What's the definitional issue with Abnormal Psychology? correct answers There's no way to
define what the "abnormal" is; no one single indicator exists.
Indicators of Abnormality correct answers subjective distress, maladaptiveness, statistical
deviancy, violation of the standards of society, social discomfort, irrationality and
unpredictability, dangerousness
Maladaptiveness correct answers when a behavior interferes with our well being and ability to
enjoy work or interpersonal relationships
Statistical deviance correct answers behavior that is considered to be out of the "norm".
Why classify abnormality/mental disorders? correct answers diagnosis of psychological or
mental disorders represents a way of classifying patterns of abnormal behavior on the basis of
their common features or symptoms
What is the DSM? correct answers Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Disadvantages of classifying behaviors? correct answers Stigma, stereotyping, labeling (we may
describe any unfamiliar behavior we see as "abnormal")
Epidemiology correct answers Branch of medical science concerned with the incidence,
distribution, and control of diseases that affect large numbers of people.
Prevalence vs. Incidence correct answers Prevalence - number of cases at a particular time
Incidence - number of new cases
, Case Studies correct answers A research method in which a specific individual is observed and
described in detail.
Self report data correct answers A research method in which the data is provided by the
respondent.
Observational approaches correct answers Provided by someone else about another personal OR
mechanical recording; attempts to understand "cause and effects" of certain behaviors.
Pros + Cons of Case Studies correct answers Pros:
*Efficient for for finding rare diseases and/or conditions with a long latency period
*Less costly and time consuming
*Good for wanting to obtain exposure data.
Cons:
*Not as frequently done today
*Difficult to replicate
*Can't generalize result to rest of the population
*Subject to researcher's bias.
Pros + Cons of Self Report Data correct answers Pros:
Allows participants to include their own personal feelings/opinions.
Cons: Social desirability bias can be a big problem with self-report measures as participants
often answer in a way to portray themselves in a good light.
Pros + Cons of Observational Studies correct answers Pros:
*Attempts to understand "cause and effects" of certain behaviors.