Essentials of Abnormal Psychology 7th Edition Test Bank
Multiple Choice
1. According to the authors of your textbook, the definition of a psychological disorder is associated with
a. stress.
b. impaired functioning.
c. culturally expected responses.
d. psychotic
symptoms. ANSWER: b
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
OTHER: TYPE: Factual
2. A psychological dysfunction refers to
a. a breakdown in cognitive functioning.
b. a breakdown in emotional functioning.
c. a breakdown in behavioral functioning.
d. any of these
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Factual
NOTES: NEW
3. Regarding the definition of abnormality, it is correct to state that
a. it is difficult to define “normal” and “abnormal.”
b. abnormality depends solely on subjective distress.
c. the definition is universal across cultures.
d. the criteria differ depending on whether the individual has a psychological disorder or a
psychological dysfunction.
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Conceptual
,4. The criterion that a particular behavior be atypical or not culturally expected is insufficient to define
abnormality because
a. behavior that occurs infrequently is considered abnormal in every culture.
b. the atypical behavior must also cause harm or impairment to be considered abnormal.
c. behaviors vary very little from one individual to another within each culture.
d. many people behave in ways that deviate from the average, but this doesn’t mean that they have a disorder.
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Difficult
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
OTHER: TYPE: Conceptual
5. A male college student begins feeling sad and lonely. Although still able to go to classes and work at his job, he
finds himself feeling down much of the time and worries about what is happening to him. Which part of the definition
of abnormality applies to his situation?
a. Personal distress
b. Cultural factors
c. Impaired functioning
d. Violation of societal norms
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Applied
6. Which of the following degrees is earned by a psychiatrist?
a. Ph.D.
b. Ed.D.
c. M.D.
d. Psy.D.
ANSWER: c
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
OTHER: TYPE: Factual
7. Rocky Starr is a male rocker who wears outlandishmakeup and women’s clothing when performing on stage.
This behavior is considered
a. more abnormal than that of an accountant who starts to do so because rockstars are supposed to be very
masculine.
b. less abnormal than that of an accountant who starts to do so because it is consistent with his professional
success.
c. less abnormal than that of an accountant who starts to do so because its more common to see a rockstar
in makeup.
d. just as abnormal as that of an accountant who starts to do so because abnormality is defined by the individual
himself.
ANSWER: b
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
,REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Applied
NOTES: NEW
8. The prototype of a disorder reflects as described in DSM-5.
a. its history and prognosis
b. its biological underpinnings
c. The causes of pathology
d. the “typical” profile and diagnostic criteria
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Conceptual
9. The scientific study of psychological disorders is called
a. psychopathology.
b. psychoanalysis.
c. pseudoscience.
d. parapsychology.
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Factual
10. Dr. Smith is interested in how separation anxiety changes over time from childhood to adolescence in the
general population. What is his main field of study?
a. Oedipal theory
b. Behaviorism
c. Child psychopathology
d. Developmental psychology
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Conceptual
11. All of the following are ways in which mental health professionals might function as scientist-practitioners EXCEPT
, a. analyzing their own motivations and reasons for helping people with psychological problems.
b. evaluating their own assessments and treatments for effectiveness.
c. conducting research leading to new information about mental disorders and their treatments.
d. using the most current diagnostic and treatment procedures.
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Factual
12. Tameka, having earned her master’s degree, has begun treating disorders and concentrating on family
problems. Tameka is probably a(n)
a. psychiatric social worker.
b. family therapist.
c. psychiatric nurse.
d. mental health counselor.
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Applied
NOTES: NEW
13. Statistical data are often relevant when discussing psychological disorders. For example, a researcher might want
to know how many new cases of depression are diagnosed each year, a figure called the of the disorder.
a. prevalence
b. incidence
c. recurrence
d. ratio
ANSWER: b
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Factual
14. Psychological disorders can be described as following a typical course or individual pattern. For example,
schizophrenia follows a chronic course. On the other hand, mood disorders, including depression, follow a(n)
course.
a. episodic
b. acute
c. cyclic
d. insidious
Multiple Choice
1. According to the authors of your textbook, the definition of a psychological disorder is associated with
a. stress.
b. impaired functioning.
c. culturally expected responses.
d. psychotic
symptoms. ANSWER: b
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
OTHER: TYPE: Factual
2. A psychological dysfunction refers to
a. a breakdown in cognitive functioning.
b. a breakdown in emotional functioning.
c. a breakdown in behavioral functioning.
d. any of these
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Factual
NOTES: NEW
3. Regarding the definition of abnormality, it is correct to state that
a. it is difficult to define “normal” and “abnormal.”
b. abnormality depends solely on subjective distress.
c. the definition is universal across cultures.
d. the criteria differ depending on whether the individual has a psychological disorder or a
psychological dysfunction.
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Conceptual
,4. The criterion that a particular behavior be atypical or not culturally expected is insufficient to define
abnormality because
a. behavior that occurs infrequently is considered abnormal in every culture.
b. the atypical behavior must also cause harm or impairment to be considered abnormal.
c. behaviors vary very little from one individual to another within each culture.
d. many people behave in ways that deviate from the average, but this doesn’t mean that they have a disorder.
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Difficult
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
OTHER: TYPE: Conceptual
5. A male college student begins feeling sad and lonely. Although still able to go to classes and work at his job, he
finds himself feeling down much of the time and worries about what is happening to him. Which part of the definition
of abnormality applies to his situation?
a. Personal distress
b. Cultural factors
c. Impaired functioning
d. Violation of societal norms
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Applied
6. Which of the following degrees is earned by a psychiatrist?
a. Ph.D.
b. Ed.D.
c. M.D.
d. Psy.D.
ANSWER: c
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
OTHER: TYPE: Factual
7. Rocky Starr is a male rocker who wears outlandishmakeup and women’s clothing when performing on stage.
This behavior is considered
a. more abnormal than that of an accountant who starts to do so because rockstars are supposed to be very
masculine.
b. less abnormal than that of an accountant who starts to do so because it is consistent with his professional
success.
c. less abnormal than that of an accountant who starts to do so because its more common to see a rockstar
in makeup.
d. just as abnormal as that of an accountant who starts to do so because abnormality is defined by the individual
himself.
ANSWER: b
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
,REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Applied
NOTES: NEW
8. The prototype of a disorder reflects as described in DSM-5.
a. its history and prognosis
b. its biological underpinnings
c. The causes of pathology
d. the “typical” profile and diagnostic criteria
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Conceptual
9. The scientific study of psychological disorders is called
a. psychopathology.
b. psychoanalysis.
c. pseudoscience.
d. parapsychology.
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Factual
10. Dr. Smith is interested in how separation anxiety changes over time from childhood to adolescence in the
general population. What is his main field of study?
a. Oedipal theory
b. Behaviorism
c. Child psychopathology
d. Developmental psychology
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Conceptual
11. All of the following are ways in which mental health professionals might function as scientist-practitioners EXCEPT
, a. analyzing their own motivations and reasons for helping people with psychological problems.
b. evaluating their own assessments and treatments for effectiveness.
c. conducting research leading to new information about mental disorders and their treatments.
d. using the most current diagnostic and treatment procedures.
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Factual
12. Tameka, having earned her master’s degree, has begun treating disorders and concentrating on family
problems. Tameka is probably a(n)
a. psychiatric social worker.
b. family therapist.
c. psychiatric nurse.
d. mental health counselor.
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Applied
NOTES: NEW
13. Statistical data are often relevant when discussing psychological disorders. For example, a researcher might want
to know how many new cases of depression are diagnosed each year, a figure called the of the disorder.
a. prevalence
b. incidence
c. recurrence
d. ratio
ANSWER: b
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Understanding Psychopathology
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ABNO.DURA.16.APA1.1a - Identify basic biological, psychological, and social components
of behavioral explanations (e.g., inferences, observations, operational definitions,
interpretation)
OTHER: TYPE: Factual
14. Psychological disorders can be described as following a typical course or individual pattern. For example,
schizophrenia follows a chronic course. On the other hand, mood disorders, including depression, follow a(n)
course.
a. episodic
b. acute
c. cyclic
d. insidious
