PSY-470 Abnormal Psychology Midterm Study Guide
This resource has been provided to help you be successful in studying for the Topic 4 Midterm. It
is recommended you complete this document as you read the assigned chapters for Topics 1-4.
1. Discuss the “four Ds” of abnormal psychology; how does culture play a role in labeling
a behavior as deviant?
2. Define abnormal psychology.
3. Familiarize yourself with theorist Jerome Frank. What are the three essential features
of therapy?
4. Discuss the role of the following people in the history of abnormal psychology: Pinel,
Tuke, Dix, Kraepelin, Rush, Socrates, Hippocrates, Aristotle and Plato. List ancient
views of “treatments” for mental disorders (include trephining, humors, and Bedlam in
your answer).
5. List the advantages and disadvantages of the following non-experimental methods: a)
self-report (including surveys and questionnaires), b) tests and other assessments, c)
physiological measures, d) observations (including naturalistic observations), and e)
case studies.
6. Describe the main features of experimental research, including a) independent vs.
dependent variables, b) experimental vs. control groups, and c) random assignment vs.
random sample.
7. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of correlational studies
8. Distinguish cross-sectional from longitudinal studies (incidence and prevalence).
9. Define the terms epidemiological studies, incidence, and prevalence.
10. What are other terms used interchangeably for the term “perspective” in psychology?
11. Discuss the types of available biological treatments.
12. What are the three levels of Freud’s theory of the psyche, and what three
components inhabit these levels?
13. Discuss the elements seen in psychodynamic therapy, including free association,
resistance, transference, countertransference, dream analysis, catharsis, and “working
through.”
14. Discuss the features of the cognitive model and cognitive-behavioral therapy, including
theorist’s contributions: Ellis’ REBT, Beck’s cognitive therapy, and Meichenbaum’s
self- instructional training.
15. Discuss the cognitive-behavioral model and how it integrates the cognitive
and behavioral models into one unified perspective/model.
16. Discuss the features of humanistic psychology and therapy, including self-
actualization, client-centered therapy, conditions of worth, and unconditional vs.
conditional positive regard.
17. Discuss the features of Gestalt theory and therapy, including skillful frustration,
role playing, rules, and here-and-now.
© 2020. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
This resource has been provided to help you be successful in studying for the Topic 4 Midterm. It
is recommended you complete this document as you read the assigned chapters for Topics 1-4.
1. Discuss the “four Ds” of abnormal psychology; how does culture play a role in labeling
a behavior as deviant?
2. Define abnormal psychology.
3. Familiarize yourself with theorist Jerome Frank. What are the three essential features
of therapy?
4. Discuss the role of the following people in the history of abnormal psychology: Pinel,
Tuke, Dix, Kraepelin, Rush, Socrates, Hippocrates, Aristotle and Plato. List ancient
views of “treatments” for mental disorders (include trephining, humors, and Bedlam in
your answer).
5. List the advantages and disadvantages of the following non-experimental methods: a)
self-report (including surveys and questionnaires), b) tests and other assessments, c)
physiological measures, d) observations (including naturalistic observations), and e)
case studies.
6. Describe the main features of experimental research, including a) independent vs.
dependent variables, b) experimental vs. control groups, and c) random assignment vs.
random sample.
7. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of correlational studies
8. Distinguish cross-sectional from longitudinal studies (incidence and prevalence).
9. Define the terms epidemiological studies, incidence, and prevalence.
10. What are other terms used interchangeably for the term “perspective” in psychology?
11. Discuss the types of available biological treatments.
12. What are the three levels of Freud’s theory of the psyche, and what three
components inhabit these levels?
13. Discuss the elements seen in psychodynamic therapy, including free association,
resistance, transference, countertransference, dream analysis, catharsis, and “working
through.”
14. Discuss the features of the cognitive model and cognitive-behavioral therapy, including
theorist’s contributions: Ellis’ REBT, Beck’s cognitive therapy, and Meichenbaum’s
self- instructional training.
15. Discuss the cognitive-behavioral model and how it integrates the cognitive
and behavioral models into one unified perspective/model.
16. Discuss the features of humanistic psychology and therapy, including self-
actualization, client-centered therapy, conditions of worth, and unconditional vs.
conditional positive regard.
17. Discuss the features of Gestalt theory and therapy, including skillful frustration,
role playing, rules, and here-and-now.
© 2020. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
