PSYC 2490 (Unit 2) Ch. 2: Theoretical Perspectives On
Psychopathology Exam Study Guide
Compare and contract single factor vs interactionist explanations/theories. - ANSWER
Single-factor explanation: Attempts to tract the origins of a particular disorder to one
factor. Interactionist explanations: View behaviour as the product of the interaction of a
variety of factors, generally make more satisfactory theories in describing mental
disorders.
Describe the null hypothesis. - ANSWER Proposes that the prediction made from the
theory is false. Sets up an experiment to reject (or fail to reject) the null hypothesis
instead of proving the theory.
What is the purpose of experiments in relation to theories? - ANSWER To eliminate an
alternative theory or explanation which opposes the theory being experimented on.
How do theories gain strength? - ANSWER Theories don't gain strength from supporting
evidence but from rejecting alternative explanations.
What are the general aims of theories? - ANSWER Explain the etiology of the problem
behaviour. (Etiology: The causes or origins.) Identify the factors that maintain the
behaviour. Predict the course of the disorder. Design effective treatments.
What is reductionism? What does reductionism thinking ignore? - ANSWER Actions of
the whole are said to be causes by one or another of the component parts. Reductionist
thinking ignores the rather obvious possibility that human behaviour in all its forms is a
product of an array of features (biological, developmental, environmental, personal
choice, cultural, and so on) interacting.
What do biological views propose? - ANSWER Biological views propose that disordered
behaviour or thinkings is related to dysfunctions in or damage to the brain (the central
nervous system, or CNS), problems of control of one or another aspect of the peripheral
nervous system (that is, the autonomic nervous system or the somatic nervous system),
or malfunctioning of the endocrine system.
, What are neurotransmitters? - ANSWER The chemical substances that carry the
messages from one neuron to the next in the complex pathways of nervous activity
within the brain.
Describe the gene-environment interaction. - ANSWER A common view is that most, if
not all, behaviours are a product of an interaction between genetic contributions as well
as environmental factors such as society, culture, and personal experience.
Gene-environment interactions: A term used to describe the phenotypic effects (i.e.,
observable characteristics) that are due to interactions between the environment and
genes. Genes may influence behaviours that contribute to environmental stressors,
which, in turn, increase the risk of psychopathology.
What do more recent techniques for studying genetic influences include? - ANSWER
More recent techniques for studying genetic influences include genetic linkage study
and research methods in molecular biology.
Describe the three forms that behavioural research into the genetic bases of psychiatric
disorders take. - ANSWER Behavioural research into the genetic bases of mental
disorders typically takes one of three forms: Family (or pedigree) studies. Twin studies.
Adoption studies. In these studies, a person with the disorder is identified and
compared to other people (family or non-family) members to determine the level, or
lack, of concordance.
Who was the founder of the psychodynamic school of thought? - ANSWER Sigmund
Freud was the founder of the psychodynamic school of thought.
What do psychodynamic theories claim? - ANSWER Psychodynamic theories claim that
unconscious forces of which the person is unaware control behaviour.
Define "catharsis" - ANSWER Discharging the emotional responses attached to
unconscious memories which influence current functioning, by identifying the original
traumatic experiences during hypnosis.
What are the three levels of awareness, according to Freud. - ANSWER Conscious,
Psychopathology Exam Study Guide
Compare and contract single factor vs interactionist explanations/theories. - ANSWER
Single-factor explanation: Attempts to tract the origins of a particular disorder to one
factor. Interactionist explanations: View behaviour as the product of the interaction of a
variety of factors, generally make more satisfactory theories in describing mental
disorders.
Describe the null hypothesis. - ANSWER Proposes that the prediction made from the
theory is false. Sets up an experiment to reject (or fail to reject) the null hypothesis
instead of proving the theory.
What is the purpose of experiments in relation to theories? - ANSWER To eliminate an
alternative theory or explanation which opposes the theory being experimented on.
How do theories gain strength? - ANSWER Theories don't gain strength from supporting
evidence but from rejecting alternative explanations.
What are the general aims of theories? - ANSWER Explain the etiology of the problem
behaviour. (Etiology: The causes or origins.) Identify the factors that maintain the
behaviour. Predict the course of the disorder. Design effective treatments.
What is reductionism? What does reductionism thinking ignore? - ANSWER Actions of
the whole are said to be causes by one or another of the component parts. Reductionist
thinking ignores the rather obvious possibility that human behaviour in all its forms is a
product of an array of features (biological, developmental, environmental, personal
choice, cultural, and so on) interacting.
What do biological views propose? - ANSWER Biological views propose that disordered
behaviour or thinkings is related to dysfunctions in or damage to the brain (the central
nervous system, or CNS), problems of control of one or another aspect of the peripheral
nervous system (that is, the autonomic nervous system or the somatic nervous system),
or malfunctioning of the endocrine system.
, What are neurotransmitters? - ANSWER The chemical substances that carry the
messages from one neuron to the next in the complex pathways of nervous activity
within the brain.
Describe the gene-environment interaction. - ANSWER A common view is that most, if
not all, behaviours are a product of an interaction between genetic contributions as well
as environmental factors such as society, culture, and personal experience.
Gene-environment interactions: A term used to describe the phenotypic effects (i.e.,
observable characteristics) that are due to interactions between the environment and
genes. Genes may influence behaviours that contribute to environmental stressors,
which, in turn, increase the risk of psychopathology.
What do more recent techniques for studying genetic influences include? - ANSWER
More recent techniques for studying genetic influences include genetic linkage study
and research methods in molecular biology.
Describe the three forms that behavioural research into the genetic bases of psychiatric
disorders take. - ANSWER Behavioural research into the genetic bases of mental
disorders typically takes one of three forms: Family (or pedigree) studies. Twin studies.
Adoption studies. In these studies, a person with the disorder is identified and
compared to other people (family or non-family) members to determine the level, or
lack, of concordance.
Who was the founder of the psychodynamic school of thought? - ANSWER Sigmund
Freud was the founder of the psychodynamic school of thought.
What do psychodynamic theories claim? - ANSWER Psychodynamic theories claim that
unconscious forces of which the person is unaware control behaviour.
Define "catharsis" - ANSWER Discharging the emotional responses attached to
unconscious memories which influence current functioning, by identifying the original
traumatic experiences during hypnosis.
What are the three levels of awareness, according to Freud. - ANSWER Conscious,
