Research Methods
What is the primary concern when discussing internal and external validity in research in psychopathology?
a) Internal validity relates to experimental control, while external validity relates to generalizability.
b) Internal validity concerns ethical principles, while external validity concerns statistical significance.
c) Internal validity is related to ethical considerations, while external validity is concerned with research designs.
d) Internal and external validity are synonymous terms in psychopathology research.
Correct Answer: a) Internal validity relates to experimental control, while external validity relates to generalizability.
Which division of the nervous system is responsible for the fight or flight response?
a. Parasympathetic.
b. Sympathetic.
c. Central.
d. Peripheral.
b. Sympathetic.
Of those who are diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, most will have _________.
a. obsessions only
b. compulsions only
c. obsessions or compulsions, depending on the severity of their symptoms
d. both obsessions and compulsions
d. both obsessions and compulsions
This disorder is associated with having a greater than expected behavioral or emotional response to a stressor.
a. Adjustment disorder.
b. Dissociative identity disorder.
c. Post-traumatic stress disorder.
d. Depersonalization-derealization disorder.
a. Adjustment disorder.
Which of the following conditions is characterized by uncontrolled eating with distress without the engagement of compensatory behavior?
a. Binge-eating disorder.
b. Anorexia nervosa, restricting type.
c. Bulimia nervosa.
d. Caloric restriction disorder.
a. Binge-eating disorder.
Shinje has been isolated from their family since the pandemic began. They no longer find pleasure in baking sourdough bread, or in video calls with family. Shinje is most likely a person with which of the following types of disorders?
a. Bipolar disorder.
b. Manic episodes.
c. Depressive disorder.
d. Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder.
c. Depressive disorder.
Which of the following terms describes a condition in which a person has lost some contact with reality?
a. Schizophrenia.
b. Psychosis.
c. Avolition.
d. Anhedonia.
b. Psychosis.
Which of the following best describes the key difference between statistical and clinical significance?
a) Statistical significance concerns the magnitude of the effect, while clinical significance relates to sample size.
b) Statistical significance pertains to the probability of obtaining results by chance, while clinical significance concerns practical relevance.
c) Statistical significance is primarily concerned with ethical principles, while clinical significance focuses on control groups.
d) Statistical and clinical significance are interchangeable terms in psychopathology research.
Correct Answer: b) Statistical significance pertains to the probability of obtaining results by chance, while clinical significance concerns practical relevance.
2. What is the purpose of the fight or flight response?
a. To decrease the amount of oxygen the body needs to function.
b. To decrease the body’s heart rate to conserve energy.
c. To allow the body to rest after dealing with a stressor.
d. To prepare the body to deal with a stressor.
d. To prepare the body to deal with a stressor.
Which of the following would be considered an obsession?
a. Locking and unlocking a door many times in a row.
b. Repeated hand washing.
c. Endlessly thinking that one has become contaminated.
d. Counting objects in certain patterns.
c. Endlessly thinking that one has become contaminated.
The condition that used to be called multiple personality disorder is now known as _______.
a. acute stress disorder
b. depersonalization-derealization disorder
c. dissociative identity disorder
d. post-traumatic stress disorder
c. dissociative identity disorder
Karson experiences an intense fear of gaining weight and attempts to control her weight by limiting what she eats. Which of the following conditions does she most likely have?
a. Anorexia nervosa, restricting type.
b. Bulimia nervosa.
c. Anorexia nervosa, binge-eating/purging type.
d. Binge-eating disorder.
a. Anorexia nervosa, restricting type.
Which one of the following best describes a disorder type characterized by alternating between very sad moods and extremely happy moods?
a. Bipolar.
b. Depressive.
c. Manic.
d. Eating.
a. Bipolar.
Psychotic disorders are characterized by positive symptoms and negative symptoms. What is the difference between these symptoms?
a. Positive symptoms are an addition to what is typically expected in the human experience; negative symptoms are deficits in expected behaviors.
b. Negative symptoms are an addition to what is typically expected in the human experience; positive symptoms are deficits in expected behaviors.
c. Positive symptoms are viewed as good by those who experience them; negative symptoms are seen as harmful by those who experience them.
d. Negative symptoms are viewed as good by those who experience them; positive symptoms are seen as harmful by those who experience them.
a. Positive symptoms are an addition to what is typically expected in the human experience; negative symptoms are deficits in expected behaviors.
Why are ethical principles crucial in the research process in psychopathology?
a) They help establish internal validity.
b) They ensure clinical significance.
c) They protect research participants.
d) They enhance statistical significance.
c) They protect research participants.
A period of intense fear or discomfort that is accompanied by physical symptoms is known as ______.
a. a compulsion
b. agoraphobia
c. a panic attack
d. a specific phobia
c. a panic attack
This disorder is associated with imagined deficits in appearance and compensatory behaviors to reduce anxiety about these imagined deficits.
a. Excoriation disorder.
b. Trichotillomania.
c. Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
d. Body dysmorphic disorder.
d. Body dysmorphic disorder.
Why is there controversy around the DSM criteria that allows for media exposure to count as a traumatic experience?
a. Media exposure can count as a traumatic experience only if it is part of a person’s job.
b. Media exposure can count as a traumatic experience only if it is not part of a person’s job.
c. The DSM currently does not allow for media exposure to count as a traumatic experience.
d. Media exposure can count as a traumatic experience, but only if the exposure was over the course of several hours.
a. Media exposure can count as a traumatic experience only if it is part of a person’s job.
Rick has a dangerously low body weight. He is fearful of gaining weight, so he engages in compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain when he eats. Which of the following conditions does Rick most likely have?
a. Bulimia nervosa.
b. Eating disorder, not otherwise specified.
c. Binge-eating disorder.
d. Anorexia nervosa, binge-eating/purging type.
d. Anorexia nervosa, binge-eating/purging type.
For the past seven days, Eliceo has had hypersomnia and a lack of interest in his usual hobbies. He has felt very down, has no motivation, and has been isolating from friends. Which is the best way to describe what Eliceo is going through?
a. Clinical major depression.
b. Mood disorder.
c. Manic episode.
d. Major depressive episode.
d. Major depressive episode.
Which of the following describes a difference between delusions and hallucinations?
a. Delusions are the experience of false beliefs while hallucinations are the experience of sensory perception without corresponding sensory input.
b. Hallucinations are the experience of false beliefs while delusions are the experience of sensory perception without corresponding sensory input.
c. Delusions are considered to be a negative symptom of psychosis, while hallucinations are considered to be a positive symptom of psychosis.
d. Hallucinations are considered to be a negative symptom of psychosis, while delusions are considered to be a positive symptom of psychosis.
a. Delusions are the experience of false beliefs while hallucinations are the experience of sensory perception without corresponding sensory input.
Which research design is most appropriate for studying cause-and-effect relationships in psychopathology?
a) Case study
b) Correlational research
c) Experimental research
d) Genetic linkage analysis
Correct Answer: c) Experimental research
Which class of medication would be helpful to calm the fight or flight response as it is occurring?
a. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
b. Antipsychotic.
c. Benzodiazepines.
d. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
c. Benzodiazepines.
Which of the following describes the difference between obsessions and compulsions?
a. Obsessions are unwanted and disturbing thoughts while compulsions are a behavior or mental action someone feels they must to do combat an obsession.
b. Compulsions are unwanted thoughts that people can combat with behaviors or mental actions called obsessions.
c. Compulsions can exist alone without obsessions.
d. Obsessions are mental actions and compulsions are physical actions that someone engages in combat unwanted thoughts.
a. Obsessions are unwanted and disturbing thoughts while compulsions are a behavior or mental action someone feels they must to do combat an obsession.
Two weeks ago, Alex’s house caught on fire. He has been having sleeping difficulties, problems with concentration, and increased irritability. Which of the following is Alex most likely experiencing?
a. Acute stress disorder.
b. Depersonalization-derealization disorder.
c. Dissociative identity disorder.
d. Post-traumatic stress disorder.
a. Acute stress disorder.
Multiple times a week, Ken feels out of control as he consumes large amounts of food. He feels distressed after this happens, but he doesn’t engage in any compensatory behaviors to counteract his overeating. Which of the following conditions does he most likely have?
a. Binge-eating disorder.
b. Anorexia nervosa.
c. Bulimia nervosa.
d. Rumination disorder.
a. Binge-eating disorder.
Greta lost her van fleet in a flood four days ago. Since then she has felt depressed, lost her appetite, lacks energy and has trouble concentrating. Which of the following best explains Greta’s symptoms?
a. Dysthymic episode.
b. Major depression.
c. Hypomanic episode.
d. Manic episode.
a. Dysthymic episode.
Why are symptoms like hallucinations and delusions referred to as positive symptoms?
a. These are signs that someone is experiencing a less severe form of schizophrenia.
b. These symptoms are only displayed when someone is coming out of a psychotic episode.
c. They are symptoms that are in addition to what is expected in the typical human experience.
d. These symptoms are typically viewed as enjoyable by those who experience them.
c. They are symptoms that are in addition to what is expected in the typical human experience.
In a single-case experimental design, what is the primary objective?
a) To study correlations between variables
b) To examine genetic and familial factors
c) To investigate the effects of an intervention on an individual
d) To assess the cultural impact on behavior
Correct Answer: c) To investigate the effects of an intervention on an individual
Cognitive-behavioral models of treatment for panic disorders can focus on reducing clients' tendency to interpret bodily sensations as anxiety. This tendency is also known as _________.
a. the fight or flight response
b. anxiety sensitivity
c. systematic desensitization
d. phobia acquisition
b. anxiety sensitivity
Although OCD and hoarding disorder are in the same category in the DSM, research has found these disorders are quite different from each other. Which of the following statements are true about the relationship between OCD and hoarding disorder?
a. People with hoarding disorder often feel like their need to hoard is unwanted or intrusive, while people with OCD don’t feel like their thoughts are unwanted or intrusive.
b. A hallmark of OCD is the presence of unwanted or intrusive thoughts; people with hoarding disorder often don’t feel like their need to hoard is unwanted or intrusive.
c. The age of onset of hoarding disorder is younger than the age of onset of OCD.
d. Hoarding disorder is a rare subtype of OCD that is only diagnosed in those over 21 years of age.
b. A hallmark of OCD is the presence of unwanted or intrusive thoughts; people with hoarding disorder often don’t feel like their need to hoard is unwanted or intrusive.
Women are at higher risk for which of the following traumatic experiences?
a. Automobile accidents.
b. Sexual violence.
c. Workplace violence.
d. Witnessing death or serious injury.
b. Sexual violence.
Russell’s sign is a callus on the back of the hand that is seen in some people with ________.
a. bulimia nervosa
b. binge-eating disorder
c. fasting disorder
d. anorexia nervosa
a. bulimia nervosa
Nikola suddenly decided that he had figured out the world’s energy problems. He immediately began to sell his belongings, excitedly telling his relatives that his breakthrough would save the world. His excitement was greater than his plans, however, and he later realized he acted rashly. Which of the following is indicated in this scenario?
a. Manic episode.
b. Dysthymic episode.
c. Depressive episode.
d. Bipolar disorder.
a. Manic episode.
Rosa lacks emotional expression when talking with others. She makes little eye contact, her speech lacks intonation, and she has little body movements that give an emotional emphasis to her speech. Which of the following is Rosa experiencing?
a. Catatonia.
b. Avolition.
c. Anhedonia.
d. Flat affect.
d. Flat affect.
What is the role of control groups in experimental designs in psychopathology research?
a) To ensure statistical significance
b) To provide a comparison for the experimental group
c) To establish ethical principles
d) To maintain clinical significance
b) To provide a comparison for the experimental group
Which anxiety disorder is associated with excessive worry that isn’t linked to any particular situation or object?
a. Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
b. Specific phobia.
c. Generalized anxiety disorder.
d. Agoraphobia.
c. Generalized anxiety disorder.
Why is behavioral exposure considered to be the main treatment for obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in the cognitive behavioral approach?
a. Repeated exposure to a stressor will cause the client’s anxiety to decrease over time.
b. Exposure to a stressor over many sessions will make the client’s anxiety significantly increase.
c. Behavioral exposure allows clients to engage in their maladaptive behaviors in a safe environment, which causes their anxiety to lessen.
d. Clients are not allowed to engage in their maladaptive behaviors when undergoing treatment, so when they are able to engage in these behaviors outside of treatment, they experience greater relief in their anxiety.
a. Repeated exposure to a stressor will cause the client’s anxiety to decrease over time.
Which of the following is a primary difference between acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder?
a. Acute stress disorder is considered to be a more severe condition than post-traumatic stress disorder.
b. Post-traumatic stress disorder is considered to be a more severe condition than acute stress disorder.
c. Post-traumatic stress disorder is diagnosed in a shorter timeframe than acute stress disorder.
d. Acute stress disorder is diagnosed in a shorter timeframe than post-traumatic stress disorder.
d. Acute stress disorder is diagnosed in a shorter timeframe than post-traumatic stress disorder.
How do compensatory behaviors relieve symptoms related to bulimia nervosa?
a. These behaviors may not influence a person’s anxiety they have after a binge, but they can influence a person’s weight.
b. These behaviors may not influence a person’s weight, but they can help reduce anxiety people have after a binge.
c. These behaviors have no influence on a person’s weight or the anxiety people have after a binge.
d. Compensatory behaviors do not relieve any symptoms related to bulimia nervosa.
b. These behaviors may not influence a person’s weight, but they can help reduce anxiety people have after a binge.
While watching the local news, Abishola realized she had won the lottery. She was very excited, but carefully thought about who she should tell and whether she should hire a tax attorney. In this scenario, Abishola has demonstrated which of the following?
a. Depressive episode.
b. Dysthymic episode.
c. Manic episode.
d. Hypomanic episode.
d. Hypomanic episode.
Which of the following terms describes a problem with movement that is sometimes seen in people experiencing psychosis?
a. Hallucinations.
b. Anhedonia.
c. Catatonia.
d. Delusions.
c. Catatonia.
Which genetic research strategy examines the heritability of specific traits within families?
a) Adoption studies/Twin studies
b) Family experimental studies
c) Genetic linkage analysis
d) Association studies
a) Adoption studies/Twin studies
Which of the following best describes why someone with agoraphobia may avoid leaving their house?
a. To avoid situations in which having a panic attack would be dangerous or embarrassing.
b. To avoid the feeling of being scrutinized by others.
c. To avoid coming into contact with objects with which they have a phobia.
d. To avoid situations that could lead to perceived contamination.
a. To avoid situations in which having a panic attack would be dangerous or embarrassing.
What is the relationship between an obsession and the nature of a compulsion?
a. Compulsions are always linked to the nature of an obsession.
b. Compulsions are often linked to the nature of an obsession.
c. Compulsions are rarely linked to the nature of an obsession.
d. Compulsions are linked to the nature of an obsession in only some populations.
b. Compulsions are often linked to the nature of an obsession.
People with PTSD or ASD typically have a(n) ______ sympathetic nervous system and HPA axis reaction compared to those without the conditions.
a. attenuated
b. less severe
c. lessened
d. heightened
d. heightened
Rhea has an intense fear of gaining weight and engages in significant food restrictions to prevent weight gain. Which condition is she most likely experiencing?
a. Bulimia nervosa.
b. Pica.
c. Binge-eating disorder.
d. Anorexia nervosa.
d. Anorexia nervosa.
Which of the following statements best explains the difference between major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder?
a. Major depressive disorder has more symptoms.
b. Persistent depressive disorder is more severe and lasts longer.
c. Persistent depressive disorder can subside for months at a time.
d. Major depressive disorder is more severe, but has a shorter duration.
b. Persistent depressive disorder is more severe and lasts longer.
Experiencing a lack of pleasure from positive stimuli is called _______.
a. psychosis
b. flat affect
c. avolition
d. anhedonia
d. anhedonia
What is the disadvantage of using family studies in genetic research?
a) They are costly and time-consuming.
b) It is challenging to determine the genetic basis of traits.
c) They cannot distinguish genetic and environmental influences.
d) They lack control groups.
Correct Answer: c) They cannot distinguish genetic and environmental influences.
Why doesn’t everyone who experiences anxiety receive an anxiety disorder diagnosis?
a. Anxiety is always adaptive and isn’t harmful for us to experience, as it is related to our survival.
b. Because everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, it can’t be considered a disorder.
c. In general, anxiety disorders are uncommon and are rarely diagnosed in the general population.
d. Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when someone’s anxiety causes them significant distress or impairment.
d. Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when someone’s anxiety causes them significant distress or impairment.
How would someone with and someone without obsessive-compulsive disorder handle the same thought, like believing they forgot to lock their door when they left their house?
a. Someone with OCD would likely have difficulty dismissing the thoughts while someone without OCD may be more easily able to dismiss them.
b. Someone with OCD would be more easily able to dismiss the thoughts while someone without OCD may not be able to dismiss them.
c. Someone without OCD may find the thought disturbing to think about, while someone with OCD likely would not find the thought disturbing.
d. Someone without OCD may believe that something terrible will happen while someone with OCD likely wouldn’t believe this.
a. Someone with OCD would likely have difficulty dismissing the thoughts while someone without OCD may be more easily able to dismiss them.
What is the difference between the timeline for a diagnosis of acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
a. A PTSD diagnosis can only occur after 30 days of symptoms have passed; ASD can be diagnosed sooner than 30 days.
b. A PTSD diagnosis can only occur after one year of symptoms have passed; ASD can be diagnosed sooner than 1 year.
c. An ASD diagnosis can only occur after one year of symptoms have passed; PTSD can be diagnosed sooner than 1 year.
d. An ASD diagnosis can only occur after 30 days of symptoms have passed; PTSD can be diagnosed sooner than 30 days.
a. A PTSD diagnosis can only occur after 30 days of symptoms have passed; ASD can be diagnosed sooner than 30 days.
Aditya has been diagnosed with binge-eating disorder and finds that she has difficulty disengaging from pleasurable activities, like eating. Which neurotransmitter is most likely responsible for this disorder?
a. Dopamine.
b. Serotonin.
c. Glutamate.
d. Acetylcholine.
a. Dopamine.
Ayla started to feel anxiety and lack of enjoyment soon after she gave birth. Which specifier would be appropriate to Ayla’s situation?
a. Peripartum onset.
b. Seasonal pattern.
c. Psychotic features.
d. Anxious distress.
a. Peripartum onset.
Mara experiences very strange and unusual ways of thinking, but no other symptoms of psychosis like hallucinations. Knowing this, which of the following conditions does Mara most likely have?
a. Schizophrenia.
b. Delusional disorder.
c. Schizophreniform disorder.
d. Brief psychotic disorder.
b. Delusional disorder.
How does studying behavior over time and across cultures contribute to the research process in psychopathology?
a) It ensures external validity.
b) It enhances clinical significance.
c) It provides insights into the impact of genetics on behavior.
d) It broadens the scope and understanding of psychopathology.
Correct Answer: d) It broadens the scope and understanding of psychopathology.
What is the difference between worry and fear?
a. Worry is focused on the present while fear is focused on the past or the future.
b. Fear is focused on the present while worry is focused on the past or the future.
c. Worry is a more extreme version of fear.
d. Fear is a more extreme version of worry.
b. Fear is focused on the present while worry is focused on the past or the future.
Marcus experiences hoarding disorder. Which of the following situations would most likely cause him anxiety?
a. Being in crowded places.
b. The thought of having a panic attack.
c. Public speaking.
d. Throwing things away.
d. Throwing things away.
Mateo has been feeling disconnected from himself and feeling as though he is watching things happen instead of experiencing them. Which of the following is he most likely experiencing?
a. Post-traumatic stress.
b. Amnesia.
c. Dissociation.
d. Derealization.
c. Dissociation.
What has research on twins suggested is the link between genetics and the diagnosis of anorexia and bulimia?
a. The development of bulimia, but not anorexia, is significantly influenced by genetic factors.
b. The development of anorexia, but not bulimia, is significantly influenced by genetic factors.
c. Neither anorexia or bulimia are significantly influenced by genetic factors.
d. The development of both anorexia and bulimia are significantly influenced by genetic factors.
d. The development of both anorexia and bulimia are significantly influenced by genetic factors.
herlyn’s parents are worried about them because the death of their friend has taken a significant toll. Sherlyn is having a hard time doing school work and enjoying life in general. Which of the following best describes Sherlyn’s experience?
a. Prolonged grief disorder.
b. Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder.
c. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.
d. Major depressive disorder.
a. Prolonged grief disorder.
After experiencing significant stress following a natural disaster, Maria suddenly developed positive symptoms of psychosis for about a week. These symptoms are significant enough to impact her overall functioning. Which of the following conditions did Maria most likely experience?
a. Schizoaffective disorder.
b. Schizophreniform disorder.
c. Brief psychotic disorder.
d. Schizophrenia.
c. Brief psychotic disorder.
What is the primary role of research ethics in psychopathology studies?
a) To establish statistical significance
b) To ensure the privacy of control groups
c) To protect the rights and well-being of research participants
d) To maximize the use of family studies
Correct Answer: c) To protect the rights and well-being of research participants.
Joseph has a diagnosis of social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder. Which of the following situations would he most likely have anxiety about?
a. Harming others.
b. Any situation that could cause embarrassment.
c. A specific object.
d. Discarding unneeded objects.
b. Any situation that could cause embarrassment.
Claudia has been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Based on this, which of the following symptoms would she be most likely to experience?
a. Anxiety about being in potentially embarrassing situations.
b. Unwanted and disturbing thoughts.
c. Difficulty throwing items away.
d. Fear of a specific object.
b. Unwanted and disturbing thoughts.
Every time Karl goes to the street he had a car accident on a few months ago, he finds that his heart rate increases and that he is more easily startled by sounds. Which of the following types of symptoms of trauma is Karl experiencing?
a. Hypervigilance.
b. Avoidance.
c. Re-experiencing the event.
d. Thought and mood disturbance.
a. Hypervigilance.
Some people with anorexia may develop amenorrhea, which is associated with ________.
a. hair loss
b. a drop of body temperature
c. the cessation of menstrual cycles
d. cardiac problems due to electrolyte imbalance
c. the cessation of menstrual cycles
Xi is a person who had a pattern of alternating between sad and happy episodes, but she never got extremely happy. Which of the following is the best description of what Xi is experiencing?
a. Bipolar I disorder.
b. Major depressive disorder.
c. Bipolar II disorder.
d. Obsessive compulsive disorder.
c. Bipolar II disorder.
What is the primary difference between schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder?
a. Symptoms of schizophreniform disorder last for a shorter time than symptoms in schizophrenia.
b. Symptoms of schizophrenia last for a shorter time than symptoms in schizophreniform disorder.
c. Schizophreniform disorder is a subtype of schizophrenia.
d. Schizophrenia is a subtype of schizophreniform disorder.
a. Symptoms of schizophreniform disorder last for a shorter time than symptoms in schizophrenia.a. meta-analysis