Suppose That a Particular Pattern of Responses on a Personality

question 165

Multiple Choice

Suppose that a particular pattern of responses on a personality test is characteristic of 95 percent of people with some rare psychological disorder,and 5 percent of normal people.Would it be appropriate to use this test to identify people with that disorder? If not,why not?

• A)Yes, this test would be a valid way to diagnose that disorder.
• B)No. The test will apply the diagnosis to more normal people than people with the disorder.
• C)No. A clinician should be more than 95 percent confident before making a diagnosis.
• D)No. Test results should be used only for research, not for diagnosis.

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Definitions:

Schizophrenia

A mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, sense of self, and behavior.

Alzheimer's Disease

A progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and eventually the inability to carry out simple tasks.

Electroconvulsive Therapy

A medical treatment most commonly used for severe depression, involving electric currents passed through the brain to induce seizures.

Suicidal Behavior

Involves actions taken towards self-harm with the intention to end one's life.