How do we know if psychological tests and evaluation procedures are accurate?

In developing assessment tools and classification systems, consider the reliability and validity

Reliability

the degree to which a procedure or test yields consistent results

Validity

the extent to which a test or procedure actually performs the function it was designed to perform

How do professionals make a psychiatric diagnosis?

- all available information is considered - The pattern of symptoms is evaluated

How do mental health professionals evaluate a client’s mental health?

Clinicians primarily use four methods of assessment: observations, interviews, psychological tests and inventories, and neurological tests.

What do interviews involve?

- involve a face-to-face conversation - after, the interviewer reviews and interprets information obtained from interviewee.

Do observations of behaviors and personal characteristics have diagnostic significance?

Observations of behaviors and personal characteristics can have diagnostic significance.

What is the mental status examination used for?

frequently used as an interview tool during assessment.

What do psychological tests and inventories provide?

provide a more formalized means of obtaining information.

Name 5 neurological assessments

- X-rays, - CT - PET scans - EEG - MRI

What do neurological assessments add?

a highly important and sophisticated means to detect brain abnormalities.

What is used by the majority of mental health professionals, contains detailed diagnostic criteria

The DSM (Currently the DSM- 5-TR)

What methods do researchers use to study the causes of and treatments for psychopathology?

They use the scientific method, experimentation, Correlational Studies, Correlational techniques, Analogue studies, Field studies, case studies, Single-participant experiments, multiple-baseline studies

What is the scientific method?

A method of inquiry involving the systematic collection of data, controlled observation, and the testing of hypotheses.

What characteristics enable greater faith in research findings?

- the potential for self-correction - the development of hypotheses - the use of operational definitions - the consideration of reliability and validity - an acknowledgment of base rates - the evaluation of the statistical significance of the results

What is an experiment and what does it involve?

most powerful research tool we have for determining and testing cause and effect relationships. Involves: an experimental hypothesis, an independent variable, and a dependent variable

What do correlational studies do?

measure the degree to which two variables are related to each other

What are the cons to correlational techniques?

- provides less precision, control, and generality than experiments provide, - Doesn’t determine causality

What is the purpose of an analogue study?

- used to create a situation as close to real life as possible. - permits the study of phenomena under controlled conditions when such study might otherwise be ethically, morally, legally, or practically impossible.

What are Naturalistic Observations?

events are observed as they naturally occur

What do field studies rely on?

naturalistic observations in real-life situations

Cons of a field study?

- cannot determine causality - may be difficult to sort out all the variables involved.

What is a case study and what do case studies rely on?

- an intensive study of one individual - relies on clinical data, such as observations, psychological tests, and historical and biographical information.

How do single-case participant studies differ from case studies?

cause-and-effect relationships can be determined

What is a multiple baseline study?

- single-participant experimental design - baselines on two or more behaviors or the same behavior in two or more settings are obtained prior to intervention.

How does biological research help us better understand the causes of psychopathological behavior?

allows us to search for genetic and epigenetic factors involved in psychological disorders and to identify biological indicators of a disorder.

What are endophenotypes?

the measurable and heritable traits that give clues regarding the genetic pathways involved in a disorder.

What do biological researchers study?

biological processes involved in mental illness from many directions, including endophenotypes.

What does epidemiological research tell us about mental illness?

- provides insight into what groups are at risk for mental disturbance - what factors may influence the development of mental disorders.

What are the scientific terms for identical twins and fraternal twins?

- Identical Twins: monozygotic (MZ) twins - Fraternal Twins: Dizygotic (DZ) twins

What do researchers often compare and why?

- often make comparisons between monozygotic (MZ), twins and dizygotic (DZ) twins - to evaluate hereditary and environmental influences on development.

What is a pro of genetic linkage studies?

allows researchers to determine whether a disorder follows a genetic pattern by assessing individuals who have a mental disorder and their close relatives.

What do epigenetic researchers seek to determine?

- which environmental factors influence whether or not a gene is expressed - how gene expression is associated with the development of mental disorders. .

Are animals used in research?

Researchers frequently use animals as surrogates for humans, particularly in genetic and epigenetic studies.

What does epidemiological research examine?

rate and distribution of mental disorders in a population

Prevalence rates vs. incidence rates

- There is often confusion between prevalence rates and incidence rates. - Prevalence rates include both new and existing cases during a specified time period. - Incidence rates involve only new cases.

What are current trends in research into psychopathology?

- Meta-analytic research combines and analyzes the results from numerous studies focused on the same or similar phenomena. - The recent focus on evidence-based practice helps ensure that therapies for mental disorders are based on solid research. - Professionals are concerned about reducing bias and misconduct in research. - Biological researchers continue to focus on locating biomarkers for particular disorders with the goal of preventing or intervening early to treat mental disorders .