PSYCH1010 Exam 3 Flashcards Part Deux

How might a person with strong self-control handle temptation to procrastinate before an exam?

They might use goal-setting and time-blocking strategies to stay focused and delay gratification.

Why would two people appraise the same job interview with different stress levels?

Appraisal is subjective—one may view it as a challenge, the other as a threat, leading to different stress responses.

How could optimism improve someone’s recovery after surgery?

Optimists are more likely to engage in healing behaviors, adhere to treatment, and maintain hope, which speeds recovery.

What coping strategy might be more effective during a global crisis like a pandemic, and why?

Emotion-focused coping may be better for uncontrollable stressors—managing emotional response when direct action isn’t possible.

How might someone’s attitude toward a political issue change after attending a rally for the opposing side?

If they engage in the rally and feel discomfort, cognitive dissonance may cause them to revise their stance.

Why might a person blame a stranger for being rude but excuse themselves for the same behavior?

Fundamental attribution error makes us attribute others’ actions to personality and our own to situational factors.

How could the foot-in-the-door technique help increase donations for a charity?

By asking for a small favor first, the person becomes more likely to agree to a larger donation later.

How might someone’s behavior change if they repeatedly act in a role, such as being a leader?

Over time, the behavior may influence their self-perception and solidify leadership-related traits and attitudes.

How might informational social influence affect decisions during a natural disaster?

Uncertain individuals may rely on others’ responses (e.g., evacuation) as cues for how to behave safely.

Why might a student slack off during a group project despite caring about the grade?

Social loafing—when responsibility is shared, individuals may put in less effort than when working alone.

How could deindividuation lead to vandalism during a protest?

Anonymity and group immersion reduce self-awareness and accountability, increasing impulsive behavior.

How might groupthink lead a company to make a risky business decision?

Desire for harmony and consensus may suppress dissent, resulting in flawed or unchecked strategies.

How could the proximity effect explain workplace romance?

Physical closeness increases exposure and familiarity, leading to greater attraction over time.

Why might someone feel more compelled to help an elderly person struggling when alone versus in a crowd?

With no others around, responsibility isn’t diffused—so the bystander effect is less likely.

How might equity theory explain dissatisfaction in a romantic relationship?

If one partner perceives giving more than they receive, they may feel resentment and decreased satisfaction.

How can shared goals reduce conflict between rival groups?

Superordinate goals require cooperation, which builds trust and reduces hostility through teamwork.

How might Freud interpret a person obsessively organizing their workspace?

As a fixation from the anal stage, linked to control and order.

How would someone with a well-aligned ideal and actual self likely feel about themselves?

They’d experience high self-esteem due to congruence, as described by Rogers.

Why might someone high in openness enjoy traveling and trying new foods?

They’re more curious and open to new experiences, traits linked to high openness in the Big Five.

If a person redirects anger from their boss to their roommate, what Freudian defense mechanism is involved?

Displacement—redirecting unacceptable impulses toward a safer outlet.

How might reciprocal determinism explain a student becoming more engaged in class after sitting near motivated peers?

The social environment (motivated peers) influences the student’s behavior, which in turn affects their attitudes and engagement.

If someone frequently seeks out new, exciting experiences and enjoys abstract thinking, which Big Five trait is likely high?

Openness—they are intellectually curious and open to variety and novelty.

How would low self-efficacy impact someone training for a marathon?

They may doubt their ability, train inconsistently, and give up early, despite having the physical capacity.

How might someone’s belief in a hostile world influence their behavior at work?

They may act defensively, creating conflict and confirming their own belief—a self-fulfilling prophecy.

If a person refuses to acknowledge a serious health diagnosis and continues acting as if nothing is wrong, what defense mechanism is present?

Denial—they are unconsciously blocking the reality to reduce anxiety.

How might a supportive therapist using Rogers' approach respond to a client who feels unlovable?

With empathy, unconditional positive regard, and reflective listening to build the client’s self-worth.

What could fixation in the phallic stage lead to in adult relationships, according to Freud?

Issues with authority, jealousy, or sexual identity stemming from unresolved Oedipus/Electra complex.

How would a self-actualized person likely respond to failure?

They would view it as a growth opportunity rather than a personal defeat, reflecting maturity and resilience.

If someone feels like they’re being constantly watched and judged, even when they’re not, what concept might they be experiencing?

Spotlight effect—they overestimate how much others notice or evaluate them.

Why might someone overstate their contribution to a group project?

Due to the self-serving bias—they recall their successes and minimize others' roles to protect self-esteem.

How would low self-esteem likely influence reactions to criticism?

They might take it more personally, leading to rumination, avoidance, or emotional distress.

What impact could a poor match between actual self and ideal self have on a person's well-being?

It could result in low self-esteem, dissatisfaction, and increased risk for anxiety or depression.

How might cultural norms affect whether a behavior is considered a psychological disorder?

Behaviors deviant in one culture may be normal in another, so context influences diagnosis.

If a person has severe social withdrawal, lack of pleasure, and low motivation, which “D” of diagnosis is most clearly met?

Dysfunction—the symptoms significantly interfere with daily functioning.

How could a clinician avoid misdiagnosing a shy person with social anxiety disorder?

By assessing distress and dysfunction—shyness alone is not a disorder unless it impairs functioning.

Why might two people with the same diagnosis have different treatment needs?

Due to individual differences in biology, psychology, and environment (biopsychosocial model).

How could a person develop a dog phobia after being bitten once?

Through classical conditioning—the bite (UCS) caused fear (UCR), which is now triggered by all dogs (CS).

Why might compulsive hand washing persist in someone with OCD despite knowing it’s irrational?

Because it reduces anxiety temporarily, which reinforces the behavior through operant conditioning.

How might PTSD symptoms worsen after watching a violent movie?

The content may act as a trigger, activating intrusive memories or emotional distress.

How could someone with social anxiety disorder behave during a job interview?

They may avoid eye contact, stutter, or freeze, fearing negative evaluation.

How might a depressive explanatory style impact someone after losing a job?

They may blame themselves (internal), see it as permanent (stable), and think it affects everything (global), worsening depression.

What behaviors might indicate a person is entering a manic episode?

Risky spending, little need for sleep, fast talking, and inflated self-esteem.

Why might depression be underdiagnosed in men?

Men may express depression differently (e.g., irritability, substance use) or avoid seeking help due to stigma.

How could someone with bipolar disorder benefit from mood stabilizers?

These medications help reduce manic highs and depressive lows, promoting emotional balance.

How might delusions of persecution affect someone’s ability to keep a job?

They may distrust coworkers or managers, leading to paranoia, conflicts, or withdrawal from work.

Why could a person with schizophrenia neglect personal hygiene?

Negative symptoms like avolition or flat affect reduce motivation and emotional engagement.

What environmental factors could increase schizophrenia risk in genetically predisposed individuals?

Prenatal complications, early trauma, drug use, and extreme stress can trigger onset.

How might antipsychotic medications help someone with schizophrenia?

They reduce positive symptoms like hallucinations by blocking dopamine receptors.

Why might someone with DID show drastically different handwriting at different times?

Each identity may have distinct traits and physical expressions, including handwriting.

How could antisocial personality disorder present in a charming but manipulative businessperson?

They may lack empathy, use deceit, and take risks without remorse to gain personal advantage.

What might trigger a binge-eating episode in someone with bulimia?

Stress, low mood, or body dissatisfaction may lead to emotional eating followed by guilt and purging.

Why might cultural ideals increase risk for anorexia nervosa?

Thinness is often idealized in Western cultures, pressuring individuals to restrict food to meet unrealistic standards.

How might an elementary teacher spot signs of ADHD in a student?

Frequent fidgeting, trouble following instructions, and impulsive blurting may be observed.

Why might early diagnosis of ASD improve outcomes?

Early intervention helps build communication and social skills, improving long-term functioning.

What challenges might someone with an intellectual disability face in daily life?

Difficulties with problem-solving, communication, and adaptive skills like cooking or managing money.

How could a child with ASD react to changes in routine?

They may become highly distressed display repetitive behaviors to self-soothe.

How might cognitive therapy help someone who believes they’re worthless?

By identifying and challenging irrational thoughts, and replacing them with realistic, positive alternatives.

Why might exposure therapy work for someone with a fear of flying?

Gradual exposure reduces fear through habituation and breaks the avoidance cycle.

How would a therapist using behavior modification help a child stop hitting others?

By reinforcing non-aggressive behaviors and removing reinforcement for aggression.

Why might group therapy be more effective than individual therapy for someone with social anxiety?

It provides a safe space to practice social skills and reduces isolation by connecting with others facing similar issues.

How can regression to the mean create the illusion that therapy worked?

Symptoms often improve naturally over time, even without intervention, especially if they were extreme initially.

Why might CBT be the best choice for someone with panic disorder?

It directly addresses distorted thoughts and avoidance behaviors maintaining the panic.

What role does the therapeutic alliance play in effective therapy?

A strong, trusting therapist-client relationship fosters openness and promotes better outcomes.

How does evidence-based practice improve therapy outcomes?

It combines research, clinical expertise, and client values to tailor the most effective treatment.

How might a psychiatrist treat someone with treatment-resistant depression?

They might use ECT or rTMS if antidepressants and therapy have been ineffective.

Why is it important to monitor lithium levels in patients with bipolar disorder?

Too much lithium can be toxic, while too little may be ineffective—blood levels must be balanced.

How does blocking dopamine receptors help treat schizophrenia?

It reduces positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions caused by dopamine overactivity.

How could lifestyle changes prevent the onset of a psychological disorder?

Exercise, good sleep, nutrition, and social connection strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability.

How could someone use reappraisal to handle receiving critical feedback at work?

They might reinterpret it as an opportunity to grow rather than as personal failure.

What impact could an external locus of control have on health behavior?

They may neglect health responsibilities, believing outcomes are beyond their control.

How might a person high in self-control maintain a healthy diet?

They could resist short-term temptations by focusing on long-term goals like health and fitness.

Why would mindfulness be recommended for someone overwhelmed by daily hassles?

It encourages present-moment awareness and reduces emotional reactivity to stressors.

How does attribution theory explain differing reactions to a celebrity’s controversial behavior?

Fans may blame the situation (situational attribution), while critics blame personality (dispositional attribution).

Why might someone justify shoplifting after initially being against it?

To resolve cognitive dissonance, they may revise their belief to align with their actions.

How might a strong attitude about animal rights influence consumer behavior?

It may lead the individual to buy cruelty-free products and avoid companies that test on animals.

If a person performs better in front of a teacher than alone, what concept does this demonstrate?

Their behavior may be shaped by the social evaluation aspect of social psychology.

Why might someone ignore their own judgment in a group setting like a jury?

They could be influenced by group pressure and fear of being the dissenting voice (normative influence).

How could a teacher use social facilitation to boost class performance on review games?

By making the setting competitive and public, students may perform better on tasks they know well.

Why might someone in a cult conform more readily than in everyday settings?

Isolated environments and groupthink reduce critical thinking and increase dependency on the group.

How does the presence of authority influence moral decision-making?

People may follow orders they normally wouldn’t endorse, as seen in obedience studies like Milgram’s.

How might the reciprocity norm influence charitable behavior during the holidays?

Receiving a small gift may prompt someone to give back or donate in return.

How does online dating capitalize on proximity and similarity?

Algorithms match users with those nearby and with shared values, increasing likelihood of attraction.

Why might someone with a strong social responsibility norm help a stranger with a flat tire?

They feel morally obligated to help others in need, regardless of reciprocity.

If a person helps in an emergency only after making eye contact with the victim, what shifted?

They assumed personal responsibility, which overcame the bystander effect.

Why might a person high in agreeableness avoid conflict in team projects?

They prioritize harmony, cooperation, and social bonding, sometimes at their own expense.

If someone is overly controlling and perfectionistic, how might Freud explain this?

As a fixation in the anal-retentive stage from overly strict toilet training.

What trait combination from the Big Five might describe a successful entrepreneur?

High conscientiousness, openness, and extraversion.

How could someone’s ideal self being unrealistic lead to psychological distress?

A large gap from the actual self may lead to feelings of inadequacy and persistent dissatisfaction.

How would someone high in conscientiousness prepare for an exam?

They would plan ahead, organize their study materials, and avoid distractions.

How might someone’s behavior change if their workplace promotes competition?

Their trait of competitiveness may be amplified, shaping behavior through environmental cues.

How could a person with an external locus of control react to failing a driving test?

They might blame bad luck or a tough examiner rather than their own preparation.

Why might two people in the same environment behave differently according to Bandura?

Their personal traits and thought patterns interact differently with the environment.

What might someone using reaction formation do when feeling jealousy toward a friend?

They may express exaggerated praise or affection to mask their true feelings.

How would a Rogerian therapist respond to a client saying, “I’m not good enough”?

By reflecting the statement empathetically and helping the client see their inherent worth.

How could childhood conflict during the anal stage manifest in adult behavior?

It might result in extreme neatness or stubbornness, depending on fixation outcomes.

Why might a humanistic therapist avoid giving direct advice?

They focus on helping the client self-discover solutions and validate their experience.

How might someone with high self-efficacy approach a job interview?

They would prepare confidently, persist despite challenges, and maintain a positive attitude.

Why might someone downplay their weaknesses in a personality inventory?

To present themselves favorably, especially in settings like job applications.

If a person thinks they’re constantly being judged at the gym, what concept explains this?

The spotlight effect—they overestimate how much attention others pay to them.

How could ideal self-guided therapy improve client outcomes?

By helping them move toward alignment between their actual and ideal selves, boosting motivation and satisfaction.