Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test Related

Review Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test related questions and content

Distinguish between necessary, sufficient, and contributory causes of abnormal behavior.

  • A. Necessary causes are required for a disorder to develop but do not guarantee it.
  • B. Sufficient causes guarantee a disorder will develop, but they are not required.
  • C. Contributory causes increase the likelihood of a disorder but are neither necessary nor sufficient.
  • D. Contributory causes are conditions that guarantee the occurrence of a disorder.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In understanding abnormal behavior, it is crucial to differentiate between necessary, sufficient, and contributory causes. Necessary causes are those that are required for a disorder to develop, meaning that without them, the disorder would not occur. However, their presence does not guarantee the occurrence of the disorder. Sufficient causes, on the other hand, are those that alone can guarantee the development of a disorder, but they are not the only factors that can lead to it. Contributory causes are factors that increase the likelihood of a disorder but are not essential on their own nor do they guarantee the disorder. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the role of necessary causes in the development of abnormal behavior. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they misrepresent the definitions and roles of sufficient and contributory causes in causing abnormal behavior.