A Level Psychology Exam Questions
and Answers 100% Pass
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) - ✔✔Abnormal behavior is seen as vivid and
unpredictable, causes observer discomfort and violates moral or ideal standards
because it differs from most other people's behavior and standards. Part of the
"Deviation from Social Norms" definition of abnormality.
Szasz (1960) - ✔✔Another supporter of the "Deviation from Social Norms" definition of
abnormality. Argues that abnormality, especially relating to certain mental disorders, is
a socially constructed concept. This construction then allows for labeling of
psychological patients. Szasz is also a big critic of the classification system utilized in
diagnosis of mental disorders, based on the ethical implications associated with
labeling.
Jahoda (1958) - ✔✔Part of the "deviation from ideal mental health" definition of
abnormality. Describes several characteristics that mentally healthy people should
possess, such as the ability to introspect, integration and balance of personality, self-
actualization, autonomy, ability to cope with stress and see the world as it really is, and
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,environmental mastery. However, even "sane" people do not achieve all of these
characteristics.
Maslow - ✔✔Argues that very few people actually achieve self-actualization.
Heather (1976) - ✔✔Criticizes the medical model of abnormality. Represents this
model's assumption that there is always and underlying biological cause for
psychological disorders. Suggests that the basis of defining abnormality is often
governed by social and moral considerations rather than biological.
Psychoanalytic Approach to Abnormality - ✔✔Popularized by Freud. Notion of
normality is a balance between id impulses, the conscience of the ego, and the values of
the superego. Abnormality is the result of thwarted id impulses, repression of traumatic
events, or unresolved unconscious conflicts. The difference between the "normal" and
"abnormal" is in degree of expression of abnormal tendencies. Utilizes directive therapy.
Behavioral Approach to Abnormality - ✔✔Behaviorism centers around the belief that
all behavior is resulting from learned causes. Processes of learning include classical
conditioning and reinforcement. A notion of normality centers around a "learning
history" (i.e. a network of behavioral causes within an individual) that has provided an
adequately large selection of adaptive responses (i.e. good/normal behavior). Important
behaviorists included Pavlov, Watson, and B. F. Skinner. Utilizes directive therapy.
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, Cognitive Approach to Abnormality - ✔✔You are normal if: you're cognitive thought
processes are rational and properly functioning and sufficiently used to accurately
perceive the world and control behavior. Basically, you're normal if you can think
soundly. You ain't right if: you have unrealistic, distorted, or irrational understanding
and thoughts about the self, others, or the environment. Also cannot use conscious
thought processes to sufficiently dictate actions. Involves semi-directive therapy.
Humanistic Approach to Abnormality - ✔✔You're normal if: you have a positive self-
regard, the ability to self-actualize, healthy interpersonal relationships, and
responsibility and control over life. You ain't right if: oh wait, no. Humanists believe
that everyone is special and unique and rejects psychological labels, for they view them
as "stigmatizing." However, humanists recognize "problems with living" that often
result from interpersonal relationships, and undesirable environmental circumstances.
Involves non-directive therapy.
Nomothetic - ✔✔Refers to a debate in psychology. This branch, as opposed to
idiographic, involves the studying of similarities between individuals and
generalization.
Idiographic - ✔✔Refers to a debate in psychology. This branch, as opposed to
nomothetic, recognizes individual differences more and proposes that
psychologists/psychiatrists should treat and/or study people with regards to the
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and Answers 100% Pass
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) - ✔✔Abnormal behavior is seen as vivid and
unpredictable, causes observer discomfort and violates moral or ideal standards
because it differs from most other people's behavior and standards. Part of the
"Deviation from Social Norms" definition of abnormality.
Szasz (1960) - ✔✔Another supporter of the "Deviation from Social Norms" definition of
abnormality. Argues that abnormality, especially relating to certain mental disorders, is
a socially constructed concept. This construction then allows for labeling of
psychological patients. Szasz is also a big critic of the classification system utilized in
diagnosis of mental disorders, based on the ethical implications associated with
labeling.
Jahoda (1958) - ✔✔Part of the "deviation from ideal mental health" definition of
abnormality. Describes several characteristics that mentally healthy people should
possess, such as the ability to introspect, integration and balance of personality, self-
actualization, autonomy, ability to cope with stress and see the world as it really is, and
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,environmental mastery. However, even "sane" people do not achieve all of these
characteristics.
Maslow - ✔✔Argues that very few people actually achieve self-actualization.
Heather (1976) - ✔✔Criticizes the medical model of abnormality. Represents this
model's assumption that there is always and underlying biological cause for
psychological disorders. Suggests that the basis of defining abnormality is often
governed by social and moral considerations rather than biological.
Psychoanalytic Approach to Abnormality - ✔✔Popularized by Freud. Notion of
normality is a balance between id impulses, the conscience of the ego, and the values of
the superego. Abnormality is the result of thwarted id impulses, repression of traumatic
events, or unresolved unconscious conflicts. The difference between the "normal" and
"abnormal" is in degree of expression of abnormal tendencies. Utilizes directive therapy.
Behavioral Approach to Abnormality - ✔✔Behaviorism centers around the belief that
all behavior is resulting from learned causes. Processes of learning include classical
conditioning and reinforcement. A notion of normality centers around a "learning
history" (i.e. a network of behavioral causes within an individual) that has provided an
adequately large selection of adaptive responses (i.e. good/normal behavior). Important
behaviorists included Pavlov, Watson, and B. F. Skinner. Utilizes directive therapy.
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, Cognitive Approach to Abnormality - ✔✔You are normal if: you're cognitive thought
processes are rational and properly functioning and sufficiently used to accurately
perceive the world and control behavior. Basically, you're normal if you can think
soundly. You ain't right if: you have unrealistic, distorted, or irrational understanding
and thoughts about the self, others, or the environment. Also cannot use conscious
thought processes to sufficiently dictate actions. Involves semi-directive therapy.
Humanistic Approach to Abnormality - ✔✔You're normal if: you have a positive self-
regard, the ability to self-actualize, healthy interpersonal relationships, and
responsibility and control over life. You ain't right if: oh wait, no. Humanists believe
that everyone is special and unique and rejects psychological labels, for they view them
as "stigmatizing." However, humanists recognize "problems with living" that often
result from interpersonal relationships, and undesirable environmental circumstances.
Involves non-directive therapy.
Nomothetic - ✔✔Refers to a debate in psychology. This branch, as opposed to
idiographic, involves the studying of similarities between individuals and
generalization.
Idiographic - ✔✔Refers to a debate in psychology. This branch, as opposed to
nomothetic, recognizes individual differences more and proposes that
psychologists/psychiatrists should treat and/or study people with regards to the
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