Question 1

With reference to Wakefield's 'harmful dysfunction' analysis of mental disorders, what does the word 'dysfunction' refer to?

Accepted Answer

A)  where a psychological process has failed to carry out its natural function 
B)  where an individual is unable to function in society 
C)  where an individual is behaving in a threatening manner 
D)  where an individual is unable to empathise 
E)  where an individual is unable to relate to others

Question 2

A mental disorder is a syndrome characterised by:

Accepted Answer

A)  extreme anger. 
B)  heightened sensations. 
C)  disturbances in social skills. 
D)  disturbances in cognitions and behaviour. 
E)  depression.

Question 3

What was one important limitation of the first two editions of the DSM?

Accepted Answer

A)  too many diagnostic categories 
B)  too few diagnostic categories 
C)  a lack of reliability of the diagnostic categories 
D)  diagnostic categories that were too broadly defined 
E)  diagnostic categories that were too narrowly defined

Question 4

The behavioural perspective considers all behaviour, both normal and abnormal as the product of:

Accepted Answer

A)  genetics. 
B)  brain abnormalities. 
C)  neurotransmitter imbalance. 
D)  learning 
E)  hormone deficiency.

Question 5

The DSM-5 is based on the:

Accepted Answer

A)  medical model. 
B)  psychological model. 
C)  stress-diathesis model. 
D)  sociocultural model. 
E)  humanistic model.

Question 6

According to psychoanalytic theory both normal and abnormal behaviours are the result of:

Accepted Answer

A)  the pleasure principle. 
B)  the Oedipus complex. 
C)  conflict between the Oedipus complex and the pleasure principle. 
D)  conflict between the id, ego and superego. 
E)  repressed memories.

Question 7

Behaviourists and psychoanalysts agree that:

Accepted Answer

A)  learning explains most problem behaviours. 
B)  unconscious conflicts explain most problem behaviours. 
C)  therapy commences with functional analysis. 
D)  normal and abnormal behaviours are on a continuum. 
E)  problematic family relationships explain most psychopathology.

Question 8

Emil Kraepelin classified mental disorders in terms of their:

Accepted Answer

A)  causes. 
B)  severity. 
C)  symptoms. 
D)  adverse life events. 
E)  All of the given options are correct.

Question 9

Psychoanalysts believe that defence mechanisms operate by:

Accepted Answer

A)  activating the fight-flight response. 
B)  reducing re-uptake of neurotransmitters and hormones. 
C)  distorting impulses into acceptable forms or making them unconscious. 
D)  correcting dysfunctional thought patterns. 
E)  overcoming negative behaviour patterns.

Question 10

Which of the following does not form part of the definition of abnormal behaviour?

Accepted Answer

A)  rarity 
B)  treatment 
C)  distress 
D)  dysfunction 
E)  norm violation

Question 11

Which of the following is not one of the reasons experts have proposed a dimensional system of classification for DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

A)  Psychiatric disorders are shown to exist on a continuum of severity. 
B)  Psychiatric disorders are separate and independent. 
C)  There are high rates of comorbidity among psychiatric disorders. 
D)  The point on a continuum at which a diagnosis is made is largely arbitrary. 
E)  It may improve the validity of the diagnostic system.

Question 12

Which of these is not a recognised disadvantage of diagnostic labelling of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

A)  the illusion that the diagnosis explains the symptoms 
B)  the sick role 
C)  standardised research 
D)  stigma 
E)  oppression of non-conformist behaviour

Question 13

As a psychiatrist treating patients, Aaron Beck noticed repeated patterns which he labelled as:

Accepted Answer

A)  cognitive distortions. 
B)  defence mechanisms. 
C)  systematic desensitisation. 
D)  conditioned responses. 
E)  rational behaviours.

Question 14

Which of the following is not true of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

Accepted Answer

A)  It was found to be an effective treatment for severe depression. 
B)  It is still used today. 
C)  It was developed in the 1930s. 
D)  It was found to have a calming effect on patients. 
E)  The way it works is well understood.

Question 15

The dimensional approach to mental disorders argues that disorders:

Accepted Answer

A)  are categorical in nature. 
B)  are co-morbid. 
C)  exist along a continuum. 
D)  are arbitrary. 
E)  are socially constructed.

Exam 1: Conceptual Issues in Abnormal Psychology