Example Exam Questions for Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 325)

1. The goal of attempting to _______ abnormal behavior includes the use of systematic observation.

A. describe
B. explain
C. predict
D. control

2. Which of the following groups of psychological disorders are most common?

A. anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression
B. depression, learning disorders, and anxiety
C. anxiety, substance abuse, and depression
D. substance abuse, schizophrenia, and learning disorders

3. Which of the following mental health professions is most likely to consider social forces and external agents that may contribute to patients' difficulties?

A. Psychiatry
B. Clinical Psychology
C. Psychiatric Social Work
D. Counseling Psychology

4. The type of interview that most attends to client's concerns is the ______.

A. Unstructured Clinical Interview
B. Mental Status Exam
C. Structured Diagnostic Interview
D. DSM Interview

5. Which definition of abnormal behavior would best describe someone who has trouble falling and staying asleep, averages 5 hours of sleep per day, and gets below average grades leading to academic probation?.

A. Distress
B. Distinct statistically
C. Dysfunction
D. Deviant

6. Which of the following is NOT a focus of the mental status exam?

A. appearance
B. behavior
C. cognitive ability
D. occupation

7. Dr. Roberts, a psychiatrist, often prescribes medication to his patients for their psychological problems. What type of degree does Dr. Roberts have?

A. M.D.
B. Ph.D.
C. M.S.W.
D. Ed.D.

8. Which theory best explains why someone develops a fear of dogs after several dog bites?

9. Emotion comprises all of the following EXCEPT ____ responses.

A. behavioral
B. cognitive
C. genetic
D. physiological

10. When there is no dispute over whether a person committed a crime, but the person is not held responsible for the crime it is most likely that the ____ plea was accepted.

A. Not guilty by reason of insanity
B. Incompetent to stand trial
C. Capital punishment
D. Civil commitment

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