ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC 3230) STUDY GUIDE
TEST EXAM
1. Which of the following best defines abnormal psychology?
A. The study of normal behavior
B. The study of behavior patterns that deviate from societal norms
C. The study of genetics and biology
D. The study of learning processes
Answer: B
Explanation: Abnormal psychology focuses on behavior that differs from what is typical or
culturally expected, often involving mental disorders or psychological dysfunctions.
2. Which manual is primarily used for diagnosing mental disorders?
A. ICD-10
B. DSM-5
C. APA Manual
D. WHO Manual
Answer: B
Explanation: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-
5) is the standard classification system used by mental health professionals in the U.S.
3. The term etiology refers to:
A. The classification of disorders
B. The study of causes of mental disorders
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,ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC 3230) STUDY GUIDE
TEST EXAM
C. The prognosis of treatment
D. The prevalence of diseases
Answer: B
Explanation: Etiology is the study of the causes or origins of psychological disorders.
4. The biological model of abnormality focuses on:
A. Environmental factors
B. Social norms
C. Genetic, biochemical, and neurological factors
D. Cultural traditions
Answer: C
Explanation: The biological model attributes mental disorders to biological causes such as
genetics, brain structure, or neurotransmitter imbalances.
5. Which neurotransmitter is most linked with depression?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Acetylcholine
D. GABA
Answer: B
Explanation: Low levels of serotonin are commonly associated with mood disorders,
particularly depression.
6. The psychodynamic model of abnormal behavior was proposed by:
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,ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC 3230) STUDY GUIDE
TEST EXAM
A. B.F. Skinner
B. Sigmund Freud
C. Albert Bandura
D. Carl Rogers
Answer: B
Explanation: Freud’s psychodynamic theory emphasizes unconscious conflicts and early
childhood experiences in shaping abnormal behavior.
7. The behavioral model views abnormal behavior as:
A. A result of repressed thoughts
B. A learned response to environmental stimuli
C. A genetic predisposition
D. A cognitive distortion
Answer: B
Explanation: Behavioral theorists, such as Skinner and Watson, argue that abnormal behaviors
are learned through conditioning.
8. Cognitive theory suggests that abnormal behavior results from:
A. Faulty thinking patterns
B. Genetic defects
C. Poor socialization
D. Traumatic brain injury
Answer: A
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, ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC 3230) STUDY GUIDE
TEST EXAM
Explanation: Cognitive models emphasize that distorted or irrational thought processes can lead
to maladaptive emotions and behaviors.
9. A person who believes “I must be perfect or I’m worthless” exhibits which cognitive
error?
A. Overgeneralization
B. All-or-nothing thinking
C. Catastrophizing
D. Personalization
Answer: B
Explanation: All-or-nothing thinking is a cognitive distortion where one sees things in absolute
terms — either perfect or a failure.
10. The diathesis-stress model proposes that:
A. Environment alone causes mental disorders
B. Genes determine behavior
C. Disorders result from the interaction between vulnerability and stress
D. Only stress leads to disorders
Answer: C
Explanation: This model states that a biological or psychological predisposition (diathesis)
combined with environmental stress can trigger a disorder.
11. Which perspective emphasizes self-actualization and free will?
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TEST EXAM
1. Which of the following best defines abnormal psychology?
A. The study of normal behavior
B. The study of behavior patterns that deviate from societal norms
C. The study of genetics and biology
D. The study of learning processes
Answer: B
Explanation: Abnormal psychology focuses on behavior that differs from what is typical or
culturally expected, often involving mental disorders or psychological dysfunctions.
2. Which manual is primarily used for diagnosing mental disorders?
A. ICD-10
B. DSM-5
C. APA Manual
D. WHO Manual
Answer: B
Explanation: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-
5) is the standard classification system used by mental health professionals in the U.S.
3. The term etiology refers to:
A. The classification of disorders
B. The study of causes of mental disorders
1|Page
,ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC 3230) STUDY GUIDE
TEST EXAM
C. The prognosis of treatment
D. The prevalence of diseases
Answer: B
Explanation: Etiology is the study of the causes or origins of psychological disorders.
4. The biological model of abnormality focuses on:
A. Environmental factors
B. Social norms
C. Genetic, biochemical, and neurological factors
D. Cultural traditions
Answer: C
Explanation: The biological model attributes mental disorders to biological causes such as
genetics, brain structure, or neurotransmitter imbalances.
5. Which neurotransmitter is most linked with depression?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Acetylcholine
D. GABA
Answer: B
Explanation: Low levels of serotonin are commonly associated with mood disorders,
particularly depression.
6. The psychodynamic model of abnormal behavior was proposed by:
2|Page
,ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC 3230) STUDY GUIDE
TEST EXAM
A. B.F. Skinner
B. Sigmund Freud
C. Albert Bandura
D. Carl Rogers
Answer: B
Explanation: Freud’s psychodynamic theory emphasizes unconscious conflicts and early
childhood experiences in shaping abnormal behavior.
7. The behavioral model views abnormal behavior as:
A. A result of repressed thoughts
B. A learned response to environmental stimuli
C. A genetic predisposition
D. A cognitive distortion
Answer: B
Explanation: Behavioral theorists, such as Skinner and Watson, argue that abnormal behaviors
are learned through conditioning.
8. Cognitive theory suggests that abnormal behavior results from:
A. Faulty thinking patterns
B. Genetic defects
C. Poor socialization
D. Traumatic brain injury
Answer: A
3|Page
, ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC 3230) STUDY GUIDE
TEST EXAM
Explanation: Cognitive models emphasize that distorted or irrational thought processes can lead
to maladaptive emotions and behaviors.
9. A person who believes “I must be perfect or I’m worthless” exhibits which cognitive
error?
A. Overgeneralization
B. All-or-nothing thinking
C. Catastrophizing
D. Personalization
Answer: B
Explanation: All-or-nothing thinking is a cognitive distortion where one sees things in absolute
terms — either perfect or a failure.
10. The diathesis-stress model proposes that:
A. Environment alone causes mental disorders
B. Genes determine behavior
C. Disorders result from the interaction between vulnerability and stress
D. Only stress leads to disorders
Answer: C
Explanation: This model states that a biological or psychological predisposition (diathesis)
combined with environmental stress can trigger a disorder.
11. Which perspective emphasizes self-actualization and free will?
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