Question: 1. Provide an example of fundamental attribution error.
2. Provide an example of cognitive dissonance.
3. What are some factors that increase the likelihood of diffusion of responsibility/bystander apathy?
4. Read the descriptions, and provide the diagnosis. Note you will be asked similar questions on the exam and should be able to provide the appropriate diagnosis as indicated on the objectives).
a) Tony sometimes seems very "wound up." At those times, he seems full of energy, talks very rapidly, and makes very grandiose plans. (One time, he gave away all of his belongings and was planning to move to Washington, D.C., so he could advise the President.) At these times, he also seems to need almost no sleep. During other periods of time Tony seems very "down." During these times he does not take care of himself. He seems to want to sleep all the time, and he often makes thinly veiled references to wanting to commit suicide.
a. Diagnosis: __________________
b) Paula has not left her house for several months. When she tries to go out, she experiences great anxiety. She says she is afraid that if she leaves her house to go somewhere, she will not be able to get back. Before all this started, Paula seemed fairly normal except for having several episodes where, for no apparent reason, her heart started pounding, she started to sweat profusely, and she experienced all the symptoms of fear and terror. One of the reasons she is afraid to leave the house is because she is afraid she will have one of these episodes again. (Hint: there are two specific diagnoses here.)
a. Diagnoses: _______________________________________________
c) Horace sleeps a lot, has great difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, and generally does not want to do anything. He has stopped seeing friends whom he used to see often, and declines all invitations to do things socially. His most common response is "I just don't feel like it." He looks sad all the time and does not seem to take pleasure in everyday activities. This has been going on for the past two months.
a. Diagnosis: __________________
d) Marianne is a 34-year-old female showing signs of disorganized thought and flat affect. She says that she hears voices telling her to do things. She believes that her behavior is being controlled by other people and she thinks that all her former friends have formed a conspiracy and are out to get her. She also tends toward repetitive, highly ritualized behavior.
a. Diagnosis: __________________
e) Zachary is a 17-year-old male who appears boastful, conceited, and arrogant. When someone accuses him of being that way, he flies into a rage. He shows little care for others and is often envious when others are recognized for their achievements. He is also prone to daydreaming and fantasizing about the success that awaits him.
a. Diagnosis: __________________
f) Sandy feels dirty unless she bathes and changes clothes at least four times a day, and she is fastidious about the house as well. Every room is scrubbed at least twice a week and the bathroom is taken care of daily.
a. Diagnosis: __________________
5. What is the DSM, and how does one determine if they have psychological disorder?
6. Briefly describe main characteristics of:
1. Behavior therapy
2. Cognitive therapy
7. Would you ever go to therapy? What sort of orientation do you think you would benefit most from? If not, why not? What other techniques would you use instead?
8. What are some important factors in determining the effectiveness of therapy?