AP Psychology : AP Psychology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #401 : Ap Psychology

Mental illnesses are currently classified into a __________________ diagnostic system, which has created some difficulties for clinicians due to the fact that many symptoms appear on a spectrum of severity.

Possible Answers:

subjective

epidemiological

dimensional

categorical

Correct answer:

categorical

Explanation:

Current classification systems are categorical in nature, meaning that there are distinct categories for each mental illness that does not necessarily overlap with other diagnoses. A dimensional system that takes into account the overlapping nature of mental illness along a spectrum of severity has been proposed, but it has limited utility.

Example Question #402 : Ap Psychology

Stacy is a 15 year old female who reports constant worry. Her fears are greatly impacting her daily functioning, and she cannot get through a task without focusing on many different worries in her life. She reports numerous worries about things such as relationships, school work, money, and her future career. Stacy likely suffers from which condition?

Possible Answers:

Specific phobia

Schizophrenia

Bipolar Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Correct answer:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Explanation:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a disorder marked by excessive worry about multiple domains within one's life. These worries greatly distress an affected individual, and interfere with normal functioning. GAD is also accompanied by several physical symptoms including restlessness, decreased sleep, muscle tension, and weakness.

Example Question #403 : Ap Psychology

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is predominantly characterized by which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Ritualistic behaviors that are meant to avoid dangerous things from happening

Periods of general confusion, accompanied by heightened levels of anxiety

None of these

Incessant distrust of other people, especially relatives and others in close contact

Turbulent relationships, in which the afflicted individual feels extreme love or hate at different times

Correct answer:

Turbulent relationships, in which the afflicted individual feels extreme love or hate at different times

Explanation:

BPD's main symptoms involve turbulent relationships, extreme emotional reactions to everyday situations and self-harm. It is usually comorbid with anxiety and/or depression. Additionally, BPD patients have been reported as very difficult to treat (in comparison to other psychological disorders). This is because the typical subject is resistant to intervention.

Example Question #404 : Ap Psychology

Which of the following have exact known causes:

I. Alzheimer's disease

II. Frontotemporal dementia

III. Dementia with Lewy bodies

Possible Answers:

III only

All of these

II & III

II only

None of these

Correct answer:

None of these

Explanation:

Exact causes have not yet been confirmed, but there are currently many risk factors that have been linked. Alzheimer's, for example, is linked to several genetic polymorphisms. APOE-e4 has the strongest correlation so far, but not everyone with this genetic marker develops the disease. Some scientists believe that we have not yet identified the responsible genes.

Example Question #405 : Ap Psychology

Which of the following are early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease:

I. Feeling confused about time and location

II. Changes in personality

III. Multiple personalities

IV. Inhibited coordination

V. Increased blood pressure

Possible Answers:

I, II, & IV

I, II, & III

II, III, & IV

IV & V

II only

Correct answer:

I, II, & IV

Explanation:

Early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease include feeling confused about time and location, changes in personality and inhibited coordination. The disease follows a set of stages, but everyone expresses the symptoms differently. Alzheimer's can be easily misdiagnosed in early stages because of such deeply internalized symptoms.

Example Question #406 : Ap Psychology

What percentage of Alzheimer's cases are considered early-onset?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Estimates vary, but early-onset cases make up somewhere between four to six percent of all cases. In the past, early-onset was considered the same disease as Alzheimer's because of the symptomatic similarities. However, scientists now believe Alzheimer's disease encompasses more than one distinct disease.

Example Question #407 : Ap Psychology

What age of Alzheimer's diagnosis is considered to be early onset?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The lines are rather blurry, but cases are considered early onset Alzheimer's when diagnosis occurs in the 40s or 50s. Along with the age of onset, early-onset diagnosis is based on symptomatic criteria. Unfortunately, the only way to determine the exact class of dementia, an autopsy is required to examine brain tissue.

Example Question #1 : Theories Of Personality

In Freudian psychoanalytic theory the __________ is an innate biological instinct that operates on the pleasure principle.

Possible Answers:

None of these answers are correct

superego

ego

conscience

id

Correct answer:

id

Explanation:

Freud postulated that there were three distinct parts of the psyche: the id, the ego, and the superego. These three parts develop at different times in a person's life. The id is the most basic, innate part of the psyche. It is the primitive and instinctive component of the personality. It consists of all biological instincts, such as sexual attraction and aggression. The id responds immediately and directly to its instincts, seeking pleasure and self-preservation.

Example Question #1 : Theories Of Personality

Which of the following did Freud consider to be the "executive" or regulator of personality?

Possible Answers:

The superego

The conscience

The ego

None of these answers are correct

The id

Correct answer:

The ego

Explanation:

Freud proposed that the psyche/personality is divided into three distinct sections: the id, the ego, and the superego. Each has a distinct role and function within the person. The ego is the mediator or regulator of the personality because it works out realistic ways of satisfying the id's demands, while also seeking to satisfy the superego by considering realities, norms, and etiquette and avoiding negative societal consequences. 

Example Question #2 : Theories Of Personality

Which of the following is not one of Freud's proposed psychosexual stages?

Possible Answers:

All of these answers correspond to Freud's psychosexual stages

Erogenous

Anal

Phallic

Oral

Correct answer:

Erogenous

Explanation:

Freud believed there were five psychosexual stages of development. In order of development from earliest to latest, these were the oral stage, the anal stage, the phallic stage, the latent stage, and the genital stage. 

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