IQ was 30. Jonathan also exhibits poor motor development and poor communication skills. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

An IQ score of 30 falls under the category of severe mental retardation, which is characterized by significant developmental delays in both intellectual functioning (IQ) and adaptive behavior (motor and communication skills). Savant syndrome is not a likely diagnosis as it is typically accompanied by exceptional abilities in specific domains despite overall intellectual disabilities. Korsakoff's syndrome is a form of amnesia caused by alcoholism and is not related to developmental delay or IQ. While Jonathan's IQ score qualifies him for a diagnosis of moderate mental retardation, the presence of poor motor development and communication skills suggest a more severe diagnosis of severe mental retardation.

Question 4

Martin is now 17 years of age and his IQ scores have been steadily declining for the past several years and he has been losing important skills. His most recent IQ score is 55. As you think about whether to diagnose Martin with mental retardation, you remind yourself that this is an unusual case because

Accepted Answer

Mental retardation, also known as intellectual disability, is typically a lifelong condition that is present from an early age and is characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. It does not usually involve the loss of skills or a notable change in condition, as described in option C. Therefore, Martin's case is unusual and requires careful evaluation to determine the cause of his declining cognitive abilities. Option A is incorrect because an IQ score below the cutoff of 70 is not the only criterion for a diagnosis of mental retardation. Option B is incorrect because age is not the primary factor in making a diagnosis of mental retardation. Option D is incorrect because IQ scores are a valid and reliable measure of intellectual functioning in individuals with mental retardation, although they should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical assessments.

Question 5

Jim has been diagnosed as mentally retarded. In her report, a social worker notes that Jim is likely to need close supervision for community living over a long term. What term does the DSM-IV-TR use to describe the type of mental retardation that would need this level of support?

Accepted Answer

According to the DSM-IV-TR, individuals with severe mental retardation require a high level of support for community living over the long term. Mild mental retardation may require some support, while moderate mental retardation requires more extensive support. Profound mental retardation requires constant support and assistance with basic needs. Therefore, based on the social worker's report of Jim needing close supervision for community living over a long term, severe mental retardation would be the appropriate choice.

Question 6

Which of the following events is the most likely reason that a person formerly classified as mentally retarded would no longer be classified as such a few years later?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following events is the...

Question 7

Approximately what percentage of cases of mental retardation can be attributed to known biological abnormalities?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Approximately what percentage of cases of mental...

Question 8

What is the most common recognized biological cause of mental retardation?

Accepted Answer

Down syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in developmental delays and intellectual disability. It is the most commonly recognized biological cause of mental retardation. PKU is a genetic disorder that can cause intellectual disability if left untreated, but it is not as common as Down syndrome. Lead poisoning can also lead to intellectual disability, but it is not the most common cause. Fragile X syndrome is a genetic disorder that can cause intellectual disability, but it is less common than Down syndrome.

Question 9

Which of the following mentally retarded individuals is most likely to be diagnosed with a form of retardation that is due to a known biological origin?

Accepted Answer

Individuals who have physical handicaps are more likely to have a known biological origin for their mental retardation. This could be due to factors such as brain damage or genetic abnormalities. In contrast, mental retardation that is caused by environmental factors, such as poverty or lack of education, is referred to as socio-cultural retardation and is more common among individuals like Edward who lives in a poor neighborhood. Age at diagnosis and severity of mental retardation are not necessarily indicative of the cause of the condition.

Question 10

What category of mental retardation has the smallest number of individuals?

Accepted Answer

According to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), the category of profound mental retardation has the smallest number of individuals. This is because it represents the most severe level of intellectual disability, and individuals with this level of disability often have significant impairments in multiple areas of functioning, including communication, self-care, mobility, and social interactions. As a result, they may require around-the-clock support and care, which can be very challenging for families and service providers to provide.

Question 11

What is the primary purpose for which IQ tests were designed?

Accepted Answer

IQ tests were originally designed to identify children who may benefit from extra assistance or specialized programs in school, by measuring their potential for academic success.

Question 12

Even though more than 2.3 percent of people have IQs below the 70 cutoff, the best estimate is that only 1 percent of the population has mental retardation. The prevalence of mental retardation is lower that the prevalence of low IQs because

Accepted Answer

Many adults with low IQs have adequate adaptive skills, which means they are able to function independently in society. Mental retardation is diagnosed not just based on IQ scores, but also on impairments in adaptive skills. Therefore, not all individuals with low IQs meet the criteria for a diagnosis of mental retardation.

Question 13

Compared to IQ scores of people in the normal range of intelligence, evidence indicates that the IQ tests scores of people with mental retardation are

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compared to IQ scores of people in...

Question 14

The statistic in which you add a group of scores together and then divide by the number of those scores is called the

Accepted Answer

The mean is calculated by adding all the scores together and then dividing by the total number of scores. This gives a measure of the average score in the group. The median is the middle score when the scores are listed in order of magnitude, while the mode is the most frequently occurring score. The variance is a measure of how spread out the scores are from the mean.

Question 15

In addition to an IQ test, which of the following instruments might be used to make a diagnosis of mental retardation?

Accepted Answer

The Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales is a standardized assessment tool used to evaluate the adaptive behavior of individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with mental retardation. It assesses skills in communication, daily living skills, socialization, and motor skills. The other instruments listed are not appropriate for diagnosing mental retardation. The Scholastic Aptitude Test measures academic abilities, the Halstead Reitan Neuropsychological Battery assesses brain function, and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory evaluates personality traits and psychopathology.

Question 16

What evidence do psychologists put forth in support of the validity of intelligence tests?

Accepted Answer

IQ scores correlate significantly with school achievement, which supports the validity of intelligence tests as they predict academic performance.

Question 17

What did the developers of the DSM-IV-TR seek to accomplish when they decided that mental retardation should be coded on Axis II rather than Axis I?

Accepted Answer

The Axis II coding would focus attention on the emotional problems associated with mental retardation.

Question 18

A culture-fair IQ test

Accepted Answer

A culture-fair IQ test is designed to contain material that is equally familiar to people from diverse backgrounds, in order to eliminate cultural bias and provide a more accurate measure of intelligence.

Question 19

Alfred Binet and Theophile Simon developed the first intelligence test in 1905 in response to a request by the French government to identify

Accepted Answer

The French government wanted to identify children who required special educational services, so Binet and Simon developed a test to assess children's intellectual abilities and identify those who needed additional support.

Question 20

Jerry is 21 years old and lives in a group home with people similar to him. When he was six years old, his IQ was determined to be 54. Subsequent IQ tests indicate that it has changed little; he has few physical impairments. Although he was much older than the other students when he finished, he was able to complete sixth grade. What is Jerry's most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Jerry's IQ score of 54 falls within the range of mild mental retardation (IQ score of 50-70). Additionally, his ability to complete sixth grade, albeit at a much older age, suggests that he is functioning at a relatively high level despite his intellectual disability. Severe, profound, and moderate mental retardation would typically bring more significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.

Quiz 15: Mental Retardation and Pervasive Developmental Disorders