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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

ASPPB EPPP Exam Questions

Page 4 of 53

61.

Which of the following has been shown to reduce the overall financial cost of mental illness in communities?

  • Psychotherapy

  • Medication

  • Inpatient hospitalizations

  • Psychological testing

Correct answer: Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy has been shown to reduce the overall financial cost of mental illness in communities. This is likely because it is a preventative approach rather than a reactive one. On the individual level, this particular benefit of therapy might be more difficult to see, as the client pays for their therapy. There is also the potential for damage to be done to the client.

Medication, inpatient hospitalizations, and psychological testing can be costly and have not been shown to reduce the overall cost of mental illness.

62.

Which of the following types of therapy involves conceptualizing a client's "quality world"?

  • Reality therapy

  • Gestalt therapy

  • Existential therapy

  • Contemplation therapy

Correct answer: Reality therapy

William Glasser's reality therapy (2011) rests on a conceptualization of a client's "quality world" (i.e., the set of personal arrangements that will result in the best experience of life).

Gestalt therapy addresses a holistic view of a client in their environment. Existential therapy takes a philosophical approach based on genuineness; neither of them involves a "quality world."

Contemplation therapy is a fabricated term.

63.

Declarative and nondeclarative are two categories of which of the following?

  • Long-term memory

  • Short-term memory 

  • Semantic memory 

  • Episodic memory 

Correct answer: Long-term memory

Declarative and nondeclarative are two categories of long-term memory, which is all the information someone has learned that is not necessarily needed at the moment. Declarative memory is made up of the information someone knows and can access, while nondeclarative memory consists of the items someone is unaware of knowing yet can access when needed. For example, the skill of riding a bike is part of the nondeclarative memory. 

Short-term memory can only be retained for a brief time and represents the information we are thinking about at a given moment. It does not include declarative and non-declarative memory. Semantic and episodic memory are both types of declarative memory. Semantic memory is knowledge of facts, concepts, and rules, whereas episodic memory is related to memory of everyday, personal experiences.

64.

You are preparing to meet a patient in the hospital who has lateralized lesions to the postcentral gyrus of their parietal lobe. What is the likely outcome of this dysfunction?

  • Hemisensory loss 

  • Aphasia

  • Deficits in object naming

Correct answer: Hemisensory loss 

The postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe, the location of the primary somatosensory cortex, is mainly responsible for the somatotopic detection of touch, pressure, and pain. Lateralized lesions in this area might produce hemisensory loss (i.e., the loss of sensation on one side of the body).

Aphasia is a difficulty in communication, such as the production of language; it is less likely as an outcome of lesions in this area. A deficit in the naming of objects would be more likely due to damage to the temporal lobes. 

65.

As a psychologist, Andre believes that motivation to act in a certain way is based on fulfilling requirements for food, safety, and love. For instance, he believes people will seek out interactions with others in order to fulfill their needs for social engagement and belonging.

What type of theory of motivation aligns with Andre's views?

  • Need-based theories

  • Drive theories

  • Learning theories

  • Cognitive process theories

Correct answer: Need-based theories

Need-based theories view motivation as being based upon certain needs. The most popular need-based theory is Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which says people are motivated to act based upon specific needs, which are hierarchical in nature. This aligns with Andre's view.

Drive theories say people engage in behaviors in order to maintain equilibrium.

Learning theories state people are motivated to act in a certain way based on the rewards they receive for behavior.

Cognitive process theories view motivation as being based upon cognitive dissonance. According to these theories, people will be motivated to change their beliefs or their behavior when their behavior is inconsistent with their values or beliefs.

66.

Which of the following is an accurate definition of slope in terms of behavior change?

  • The rate of change

  • The average frequency of an outcome across the duration of the experiment

  • The amount of measurable change

  • The difference between the first data point in a phase and the last data point in the phase immediately prior

Correct answer: The rate of change

In terms of behavior change, slope can be defined as the rate of this change in different phases. This slope is calculated by dividing the difference between two points on the y-axis by the difference between two points on the x-axis. 

The average frequency of an outcome across the duration of the experiment is the mean change. The difference between the first data point in a phase and the last data point in the phase immediately prior is a level shift. "The amount of measurable change" is not an accurate definition of slope.

67.

What is the description of experiences composed of an analog and a digital base?

  • Sensory memory

  • Short-term memory

  • Nondeclarative memory

  • Long-term memory

Correct answer: Sensory memory

In the modal model of memory, sensory memory refers to the fact that experiences involve a flow of information or an analog. The nervous system is built around discrete impulses, the digital base, and the brain is responsible for transferring data from one form to another.

None of the remaining options is composed of analog and digital bases. Short-term memory is the storage of information retained only for a brief amount of time. Long-term memory is all the information that has been learned but is not necessarily needed at the moment. Nondeclarative memory is a category of long-term memory that consists of items the person is unaware of knowing but can still demonstrate.

68.

Which principle calls for people to be treated fairly and similarly?

  • Justice

  • Respect for rights and dignity 

  • Beneficence

  • Fidelity and responsibility

Correct answer: Justice

Justice is the principle that calls for people to be treated fairly and similarly. Justice—along with autonomy, nonmaleficence, and beneficence—is one of the four basic concepts of ethical theory. Justice is also one of the General Principles of the APA's ethical code.

Respect for people's rights and dignity requires the psychologist to honor people's autonomy and respect their confidentiality and privacy. Beneficence is the intent to do good to others. Fidelity and responsibility refers to upholding standards of ethical conduct and developing trust. 

69.

Which of the following refers to the situation when a single goal has both attractive and unattractive qualities?

  • Approach-avoidance conflict

  • Approach-approach conflict

  • Double-approach conflict

  • Balanced approach conflict

Correct answer: Approach-avoidance conflict

When a single goal has both attractive and unattractive qualities, approach-avoidance conflict occurs. This occurs when someone feels avoidance as they move toward a goal and desire as they move away from it.

The approach-approach conflict occurs when someone must choose between two equally attractive goals. Double-approach conflict and balanced approach conflict are both fabricated terms.

70.

Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional are vocational interest domains most closely associated with whose work?

  • Holland

  • Strong

  • Binet

  • Wechsler

Correct answer: Holland

John Holland is well-known for his significant contributions to the field of vocational interest. His model is based on the belief that there are six dimensions of vocational interest arranged around a hexagon: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.

71.

Hannah is a clinical psychologist in an acute care setting evaluating patient behaviors. She is interested in the severity of aggression experienced by her patient, Ralph. She has distributed a tool that rates aggression on a Likert scale of 1 to 5, asking staff to rate the severity of Ralph's aggression on every shift. 

What is the biggest potential problem with this approach? 

  • Different people might rate each behavior differently 

  • A Likert scale will not capture aggressive behavior

  • This scale will not gather qualitative data 

Correct answer: Different people might rate each behavior differently 

Rating scales such as a 1- to 5-point Likert scale are useful for gathering qualitative data; in other words, they do better than a simple tabulation of frequency and can indicate severity. However, people might score observed behaviors differently. One observer might rate a shove as a 2, and another might rate it a 5 on the same scale, leading to confusion and, likely, flawed data collection.

There is no reason why a Likert scale could not be used to rate aggression.

72.

How does Sameroff's transactional model regard development?

  • As the accumulation of reciprocal social interactions over time

  • As the unfolding of identity across the lifespan

  • As the acting-out of primary attachment relationships in social settings 

  • As the impact of chronic stress affecting the HPA axis throughout the lifespan

Correct answer: As the accumulation of reciprocal social interactions over time

Sameroff's transactional model regards development as a result of reciprocal social interactions occurring over time between an individual and their surroundings. This model places equal emphasis on the individual and the environment and emphasizes that deficits within the individual, such as cognitive delays, can impact development as well as deficits in interpersonal relationships, such as being raised in an emotionally abusive household.

73.

Which of the following is true regarding the receptor sites blocked by traditional antipsychotics?

  • Traditional antipsychotics block dopamine receptors 

  • Traditional antipsychotics block serotonin receptors

  • Traditional antipsychotics block both dopamine and serotonin receptors 

Correct answer: Traditional antipsychotics block dopamine receptors 

Traditional, or first-generation, antipsychotics were developed in the 1950s; these include such medications as haloperidol (Haldol), fluphenazine (Prolixin), and chlorpromazine (Thorazine), among others. They have similar effectiveness profiles but differ in strength and side effects. 

All traditional antipsychotic medications block dopamine receptors, while second-generation antipsychotics (or "atypicals") block both serotonin and dopamine receptors.

74.

Marsha, a clinical psychologist, is assessing her client Philip, who has a moderately severe substance abuse problem. When Marsha attempts to gauge Philip's readiness for change, she finds that he is more concerned with the question of shelter due to homelessness. He is unreceptive to addressing his substance abuse until that issue is addressed.

Which of the following types of motivational theory is applicable to this situation? 

  • Need-based theory

  • Drive theory

  • Learning theory

  • Self-determination theory

Correct answer: Need-based theory

In this case, since Philip is more concerned about basic needs than higher-order change, a need-based theory of motivation seems most applicable. The most famous need-based theory, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (1943), suggests that human beings act according to their perceived needs, from the most apparently imminent (shelter) to the more abstract (change in using substances).

This case does not clarify what homeostasis (psychological equilibrium) may mean to Philip. Drive theory, therefore, is less relevant to this situation. Drive theory rests on the idea that people operate according to ranked and conflicting drives based on reinforcement schedules; since no reinforcement is mentioned, a need-based theory seems more appropriate. Likewise, learning theory deals with how behavior is learned through reinforcement. Without more information about reinforcers and in light of Philip's specific desire, a need-based theory seems more applicable. Self-determination theory posits that people have inherent growth tendencies that motivate them to put forth effort. Phillip's scenario does not describe any level of intrinsic motivation, which is a central feature of self-determination theory.

75.

All the following therapists are well known for their contributions to family therapy except:

  • Adler

  • Bowen

  • Minuchin

  • Haley

Correct answer: Adler

Murray Bowen, Jay Haley, and Salvador Minuchin have all made significant contributions to the field of family therapy. Bowen is known for his conceptualizations of family therapy and ideas regarding the differentiation of the individual from others in the family system. Haley is responsible for the approach to family therapy that attempts to identify a problem and then works within the family's framework to find a solution. Minuchin is known for his contributions to structural family therapy, which focuses on the family as a system.

Adler developed an approach to individual psychotherapy that views individuals in a holistic way. Adlerian therapy regards healthy living as governed by the way an individual connects to their family, community, and/or society.

76.

Abdul, a clinical psychologist, is concerned that his client Sarah is not sufficiently motivated to stop using cocaine. He believes that motivation is made of three components—valence, expectancy, and instrumentality—and is attempting to use these concepts to determine the best way to proceed. 

Which of the following motivational theories is Abdul referencing? 

  • Cognitive process 

  • Learning

  • Drive

Correct answer: Cognitive process 

Abdul seems to be using Vroom's Expectancy Theory (1964). This theory falls under the broad category of cognitive process theories, which detail ways in which a cognitive process determines choice and motivation. In this case, Expectancy Theory suggests that motivation amounts to a combination of three factors: valence, which is how much an individual values a consequence; expectancy, which is one's belief that one can achieve the goal; and instrumentality, the idea that a certain behavior will lead to a predictable outcome. 

These concepts are not used in learning theories of motivation, nor are they a part of drive theory. Learning theories tie the concept of operant conditioning to motivation, and drive theories rest on the concept of preserving homeostasis.

77.

Which of the following is not a General Principle in the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct?

  • Privacy and confidentiality 

  • Beneficence and nonmaleficence 

  • Fidelity and responsibility

  • Justice 

Correct answer: Privacy and confidentiality 

The General Principles in the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct are aspirational and describe how psychologists should strive to conduct themselves. Privacy and confidentiality do not belong to the General Principles section, but rather to the Ethical Standards section, which stipulates rules that are enforceable and that psychologists must follow. 

Beneficence and nonmaleficence, fidelity and responsibility, and justice are all examples of General Principles within the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.

78.

Which of the following statements is true regarding communication between neurons?

  • Communication between neurons takes place between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites of another neuron

  • Communication between neurons takes place between the cell bodies of both neurons

  • Communication between neurons takes place between the dendrites of both neurons

  • Communication between neurons takes place between the nucleus of one neuron and the dendrites of another neuron

Correct answer: Communication between neurons takes place between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites of another neuron

The neuron is the building block of the nervous system and varies in size and shape. The axon from one neuron communicates with the dendrites of another neuron; this is how information is passed from one neuron to the next. Communication between neurons takes place in the synapse, which is the space between two neurons.

79.

William is beginning a supervisory relationship with his colleague Karen. The two are professional peers who studied at the same school and have had parallel careers in the same treatment center. They are both clinical psychologists, and William has a detailed plan of how to enhance Karen's effectiveness during their time together. 

What is wrong with this supervisory arrangement, if anything? 

  • The relationship is not hierarchical 

  • There should not be a plan at the beginning stage 

  • There is nothing wrong with this arrangment

Correct answer: The relationship is not hierarchical 

Bernard and Goodyear (2009) discuss supervision as necessarily hierarchical. In other words, in their view, peers should not supervise each other. Implicit in the supervisory relationship is the idea that one party is more experienced than the other and has expertise and skills to pass along.

There is nothing wrong with having a detailed supervision plan, although it should have Karen's input.

80.

Jean-Paul, a clinical psychologist working in the research department of a university, is designing an instrument for an upcoming study of anxiety. He is concerned about environmental factors, such as the size of the testing room, the temperature of the testing environment, and so on. 

Which of the following is Jean-Paul concerned about in terms of testing?

  • Systematic variance 

  • Discrimination

  • Measurement error

Correct answer: Systematic variance 

Systematic variance seems to be what Jean-Paul is concerned about, as he is thinking of ways in which the test results would change due to the systematic factors of administration, such as room temperature and room size.

Discrimination is a term used in testing to refer to the characteristics of items on tests; it is used to describe how precise items are in measuring what they are supposed to measure. Measurement error refers to the vulnerability of the test to errors based on its structure. 

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