Scenario I The Following Scenario Presents Fabricated Data Consistent with the Results

question 8

Multiple Choice

Scenario I
The following scenario presents fabricated data consistent with the results of the following study:
Gilbertson, M. W., Shenton, M. E., Ciszewski, A., Kasai, K., Lasko, N .B., Orr, S. P., & Pitman, R. K. (2002) . Smaller hippocampal volume predicts pathologic vulnerability to psychological trauma. Nature Neuroscience, 5, 1242-1247.
Persons who live through a traumatic experience may develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) . PTSD is characterized by chronic physiological arousal, recurrent unwanted thoughts or images, and avoidance of things that bring the trauma to mind, with symptoms persisting for more than one month. Persons with PTSD also are at risk for other psychological disorders, with substance abuse disorder being a common comorbid diagnosis. In the last two decades, a number of studies have demonstrated that persons with PTSD have smaller hippocampi than controls. This may result from the neurotoxic effects of stress hormones examined the hippocampal volume of combat veterans with and without PTSD who each had an identical twin who never served in the military. Fabricated results consistent with this study are shown in Figure 15.1.
Figure 15.1
-(Scenario I) Which is the strongest conclusion justified solely on the basis that comorbidity exists between PTSD and alcoholism?

• A)PTSD and alcoholism tend to co-occur in the same individuals.
• B)Trauma-induced changes leave the brain particularly sensitive to the effects of alcohol.
• C)The two disorders have the same underlying cause.
• D)Trauma survivors drink because it reduces their stress levels.

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Definitions:

Finding Approach

A systematic method used to discover or identify a specific solution, technique, or strategy.

Create Opportunities

Actively seeking or creating new chances for growth, development, or advancement.

Entrepreneur

An individual who creates, organizes, and manages a business venture, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so.

Habit-breaking Strategies

Techniques or plans designed to help individuals break free from habitual behaviors or patterns that they find undesirable.