PSYC 3443 Abnormal Psychology, Spring of 2008
Potential Short Answer Essay Questions for Exam I on 2/6/08
One of the following questions will be on Exam I on 2/6/08. You should prepare each of the
questions as part of your studying to make sure that you will be able to answer the essay in the
allotted time. Remember that short answer essay questions must be answered in full sentences,
using clear writing. That means no outlines, abbreviations, bullet points, or lists should be used.
1. There are three components to understanding and defining a psychological disorder.
Describe these components, and how they are used to determine what is and is not a
psychological disorder. How is this different from the views that were part of the
supernatural tradition?
2. Choose one of the models of abnormal behavior presented in the text and discussed in
class (genetic, neuroscience, behavioral and cognitive). Briefly describe this model,
including the basic assumptions regarding the cause of mental disorders. What are 2
criticisms of this model?
3. Assessment is an important part of studying different mental disorders, and there are a
number of different assessment methods used today. Choose 2 of these methods and
describe them briefly. Compare them by identifying the advantages and disadvantages of
each method.
4. Research on diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders must be evaluated in
terms of the research methods used. The validity of the study depends on the type of
research design that is used. Define internal validity. What is the best research method
for achieving high internal validity? What is the worst method in terms of internal
validity?
5. What are the criteria and symptoms of specific phobia? Be sure to identify each of the
criteria and how we may distinguish “normal fears” and a true phobia that requires
treatment.