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A LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
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A LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
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A LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY EXAMQUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) - Answer-Abnormal behavior is seen as vivid and
unpredictable, causes observer discomfort and violates moral or ideal standards
because it differs from most other people's behavior and standards. Part of the
"Deviation from Social Norms" definition of abnormality.
Szasz (1960) - Answer-Another supporter of the "Deviation from Social Norms"
definition of abnormality. Argues that abnormality, especially relating to certain mental
disorders, is a socially constructed concept. This construction then allows for labeling of
psychological patients. Szasz is also a big critic of the classification system utilized in
diagnosis of mental disorders, based on the ethical implications associated with
labeling.
Jahoda (1958) - Answer-Part of the "deviation from ideal mental health" definition of
abnormality. Describes several characteristics that mentally healthy people should
possess, such as the ability to introspect, integration and balance of personality, self-
actualization, autonomy, ability to cope with stress and see the world as it really is, and
environmental mastery. However, even "sane" people do not achieve all of these
characteristics.
Maslow - Answer-Argues that very few people actually achieve self-actualization.
Heather (1976) - Answer-Criticizes the medical model of abnormality. Represents this
model's assumption that there is always and underlying biological cause for
psychological disorders. Suggests that the basis of defining abnormality is often
governed by social and moral considerations rather than biological.
Psychoanalytic Approach to Abnormality - Answer-Popularized by Freud. Notion of
normality is a balance between id impulses, the conscience of the ego, and the values
of the superego. Abnormality is the result of thwarted id impulses, repression of
traumatic events, or unresolved unconscious conflicts. The difference between the
"normal" and "abnormal" is in degree of expression of abnormal tendencies. Utilizes
directive therapy.
Behavioral Approach to Abnormality - Answer-Behaviorism centers around the belief
that all behavior is resulting from learned causes. Processes of learning include
classical conditioning and reinforcement. A notion of normality centers around a
"learning history" (i.e. a network of behavioral causes within an individual) that has
provided an adequately large selection of adaptive responses (i.e. good/normal
behavior). Important behaviorists included Pavlov, Watson, and B. F. Skinner. Utilizes
directive therapy.
,Cognitive Approach to Abnormality - Answer-You are normal if: you're cognitive thought
processes are rational and properly functioning and sufficiently used to accurately
perceive the world and control behavior. Basically, you're normal if you can think
soundly. You ain't right if: you have unrealistic, distorted, or irrational understanding and
thoughts about the self, others, or the environment. Also cannot use conscious thought
processes to sufficiently dictate actions. Involves semi-directive therapy.
Humanistic Approach to Abnormality - Answer-You're normal if: you have a positive self-
regard, the ability to self-actualize, healthy interpersonal relationships, and responsibility
and control over life. You ain't right if: oh wait, no. Humanists believe that everyone is
special and unique and rejects psychological labels, for they view them as
"stigmatizing." However, humanists recognize "problems with living" that often result
from interpersonal relationships, and undesirable environmental circumstances.
Involves non-directive therapy.
Nomothetic - Answer-Refers to a debate in psychology. This branch, as opposed to
idiographic, involves the studying of similarities between individuals and generalization.
Idiographic - Answer-Refers to a debate in psychology. This branch, as opposed to
nomothetic, recognizes individual differences more and proposes that
psychologists/psychiatrists should treat and/or study people with regards to the
subject/patient's own background and personality, isolated from the phenomena
observed in others.
Statistical Infrequency - Answer-A definition of abnormality that states that a behavior is
abnormal if it is statistically infrequent. Imagine a bell curve. This definition is lacking in
that there is subjectivity in defining the degree of infrequency for one to be considered
"abnormal." Other criticisms are that some disorders are not statistically infrequent, that
infrequency does not designate desirability, and that depending on the sample used for
statistical comparison, there may be cultural/regional discrepancies.
Deviation from Social Norms - Answer-Social norms can be defined as generally
accepted rules governing society. They are established through perception and the
formation of social complexes within individuals. Examples include wearing clothes, and
not acting "crazy." This definition of abnormality considers one abnormal if they violate
these accepted standards. This definition is very subjective. For example, depression
may be perceived as normal in certain circumstances.
Failure to Function Adequately - Answer-This definition of abnormality is fairly self-
explanatory. According to this definition, abnormality results from maladaptive behaviors
that may adversely affect the individual.
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health - Answer-This definition of abnormality involves the
inability to meet a set of characteristics (or an adequate portion of them) that have been
deemed typical of a "sane" individual. This definition is often seen as too idealistic.
, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder - Answer-The major diagnostic
classification system in psychology.
Beck et al. (1962) - Answer-Demonstrated the failure and inconsistency of early
diagnostic classification systems. Multiple psychologists diagnosed the same 153
patients, and researchers found that agreement was only 54%.
Cooper et al. (1972) - Answer-Also represented the weaknesses of early classification
systems. NY psychiatrists were twice as likely to diagnose schizophrenia than their
London counterparts.
Di Nardo et al. (1993) - Answer-Tested the DSM III-R for reliability among anxiety
disorders. Found that certain disorders had greater reliability than others. For example,
OCD and social phobia were of greater reliability than generalized anxiety disorder.
Rosenhan (1973) - Answer-See core studies for more info. Demonstrated the failures of
mental hospitals in actively diagnosing and assessing the state of patients.
Temerline (1970) - Answer-Demonstrated biases in psychological diagnoses. Found
that clinically trained psychiatrists and clinical psychologists could be influenced in their
diagnosis by hearing the opinion of a respected authority.
Scheff (1966) - Answer-Criticizes the classification system. Suggests that labeling
people as "abnormal" helps society overcome its anxiety and establish clear norms of
reality and appropriate behavior.
Goffman - Answer-Describes the adverse effects of institutionalization. Argues that the
identity of the patient is gradually lost to the institution, and that patients may internalize
their role of "mentally ill patient," which could worsen their disorder rather than
improving it.
Doherty (1975) - Answer-Points out that those who reject the "mental illness" label tend
to improve more quickly than those who accept it. A counterexample to this is
alcoholism.
Gove (1970, 1990) - Answer-Found that the stigmatizing effects of labeling are short-
lived
Major and Crocker (1993) - Answer-Found that the effect of labeling on a person's self-
esteem is difficult to predict.
Langer and Abelson (1974) - Answer-Showed that prejudice does indeed exist in
society with regards to people diagnosed with a mental illness.
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