A Level Psychology Exam 2026 Questions
and Answers
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) - Correct 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) - Correct 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) - Correct 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
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,world as it really is, and environmental mastery. However, even "sane" people do
not achieve all of these characteristics.
Maslow - Correct answer-Argues that very few people actually achieve self-
actualization.
Heather (1976) - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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
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,(i.e. good/normal behavior). Important behaviorists included Pavlov, Watson, and
B. F. Skinner. Utilizes directive therapy.
Cognitive Approach to Abnormality - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct answer-Refers to a debate in psychology. This branch, as
opposed to idiographic, involves the studying of similarities between individuals
and generalization.
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, Idiographic - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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.
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and Answers
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) - Correct 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) - Correct 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) - Correct 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
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 1
,world as it really is, and environmental mastery. However, even "sane" people do
not achieve all of these characteristics.
Maslow - Correct answer-Argues that very few people actually achieve self-
actualization.
Heather (1976) - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 2
,(i.e. good/normal behavior). Important behaviorists included Pavlov, Watson, and
B. F. Skinner. Utilizes directive therapy.
Cognitive Approach to Abnormality - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct answer-Refers to a debate in psychology. This branch, as
opposed to idiographic, involves the studying of similarities between individuals
and generalization.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 3
, Idiographic - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 4
