Define abnormal behaviors based on the criteria of deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger. Describe how culture plays a role in determining abnormality.
What will be an ideal response?
Abnormal behaviors can be defined in the context of four criteria: deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger. A behavior may be considered abnormal if it (a) deviates from a statistical norm or from social and cultural norms, which are defined through a sociocultural context; (b) is causing emotional or physical distress, interfering with a person's ability to work, and/or disrupting their relationships with others; (c) interferes with daily functioning, preventing a person from completing daily activities and caring for themselves properly; or (d) puts the person at risk for harming themselves or others, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Cultural relativism is the idea that you will only be able to understand abnormal behavior if you consider the cultural context in which that behavior occurs. Culture and psychological disorders are intertwined, as it is the culture that determines whether behaviors are statistically rare and the culture that creates the social norms that determine whether or not a behavior is appropriate for a given situation. Some disorders are considered cultural syndromes, meaning they are found only in specific cultures.
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Donavon was adopted at birth by Mr. and Mrs. Erndt. Although neither of his biological parents had much musical ability, Donavon has become an excellent pianist, just like Mr. Erndt. This information could be used as evidence to suggest that
a. environmental factors have more influence than genetic factors in musical talent. b. both genetic and environmental factors contribute equally to musical talent. c. genetic factors have more influence than environmental factors in musical talent. d. neither genetic nor environmental factors contribute to musical talent.
According to the cognitive-mediational model, if others tell you that your psychology class will be fun and interesting, once in the class you are likely to feel ____
a. ?less positive emotions about the class b. ?more positive emotions about the class c. ?the same about the class as you otherwise would have d. ?the same about the class as you otherwise would have, but experience more physiological arousal when in the class
Which approach gives you the best opportunity to obtain information by examining which incorrect response was chosen on a test?
a) classical reliability theory b) true score theory c) item response theory d) response dissimulation theory
A conservative man who cannot accept his own sexual desires begins a highly publicized crusade to stamp out pornography. His defense mechanism is __________.
A. repression B. reaction formation C. projection D. displacement