PSYC 350 FINAL EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
| American Public University
1. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for the key finding in this case? Two weeks
after a serious crash, a person has intrusive memories, dissociation, avoidance, and marked arousal that
began after the event.
A. hyperarousal and reactivity
B. acute stress disorder
C. trauma-related avoidance
D. post-traumatic stress disorder
Correct Answer: B. acute stress disorder
Explanation: The key feature points to acute stress disorder, meaning a trauma-related syndrome beginning after
exposure to severe trauma and lasting from several days up to about one month. This identifies the primary
mechanism or syndrome rather than a less specific accompanying feature.
2. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies the
following case? A patient with a real cardiac condition repeatedly ignores treatment during periods of stress,
worsening medical risk.
A. somatic symptom disorder - one or more distressing physical symptoms accompanied by excessive thoughts,
anxiety, or behaviors related to those symptoms
B. psychological factors affecting medical conditions - psychological or behavioral factors that adversely
influence the course, treatment, or risk of a genuine medical condition
C. functional neurological symptom disorder - neurological-type symptoms that are incompatible with
recognized neurological disease and cause impairment
D. factitious disorder - intentional falsification or induction of symptoms in the absence of obvious external
rewards, associated with adopting the sick role
Correct Answer: B. psychological factors affecting medical conditions - psychological or behavioral factors
that adversely influence the course, treatment, or risk of a genuine medical condition
Explanation: The case is best classified as psychological factors affecting medical conditions because its central
feature is psychological or behavioral factors that adversely influence the course, treatment, or risk of a genuine
medical condition. The other options describe distinct clinical patterns.
,3. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies the
following case? A student deliberately intimidates a younger peer over several days to obtain money.
A. reactive aggression - impulsive aggression in response to perceived threat, frustration, or provocation rather
than calculated gain
B. conduct disorder - a repetitive pattern of violating major societal norms or the basic rights of others through
aggression, destruction, deceit, theft, or serious rule violations
C. proactive aggression - planned or goal-directed aggression used instrumentally to obtain a desired outcome
D. parent management training - a behavioral intervention teaching caregivers consistent reinforcement,
effective commands, monitoring, and noncoercive consequences for child behavior problems
Correct Answer: C. proactive aggression - planned or goal-directed aggression used instrumentally to obtain a
desired outcome
Explanation: The case is best classified as proactive aggression because its central feature is planned or
goal-directed aggression used instrumentally to obtain a desired outcome. The other options describe distinct
clinical patterns.
4. When reviewing the following case, which conclusion is the most defensible based on the information
provided? A psychologist stores records securely and does not disclose session details without authorization
unless a recognized exception applies.
A. The pattern most strongly supports recovery model.
B. The pattern most strongly supports confidentiality.
C. The pattern most strongly supports stepped care.
D. The pattern most strongly supports evidence-based practice.
Correct Answer: B. The pattern most strongly supports confidentiality.
Explanation: Confidentiality is the best conclusion because the presentation matches the professional obligation
to protect private client information subject to defined legal and ethical exceptions. A full real-world assessment
would still evaluate medical, substance-related, developmental, and cultural alternatives where relevant.
5. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies the
following case? An adult has great difficulty making everyday decisions without reassurance and remains in
unhealthy relationships from fear of losing support. Focus on the feature that most clearly distinguishes the
alternatives.
A. avoidant personality disorder - a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and
hypersensitivity to negative evaluation
B. schizotypal personality disorder - a pervasive pattern of social and interpersonal deficits accompanied by
cognitive or perceptual distortions and eccentric behavior
C. dependent personality disorder - a pervasive and excessive need to be cared for that leads to submissive,
clinging behavior and fears of separation
D. antisocial personality disorder - a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others
beginning by adolescence and continuing into adulthood
Correct Answer: C. dependent personality disorder - a pervasive and excessive need to be cared for that leads
to submissive, clinging behavior and fears of separation
Explanation: The case is best classified as dependent personality disorder because its central feature is a pervasive
and excessive need to be cared for that leads to submissive, clinging behavior and fears of separation. The other
options describe distinct clinical patterns.
,6. Which diagnosis or concept best fits this presentation? A student repeatedly pulls hair during periods of
tension, has visible hair loss, and has unsuccessfully tried to stop.
A. thought-action fusion
B. body dysmorphic disorder
C. trichotillomania
D. poor insight in OCD
Correct Answer: C. trichotillomania
Explanation: The defining pattern is most consistent with trichotillomania: recurrent hair pulling resulting in hair
loss together with repeated attempts to decrease or stop the behavior. The distractors share some surface features
but do not match the central pattern.
7. Which concept is best defined as environmentally influenced changes in gene expression that do not
require changing the DNA sequence itself?
A. epigenetic regulation
B. expressed emotion
C. diathesis-stress model
D. protective factor
Correct Answer: A. epigenetic regulation
Explanation: Epigenetic regulation refers to environmentally influenced changes in gene expression that do not
require changing the DNA sequence itself. The alternatives name different constructs within the same clinical area.
8. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for the key finding in this case? A researcher
studies why some trauma survivors later report detachment, memory fragmentation, and identity-related
symptoms while others do not.
A. dissociation
B. trauma association
C. differential diagnosis of dissociation
D. derealization
Correct Answer: B. trauma association
Explanation: The key feature points to trauma association, meaning the common but not universal association
between severe trauma and later dissociative symptoms. This identifies the primary mechanism or syndrome rather
than a less specific accompanying feature.
9. Which concept is best defined as problems with planning, inhibition, working memory, and sustained
goal-directed organization often associated with ADHD?
A. executive-function difficulty in ADHD
B. autism spectrum disorder
C. early developmental onset
D. multimodal intervention for ADHD
Correct Answer: A. executive-function difficulty in ADHD
Explanation: Executive-function difficulty in adhd refers to problems with planning, inhibition, working memory,
and sustained goal-directed organization often associated with ADHD. The alternatives name different constructs
within the same clinical area.
, 10. Which diagnosis or concept best fits this presentation? Months into recovery, a person experiences an
intense urge to use opioids after encountering a former drug-using environment.
A. naloxone
B. medications for opioid use disorder
C. substance use disorder
D. craving
Correct Answer: D. craving
Explanation: The defining pattern is most consistent with craving: a strong desire or urge to use a substance that
can contribute to relapse. The distractors share some surface features but do not match the central pattern.
11. Which diagnosis or concept best fits this presentation? A patient clearly hears a voice speaking when no
one is present and no sound source can be found.
A. hallucination
B. antipsychotic medication
C. brief psychotic disorder
D. delusion
Correct Answer: A. hallucination
Explanation: The defining pattern is most consistent with hallucination: a perception-like experience occurring
without a corresponding external stimulus. The distractors share some surface features but do not match the central
pattern.
12. Which concept is best defined as systematically distinguishing among conditions that can produce
similar symptoms?
A. behavioral assessment
B. risk assessment
C. differential diagnosis
D. mental status examination
Correct Answer: C. differential diagnosis
Explanation: Differential diagnosis refers to systematically distinguishing among conditions that can produce
similar symptoms. The alternatives name different constructs within the same clinical area.
13. Select the most accurate clinical concept. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for
the key finding in this case? A person has weekly episodes of rapid uncontrolled overeating, feels ashamed
afterward, and does not regularly purge or overexercise.
A. bulimia nervosa
B. binge-eating disorder
C. enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy
D. pica
Correct Answer: B. binge-eating disorder
Explanation: The key feature points to binge-eating disorder, meaning recurrent binge eating with loss of control
and marked distress without regular compensatory behaviors such as purging. This identifies the primary
mechanism or syndrome rather than a less specific accompanying feature.
WITH ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
| American Public University
1. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for the key finding in this case? Two weeks
after a serious crash, a person has intrusive memories, dissociation, avoidance, and marked arousal that
began after the event.
A. hyperarousal and reactivity
B. acute stress disorder
C. trauma-related avoidance
D. post-traumatic stress disorder
Correct Answer: B. acute stress disorder
Explanation: The key feature points to acute stress disorder, meaning a trauma-related syndrome beginning after
exposure to severe trauma and lasting from several days up to about one month. This identifies the primary
mechanism or syndrome rather than a less specific accompanying feature.
2. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies the
following case? A patient with a real cardiac condition repeatedly ignores treatment during periods of stress,
worsening medical risk.
A. somatic symptom disorder - one or more distressing physical symptoms accompanied by excessive thoughts,
anxiety, or behaviors related to those symptoms
B. psychological factors affecting medical conditions - psychological or behavioral factors that adversely
influence the course, treatment, or risk of a genuine medical condition
C. functional neurological symptom disorder - neurological-type symptoms that are incompatible with
recognized neurological disease and cause impairment
D. factitious disorder - intentional falsification or induction of symptoms in the absence of obvious external
rewards, associated with adopting the sick role
Correct Answer: B. psychological factors affecting medical conditions - psychological or behavioral factors
that adversely influence the course, treatment, or risk of a genuine medical condition
Explanation: The case is best classified as psychological factors affecting medical conditions because its central
feature is psychological or behavioral factors that adversely influence the course, treatment, or risk of a genuine
medical condition. The other options describe distinct clinical patterns.
,3. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies the
following case? A student deliberately intimidates a younger peer over several days to obtain money.
A. reactive aggression - impulsive aggression in response to perceived threat, frustration, or provocation rather
than calculated gain
B. conduct disorder - a repetitive pattern of violating major societal norms or the basic rights of others through
aggression, destruction, deceit, theft, or serious rule violations
C. proactive aggression - planned or goal-directed aggression used instrumentally to obtain a desired outcome
D. parent management training - a behavioral intervention teaching caregivers consistent reinforcement,
effective commands, monitoring, and noncoercive consequences for child behavior problems
Correct Answer: C. proactive aggression - planned or goal-directed aggression used instrumentally to obtain a
desired outcome
Explanation: The case is best classified as proactive aggression because its central feature is planned or
goal-directed aggression used instrumentally to obtain a desired outcome. The other options describe distinct
clinical patterns.
4. When reviewing the following case, which conclusion is the most defensible based on the information
provided? A psychologist stores records securely and does not disclose session details without authorization
unless a recognized exception applies.
A. The pattern most strongly supports recovery model.
B. The pattern most strongly supports confidentiality.
C. The pattern most strongly supports stepped care.
D. The pattern most strongly supports evidence-based practice.
Correct Answer: B. The pattern most strongly supports confidentiality.
Explanation: Confidentiality is the best conclusion because the presentation matches the professional obligation
to protect private client information subject to defined legal and ethical exceptions. A full real-world assessment
would still evaluate medical, substance-related, developmental, and cultural alternatives where relevant.
5. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies the
following case? An adult has great difficulty making everyday decisions without reassurance and remains in
unhealthy relationships from fear of losing support. Focus on the feature that most clearly distinguishes the
alternatives.
A. avoidant personality disorder - a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and
hypersensitivity to negative evaluation
B. schizotypal personality disorder - a pervasive pattern of social and interpersonal deficits accompanied by
cognitive or perceptual distortions and eccentric behavior
C. dependent personality disorder - a pervasive and excessive need to be cared for that leads to submissive,
clinging behavior and fears of separation
D. antisocial personality disorder - a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others
beginning by adolescence and continuing into adulthood
Correct Answer: C. dependent personality disorder - a pervasive and excessive need to be cared for that leads
to submissive, clinging behavior and fears of separation
Explanation: The case is best classified as dependent personality disorder because its central feature is a pervasive
and excessive need to be cared for that leads to submissive, clinging behavior and fears of separation. The other
options describe distinct clinical patterns.
,6. Which diagnosis or concept best fits this presentation? A student repeatedly pulls hair during periods of
tension, has visible hair loss, and has unsuccessfully tried to stop.
A. thought-action fusion
B. body dysmorphic disorder
C. trichotillomania
D. poor insight in OCD
Correct Answer: C. trichotillomania
Explanation: The defining pattern is most consistent with trichotillomania: recurrent hair pulling resulting in hair
loss together with repeated attempts to decrease or stop the behavior. The distractors share some surface features
but do not match the central pattern.
7. Which concept is best defined as environmentally influenced changes in gene expression that do not
require changing the DNA sequence itself?
A. epigenetic regulation
B. expressed emotion
C. diathesis-stress model
D. protective factor
Correct Answer: A. epigenetic regulation
Explanation: Epigenetic regulation refers to environmentally influenced changes in gene expression that do not
require changing the DNA sequence itself. The alternatives name different constructs within the same clinical area.
8. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for the key finding in this case? A researcher
studies why some trauma survivors later report detachment, memory fragmentation, and identity-related
symptoms while others do not.
A. dissociation
B. trauma association
C. differential diagnosis of dissociation
D. derealization
Correct Answer: B. trauma association
Explanation: The key feature points to trauma association, meaning the common but not universal association
between severe trauma and later dissociative symptoms. This identifies the primary mechanism or syndrome rather
than a less specific accompanying feature.
9. Which concept is best defined as problems with planning, inhibition, working memory, and sustained
goal-directed organization often associated with ADHD?
A. executive-function difficulty in ADHD
B. autism spectrum disorder
C. early developmental onset
D. multimodal intervention for ADHD
Correct Answer: A. executive-function difficulty in ADHD
Explanation: Executive-function difficulty in adhd refers to problems with planning, inhibition, working memory,
and sustained goal-directed organization often associated with ADHD. The alternatives name different constructs
within the same clinical area.
, 10. Which diagnosis or concept best fits this presentation? Months into recovery, a person experiences an
intense urge to use opioids after encountering a former drug-using environment.
A. naloxone
B. medications for opioid use disorder
C. substance use disorder
D. craving
Correct Answer: D. craving
Explanation: The defining pattern is most consistent with craving: a strong desire or urge to use a substance that
can contribute to relapse. The distractors share some surface features but do not match the central pattern.
11. Which diagnosis or concept best fits this presentation? A patient clearly hears a voice speaking when no
one is present and no sound source can be found.
A. hallucination
B. antipsychotic medication
C. brief psychotic disorder
D. delusion
Correct Answer: A. hallucination
Explanation: The defining pattern is most consistent with hallucination: a perception-like experience occurring
without a corresponding external stimulus. The distractors share some surface features but do not match the central
pattern.
12. Which concept is best defined as systematically distinguishing among conditions that can produce
similar symptoms?
A. behavioral assessment
B. risk assessment
C. differential diagnosis
D. mental status examination
Correct Answer: C. differential diagnosis
Explanation: Differential diagnosis refers to systematically distinguishing among conditions that can produce
similar symptoms. The alternatives name different constructs within the same clinical area.
13. Select the most accurate clinical concept. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for
the key finding in this case? A person has weekly episodes of rapid uncontrolled overeating, feels ashamed
afterward, and does not regularly purge or overexercise.
A. bulimia nervosa
B. binge-eating disorder
C. enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy
D. pica
Correct Answer: B. binge-eating disorder
Explanation: The key feature points to binge-eating disorder, meaning recurrent binge eating with loss of control
and marked distress without regular compensatory behaviors such as purging. This identifies the primary
mechanism or syndrome rather than a less specific accompanying feature.
