Psychology Test Review - Personality Theory and Disorders

I. Research Methods - prepare to evaluate a study from any of the units

A. experimental design

1. experimental terminology

- hypothesis - validity

- independent and dependent variables - reliability

2. major confounds and ways to avoid them

B. evaluate correlations and discuss non-causal explanations

II. Approaches to Personality

A. Psychodynamic Approach - the subconscious and the doctor

1. id, ego, superego

2. defense mechanisms - projection, displacement, reaction formation, denial, compensation

3. analysis and therapy - hypnosis, dream analysis, free association, the couch

B. Humanist Approach - the flower and the facilitator

1. self actualization v conditions of worth

2. growth orientation v deficiency orientation

3. therapy - reflection, unconditional regard

C. Behaviorist Approach - the lessons and the teacher

1. Reciprocal Determinism

behavior

personal factors environment

2. shaping, visualization, group therapy, flooding, desensitization, aversion

D. Trait Approach - descriptive

1 Big 5 Factor Model - OCEAN

2. uses and abuses of personality tests - reliability and validity

E. apply to fictional personalities and situations - e.g. The Simpsons, Star Wars, Winnie the Pooh

III. Disorders and Treatments

A. disorder = behavior in context = content + context + consequences

[Szasz - What's wrong with disease model?] - Honors only

B. vulnerability - stress model

C. diagnosing disorders

- anxiety (OCD, PTSD, agoraphobia)

- mood (depression, bipolar disorder)

- dissociative (DID, fugue, amnesia)

- schizophrenia

- autism controversies

D. therapy and treatment

1. therapies - psychodynamic, humanist and behaviorist approaches

2. drug therapy

a. evaluating efficacy

b. social and economic pressures to prescribe

3. psychosurgery - ECT, prefrontal lobotomy