Before enrolling in an abnormal psychology course, Gary's idea of psychological disorders had been influenced primarily by talk shows. He expected to hear the same kinds of stories he had heard on talk shows. What an eye-opening experience the course turned out to be! How would a cognitive psychologist describe the influence the course had on Gary's idea of psychological disorders?
A) Gary learned the value of algorithms.
B) Gary now uses heuristics.
C) The course increased Gary's ability to use visual imagery.
D) The course altered Gary's concept of psychological disorders.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A cognitive psychologist would describe the influence of the course on Gary's idea of psychological disorders as altering his concept of psychological disorders. This is because cognitive psychology focuses on how people process information, and in this case, the course provided new and accurate information about psychological disorders that challenged Gary's previous beliefs influenced by talk shows. Therefore, he likely had to modify or reconstruct his understanding of psychological disorders based on the new information he learned in the course.

Before Enrolling in an Abnormal Psychology Course, Gary's Idea of Psychological