Foundational Terms/Concepts

Question 1

theory

Answer 1

network of words connected by hypotheses; in psychology, it explains human behavior, thoughts, emotions

Question 2

What four functions do theories perform for clinicians?

Answer 2

1. Gives language for description - provides a collection of terms, which allows for communication about clients
2. Explains development - how our past describes our present behavior
3. Allows one to make future predictions - specifically, for how individuals may behave in particular situations.
4. Explains therapeutic change - how clinician’s interventions will possibly assist/not assist the client’s behavior change.

Question 3

eclectic therapists

Answer 3

do not use a singular theory; instead, draw on multiple different perspectives for distinct clients

Question 4

“grand” theories

Answer 4

type of theory composed of comprehensive or broad ways of explaining all people in general in all situations
(e.g., psychoanalysis, learning theory)

Question 5

personality

Answer 5

Western definition: an individual’s characteristics, relatively stable ways of thinking, experiencing, and behaving (i.e., something inside the person is responsible for what the person does).

Question 6

Western view of personality

Answer 6

-people are composed of discrete (individually distinct) characteristics, and these internal characteristics are responsible for behavior. Thus, one is always the same person (you behave because of who you are).
-maturation = developing individuality fully and expressing it; fulfilling own desires even if it is at the expense of others

Question 7

Eastern view of personality

Answer 7

-individuals are defined more by their relationship with others than their individual characteristics; who you are changes depending on the social context; people have a large influence on who you are; more so interdependent than independent
-maturation = giving up your individuality or individual values for the sake of others and their wellbeing

Question 8

recall bias (therapy outcome)

Answer 8

therapists remember clients who improved rather than clients who did not make progress –> this has implications for therapy outcome

Question 9

attribution bias (therapy outcome)

Answer 9

therapists ascribe clients’ lack of progress to the client’s characteristics (i.e., their low motivation or resistance) rather than their own doings –> this has implications for therapy outcome

Question 10

What are the four characteristics of effective therapists according to Wampold et al?

Answer 10

1. Ability to establish alliances/connections across wide range of clients.
2. Facilitate interpersonal skills.
3. Experience self-doubt.
4. Continuous investment in improving client’s skills.

Question 11

What are the characteristics NOT related to therapist effectiveness?

Answer 11

1. Type of degree
2. Years of experience
3. Theoretical orientation
4. Adherence to treatment protocol

Question 12

construct

Answer 12

-a postulated attribute of people; any human variable or characteristic; the creation of words to describe events
-this is the building block of a personality theory
-implication: words used to describe are made-up, does not mean actual thing in the world exists; limited ability to perceive/understand the world

Question 13

What are the characteristics of a good construct?

Answer 13

1. Predictability of other events (between referents).
2. Reliability (consistency/agreement between individuals about the meaning of a word).
3. Measurable/quantifiable.
4. Minimal overlap with other constructs.

Question 14

What are the two characteristics of a poor theory?

Answer 14

1. Unfocused - deal with irrelevant aspects of events
2. Vague - do not specify which aspects they are dealing with

Question 15

referent

Answer 15

as aspect of an event that the construct points to; what you are observing that you abstract from

Question 16

generality

Answer 16

level of abstraction of a construct

more abstract; lower prediction of specific referents, therefore less accurate

predicts wider range of referents

broader constructs –> subpar predictability, but multiple predictions across situations

Question 17

specificity

Answer 17

level of abstraction of a construct

more concrete; higher prediction of specific referents

predictions of referents are limited (predict smaller pool –> poorer prediction outside given situation)

narrower constructs –> greater predictability between referents, but fewer predictions

Question 18

Nisbett (2004) - The Geography of Thought

Answer 18

detailed significant differences in the way Western regard personality (individuality, internal characteristics, limited variability in behavior across situations) vs. Eastern (interdependence, personality differs based on social context, lots of variability in behavior across situations)

Question 19

Lehrer (2010) - The Truth Wears Off

Answer 19

must proceed with caution before regarding empirical research as truth, as collecting data does not shield us from recognizing inaccurate ideas; it is necessary to view the long-term, bigger picture

Question 20

Lambert (2013) - Outcome in Psychotherapy

Answer 20

-significant findings supporting efficacy of psychotherapy
-other approaches not inferior to CBT (CBT not the superior approach)
-early change in psychotherapy responsible for future success