Exam 1_Psycho-dynamic Processes

Question 1

Explain the difference between suppression and repression.

Answer 1

Suppression is deliberate, repression is unconscious.

Question 2

What did Sigmund Freud say about the unconscious mind in terms of memory?

Answer 2

It is limitless storage.

Question 3

What did the tachistoscope research demonstrate?

Answer 3

Perceptual defensiveness or longer recognition times were found with groups recognizing “taboo” words. The same group recognized non-taboo words significantly quicker. The conclusions were supportive of the use of repression. Was it really repression, or just embarrassment?

Question 4

Explain how Loftus and Porter demonstrated fabricated memories and how it weakens repressed memory theory.

Answer 4

“Lost in the Mall” experiment. False memories were created from hearing false childhood stories.

Question 5

What is selective information processing?

Answer 5

Replacing repression. People ignore information that triggers emotions and selectively pay attention to relevant info.

Question 6

What is the difference between a sensitizer and repressor?

Answer 6

Repressor: Use denial. Tend to be healthier.
Sensitizer: Alert to danger.

Question 7

Explain Miller’s concepts of mental blunting and self-monitoring.

Answer 7

Blunters: Prefer less information and suffer more arousal when they have high information input.

Moniters: Prefer a high information input before a stressful event and suffer less psycho-physiological arousal when they have information.

Question 8

Explain the difference between objective and projective psychological tests

Answer 8

Projective Tests show ambiguous or unclear pictures or questions to draw out unconscious motives, conflicts, desires in subjects. This means there are no correct answers.

Objective tests like the MMPI, WAIS-IV, have clear cut answers (i.e.; true or false). This means that your conscious will select correct answers.