Question 1

Any behavior that prevents an individual from functioning well in typical daily activities would be considered:

Accepted Answer

The term "dysfunctional" refers to behavior that hinders an individual's ability to function well in typical daily activities. The other choices do not necessarily indicate a hindrance to daily functioning but rather describe behaviors that deviate from statistical or cultural norms or cause emotional distress.

Question 2

Carlin ran naked across center ice during the opening face-off in a playoff hockey game.When the police arrested him, he did not seem the least bit disturbed by his actions or by his subsequent arrest.In this example, Carlin's "streaking" would most likely be considered:

Accepted Answer

Carlin's behavior is culturally deviant because it violates social norms, and it is psychologically abnormal because his lack of disturbance suggests a possible disconnect from typical emotional responses.

Question 3

Any behavior that violates the accepted standards of society would be considered:

Accepted Answer

Culturally deviant behavior refers to behaviors that go against the norms, values, and expectations of a particular culture or society. It is considered abnormal because it deviates from what is considered acceptable within that culture. This includes behaviors that may not necessarily be statistically deviant or dysfunctional, but are considered unusual or abnormal within a cultural context.

Question 4

Sal's ideas about germs and contamination make life very difficult.He eats little and is underweight.He won't go out in public, which cost him his job and friends.Sal's behavior would be considered abnormal based on:

Accepted Answer

Sal's behavior is considered abnormal based on dysfunction because it significantly interferes with his daily life, affecting his eating habits, social interactions, and ability to maintain a job.

Question 5

Dot sits on her bed humming most of the day.The director of the homeless shelter says Dot never creates trouble; she just hums.Dot's humming behavior might be considered abnormal based on the criterion of:

Accepted Answer

Dot's behavior might be considered abnormal based on the criterion of dysfunction because it interferes with her daily activities, such as social interactions and possibly other aspects of daily living, even though it does not cause distress or cultural deviance.

Question 6

One of the criteria used to define abnormal behavior is dysfunction.For a behavior to be considered dysfunctional, it must:

Accepted Answer

Dysfunctional behavior is behavior that prevents an individual from functioning well in typical daily activities.

Question 7

Reba has experienced constant grief since her sister died in a car accident 10 days ago.She finds she often cries herself to sleep at night, and she sometimes daydreams about her sister.In spite of her grief, Reba has still been attending her classes at the university.In this example, Reba's grief would most likely be considered:

Accepted Answer

It is normal and expected for Reba to experience grief and sadness after the loss of her sister, and it is common for individuals to cry and daydream about their loved ones who have passed away. Reba is still attending her classes at the university, which suggests that she is able to function and cope with her grief to some extent. Therefore, her grief would be considered emotionally disturbing but psychologically normal.

Question 8

Bernard works at Raytel Enterprises.At the last board meeting, he showed up wearing pajamas and slippers.Several of his coworkers commented on the inappropriateness of his clothing, but Bernard did not seem to be disturbed or embarrassed by their comments.In this example, Bernard's style of dressing would most likely be considered:

Accepted Answer

Bernard's style of dressing in pajamas and slippers is deviating from the cultural norm and expectations of the workplace attire. It is not emotionally distressing, dysfunctional, or delusional since he does not seem to be disturbed or affected by his coworkers' comments. Therefore, culturally deviant is the best choice.

Question 9

One of the criteria used to define abnormal behavior is statistical deviance.For a behavior to be considered statistically deviant it must:

Accepted Answer

Statistical deviance refers to behavior that occurs infrequently among the members of a population. This means that the behavior is not typical or normal for the majority of people, which is why it is considered abnormal.

Question 10

Gordon has a unique ability that allows him to play any piece of music without any errors, after hearing it only once.He has used his unique ability to become a highly successful musician.In this example, Gordon's musical skills would most likely be considered:

Accepted Answer

Gordon's musical skills are statistically deviant because his ability to play any piece of music without any errors after hearing it only once is not typical. However, his skills are psychologically normal because they do not cause him any distress or dysfunction and do not violate cultural norms or values. Therefore, option B (statistically deviant but psychologically normal) is the best choice.

Question 11

Any behavior that causes an individual to experience great despair and unhappiness would be considered:

Accepted Answer

Emotionally distressing behavior is characterized by causing significant despair and unhappiness to the individual experiencing it.

Question 12

One of the criteria used to define abnormal behavior is emotional distress.For a behavior to be considered emotionally distressing it must:

Accepted Answer

Emotional distress is characterized by significant despair and unhappiness experienced by the individual, which is a key criterion for defining abnormal behavior.

Question 13

Daniel constantly experiences feelings of dread and despair.Although there is no real threat, he is convinced that something terrible is going to occur at any minute, and he finds himself fantasizing about committing suicide.In spite of his anxiety, he still meets his daily responsibilities and has not missed a day of work in over three years.In this example, Daniel's dread and despair would most likely be considered:

Accepted Answer

Daniel's persistent feelings of dread and despair, along with suicidal thoughts, suggest that his emotions and thoughts are causing significant distress and impairment in his daily functioning. This is not a psychologically normal response to his situation and is indicative of a psychological disorder. Therefore, his response would be considered emotionally disturbing and psychologically abnormal.

Question 14

Which of the following would be considered when determining whether a behavior is abnormal?

Accepted Answer

All of these factors are considered when determining whether a behavior is abnormal. Statistical deviance refers to whether the behavior is rare or unusual in the population. Dysfunction refers to whether the behavior interferes with a person's ability to function in daily life. Cultural deviance refers to whether the behavior violates the norms and expectations of a particular culture. Therefore, considering all of these factors is important in determining whether a behavior is abnormal.

Question 15

Arthur is not a very conscientious individual.He often sleeps late in the morning, and on mornings when he oversleeps, he usually just skips work.He has already been fired from four different jobs, but he is not concerned because he feels that there are lots of other jobs available.In this example, Arthur's lack of dedication to his various jobs would most likely be considered:

Accepted Answer

Arthur's behavior is dysfunctional since it is causing problems in his work life, but it is not necessarily psychologically abnormal. Many people struggle with motivation and dedication in their jobs, but it does not necessarily indicate a deeper psychological issue.

Question 16

One of the criteria used to define abnormal behavior is cultural deviance.For a behavior to be considered culturally deviant, it must:

Accepted Answer

Cultural deviance refers to behavior that violates the accepted standards and norms of society or culture. Therefore, the correct choice is C. Choices A, B, and D do not accurately reflect what is meant by cultural deviance.

Question 17

Any behavior that occurs infrequently among the members of a population would be considered:

Accepted Answer

Statistically deviant behavior refers to behavior that occurs rarely or outside of what is considered normal or typical for the population. This is determined by statistical analysis of the distribution of the behavior within the population.

Question 18

Martin displays a behavior that is considered statistically deviant, which means the behavior:

Accepted Answer

Statistically deviant behavior refers to behavior that occurs infrequently among the members of a population. It is behavior that is rare or uncommon, but not necessarily problematic or harmful.

Question 19

Talia has found that whenever the telephone rings, she feels an overwhelming sense of panic that can immobilize her for several hours.In this example, the overwhelming panic that Talia experiences would most likely be considered:

Accepted Answer

The overwhelming sense of panic that immobilizes Talia for several hours is statistically deviant, as it is not a common or typical response to the sound of a ringing phone. It is also psychologically abnormal, as it is causing significant distress and impairing her daily functioning.

Question 20

Valerie has embezzled just over two million dollars from the company where she works.She feels no remorse for her actions, and she is looking forward to an early retirement in Argentina.In this example, the embezzling that Valerie has done would most likely be considered:

Accepted Answer

Embezzling, or stealing a large sum of money as described, is considered culturally deviant because it goes against societal norms and laws. However, the lack of remorse and looking forward to retirement could be seen as psychologically normal for someone who successfully carries out such a plan without emotional distress, indicating that the behavior, while illegal and unethical, doesn't necessarily imply a psychological abnormality.

Quiz 14: Psychological Disorders