Joan Has Been Seeing a Therapist for Several Months

question 22

Multiple Choice

Joan has been seeing a therapist for several months. At one session, her therapist suggests that Joan's emotional difficulties may be due to sexual abuse as a child. Initially, Joan is unable to recall any such abuse. However, at a later session, she recalls an incident of abuse that she had suppressed for many years. Based on social-psychological research findings, Joan's claims should be __________.

• A) viewed seriously but cautiously due to false memory syndrome concerns
• B) believed wholeheartedly, without reservations
• C) viewed seriously but cautiously due to social desirability concerns and transference processes
• D) totally discounted

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Definitions:

Research Question

A specific query that guides a scientific study or research project.

Prejudice

The negative evaluation of a social group, and individuals within that group, based upon conceptions about that social group that are held despite facts that contradict it.

Debriefing

A process whereby a researcher explains the true purpose of a research study to a subject (respondent); usually done after completion of the study.

Experiment

An experiment is a method of research in the sciences or social sciences that involves the manipulation of variables to test a hypothesis and observe the effects.