A Friend of Yours Tells You That He Thinks He

question 77

Multiple Choice

A friend of yours tells you that he thinks he is mildly depressed, but he's not sure. Knowing that you are studying abnormal psychology, he asks if there is any kind of laboratory test that could determine whether or not someone is depressed. You respond correctly with one of the following statements:

• A) Currently there is no way of diagnosing depression with a laboratory test.
• B) The dexamethasone suppression test is a biological test for depression.
• C) The dexamethasone suppression test can only be used to diagnose severe cases of depression.
• D) Cortisol levels are decreased in depression; he could have his cortisol levels checked by a blood test.

---

Definitions:

Luchins

Refers to a series of experiments or the psychologist, Abraham Luchins, famous for his work on mental set and problem solving.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to overestimate the effect of disposition or personality and underestimate the effect of situational factors when observing others' behaviors.

Attributions

Explanations for the causes of events or behaviors, often as internal (personal) or external (situational) factors.

Behavior

The actions or reactions of an organism or system, usually in relation to its environment.