Roseanne Claims That She Can Remember Instances of Childhood Abuse

question 40

Multiple Choice

Roseanne claims that she can remember instances of childhood abuse that started at 6 months of age.Why are most psychologists likely to be skeptical of this and other such claims?

• A)because decay leads to almost immediate forgetting of newly learned information.
• B)because infantile amnesia makes it unlikely that these are true memories from that age
• C)because children do not tell the truth
• D)because repression inhibits the conscious recognition of traumatic events such as childhood sexual abuse

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Definitions:

Hovland's Approach

A communication theory focusing on persuasion, suggesting that attitude change is mediated by processes of attention, comprehension, learning, and acceptance.

Use of Fear

Employing fear as a motivational tool or in persuasion, often to prompt action or change in behavior.

Cognitive-behavioral Theory

A psychological approach emphasizing the role of thought processes in shaping behavior and emotions, often used in therapy to address dysfunctional attitudes and behaviors.

Psychodynamic

A psychological perspective that emphasizes unconscious processes and the influence of early childhood experiences on later behavior and personality development.