chapter 3 Flashcards
what are the purposes of clinical assessment
To understand the individual
To predict behavior
To plan treatment
To evaluate treatment outcome
how does analogous to a funnel work?
Starts broad
Multidimensional in approach
Narrow to specific problem areas
what does reliability encompass?
Consistency in measurement
Examples include test-retest and inter-rater reliability
what does validity include?
What an assessment approach measures and how well it does so
Examples include concurrent, discriminant, and predictive validity
what is standardization?
Ensures consistency in the use of a technique
Provides population benchmarks for comparison
Examples include structured administration, scoring, and evaluation procedures
value of assessment depends on:
realiability: the degree to which a measurement is consistent
Validity: the degree to which a technique measures what it is designed to measure
standardization: application to certain standards to ensure consistency across different measurements
clinical interview
Most common clinical assessment method
Structured or semi-structured
mental status exam
Appearance and behavior Thought processes Mood and affect Intellectual functioning Sensorium
what might someone be looking for during a behavioral assessment?
Focus on the present – here and now
Direct observation of behavior-environment relations
Purpose is to identify problematic behaviors and situations
ABCs – Identify antecedents, behaviors, and consequences
an observational assessment focuses on…
antecedents
behavior
consequences
how can aBehavioral observation and behavioral assessment be done?
Can be either formal or informal
Self-monitoring vs. being observed by others
Problem of reactivity using direct observation
when are ink blots used?
Rorschach test
how areIntelligence tests
done
Nature of intellectual functioning and IQ
The deviation IQ
Verbal and performance domains
Problems with neuropsychological tests
False positives
False negatives
define neuroimaging
pictures of the brain
Psychophysiological assessment domains
Electroencephalogram (EEG) – brain wave activity.
ERP – Event related potentials
Heart rate and respiration – cardiorespiratory activity
Electrodermal response and levels – sweat gland activity
Uses of routine psychophysiological assessment
Disorders involving a strong emotional component
Examples
PTSD, sexual dysfunctions, sleep disorders
Headache and hypertension
defineIdiographic strategy
What is unique about an individual’s personality, cultural background, or circumstances
define Nomothetic strategy
Identifying a specific psychological disorder, to make a diagnosis
taxonomy
classification in a scientific context
nosology
– taxonomy in psychological/medical phenomena
nomenclature
Nomenclature – nosological labels (e.g., panic disorder)
Categorical and dimensional approaches
Classical (or pure) categorical approach – strict categories
Dimensional approach – classification along dimensions
Prototypical approach – combines classical and dimensional views
basic characteristics of DSM-IV-TR
Five axes – full clinical presentation
Clear inclusion and exclusion criteria for disorders
Disorders are categorized under broad headings
Empirically-grounded, prototypic approach to classification
what are the problems with the DSM-IV-TR
Defined as two or more disorders for the same person
High comorbidity is the rule, clinically
Threatens the validity of separate diagnoses
Labeling issues and stigmatization
DSM-5
Due out summer 2013
what goes into research design?
A method to test hypotheses
Independent variable
The variable that causes or influences behavior
Dependent variable
The behavior influenced by the independent variable
how does the case study method work?
Extensive observation and detailed description of a client
Foundation of early historic developments in psychopathology
Limitations
Lacks scientific rigor and suitable controls
Internal validity is typically weak
Often entails numerous confounds
define epidemiology
the study of the incidence, distribution, and consequences of a particular problem or set of problems in one or more populations
Abnormal psychology is founded in the scientific method
Understand the nature of abnormality and human suffering
Understand the causes of psychological disorders
Understand the course of psychological disorders
Understand how to prevent and treat psychological disorders
