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Personality Psychology (UniSA BEHL 3036) > Week 9 - Psychopathy and Sociopathy > Flashcards

Week 9 - Psychopathy and Sociopathy Flashcards

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1
Q

What does the term “psychopathy” literally mean?
A. Split personality disorder
B. Social withdrawal syndrome
C. Disease of the mind
D. Repetitive behavioral illness

A

C. Disease of the mind

The literal translation of psychopathy is “disease of the mind.”

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2
Q

Who authored the foundational work The Mask of Sanity describing psychopathy?
A. Robert Hare
B. Sigmund Freud
C. Hervey Cleckley
D. Carl Jung

A

C. Hervey Cleckley

Hervey Cleckley published The Mask of Sanity in 1941, defining psychopathy with 16 characteristics.

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3
Q

In what year did the American Psychiatric Association first categorize “psychopathic personalities”?
A. 1941
B. 1952
C. 1932
D. 1968

A

C. 1932

The APA used the term “psychopathic personalities” as early as 1932 in its classification system.

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4
Q

Which edition of the DSM first used the term “Sociopathic Personality Disturbance”?
A. DSM-I (1952)
B. DSM-II (1968)
C. DSM-III (1980)
D. DSM-IV (1994)

A

A. DSM-I (1952)

DSM-I included the category “Sociopathic Personality Disturbance” with a subtype called “Antisocial Reaction.”

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5
Q

What personality disorder replaced “sociopathic personality” in DSM-II?
A. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
B. Psychotic Disorder
C. Antisocial Personality Disorder
D. Borderline Personality Disorder

A

C. Antisocial Personality Disorder

DSM-II renamed the disorder as “Antisocial Personality Disorder,” shifting away from the term “sociopathic.”

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6
Q

Which of the following is a key interpersonal trait in Cleckley’s description of psychopathy?
A. Emotional detachment
B. Superficial charm
C. Severe anxiety
D. Suspiciousness

A

B. Superficial charm

Cleckley highlighted superficial charm and good intelligence as central traits.

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7
Q

Which of the following is NOT one of Cleckley’s 16 characteristics of psychopathy?
A. Hallucinations and delusions
B. Poor judgment and failure to learn
C. Superficial charm
D. Pathological egocentricity

A

A. Hallucinations and delusions

Cleckley emphasized the absence of hallucinations and delusions in psychopathy.

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8
Q

What best describes Cleckley’s view of the sex life of a psychopath?
A. Emotionally intense and fulfilling
B. Completely asexual
C. Impersonal, trivial, and poorly integrated
D. Based on stable long-term relationships

A

C. Impersonal, trivial, and poorly integrated

Cleckley noted that psychopaths tend to have a shallow and impersonal sex life.

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9
Q

What did Cleckley note about psychopaths’ behavior under the influence of alcohol?
A. They become more empathetic
B. Their behavior becomes withdrawn
C. Fantastic and uninviting behavior may occur
D. They avoid alcohol completely

A

C. Fantastic and uninviting behavior may occur

Psychopaths may exhibit bizarre or confrontational behavior, especially under the influence of alcohol—but sometimes even without it.

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10
Q

How did Cleckley describe the emotional life of a psychopath?
A. Highly reactive and intense
B. Deep empathy and warmth
C. Poverty of major affective reactions
D. Chronic depression

A

C. Poverty of major affective reactions

Cleckley noted a general absence or poverty of emotional depth in psychopaths.

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11
Q

How did Cleckley describe the emotional life of a psychopath?
A. Highly reactive and intense
B. Deep empathy and warmth
C. Poverty of major affective reactions
D. Chronic depression

A

C. Poverty of major affective reactions

Cleckley noted a general absence or poverty of emotional depth in psychopaths.

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12
Q

Which of these best reflects Cleckley’s view of a psychopath’s long-term life planning?
A. Strong goal orientation
B. Ability to build lasting careers
C. Failure to follow any consistent life plan
D. Risk-averse behavior

A

C. Failure to follow any consistent life plan

Cleckley described psychopaths as impulsive and disorganized in their life planning.

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13
Q

According to Cleckley, suicide attempts in psychopaths are typically:
A. Carefully planned and lethal
B. Non-existent
C. Rarely genuine
D. Highly emotional and meaningful

A

C. Rarely genuine

Psychopaths may make suicidal gestures, but Cleckley described them as rarely sincere.

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14
Q

Which trait is central to both Cleckley’s and modern definitions of psychopathy?
A. Fear of abandonment
B. Repetitive rituals
C. Lack of remorse or guilt
D. Hallucinatory experiences

A

C. Lack of remorse or guilt

Lack of remorse is a core and consistent feature of psychopathy across historical and modern definitions.

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15
Q

What is a hallmark interpersonal trait described by Cleckley in psychopaths?
A. Empathy and warmth
B. Avoidance of social contact
C. Superficial charm
D. Fearfulness and passivity

A

C. Superficial charm

Cleckley described psychopaths as having superficial charm, often masking manipulative tendencies.

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16
Q

How is the psychopath’s cognitive ability typically described by Cleckley?
A. Intellectually impaired
B. Average or below average IQ
C. Above-average intelligence
D. Non-verbal learners

A

C. Above-average intelligence

Cleckley noted that many psychopaths possess high or above-average intelligence.

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17
Q

What is one of the most consistent behavioral patterns Cleckley observed in psychopaths?
A. Fear of authority
B. Meticulous planning
C. Failure to learn from experience
D. Strong sense of justice

A

C. Failure to learn from experience

Psychopaths often repeat mistakes and show little capacity for learning from punishment or negative outcomes.

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18
Q

What psychological symptom is notably absent in psychopathy, according to Cleckley?
A. Egocentrism
B. Anxiety or neurosis
C. Impulsivity
D. Antisocial behavior

A

B. Anxiety or neurosis

Cleckley emphasized the absence of “nervous” or psychoneurotic manifestations such as anxiety.

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19
Q

Which of the following is NOT part of Cleckley’s profile of a psychopath?
A. Inadequately motivated antisocial behavior
B. General emotional depth
C. Egocentricity
D. Untruthfulness

A

B. General emotional depth

Psychopaths lack emotional depth; they typically show superficial or absent emotional responses.

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20
Q

Which of the following describes the general affective state of a psychopath, per Cleckley?
A. Deep and variable emotions
B. General poverty of affective reactions
C. Highly reactive emotionality
D. Warmth and empathy

A

B. General poverty of affective reactions

Cleckley found that psychopaths have shallow emotions and minimal affective depth.

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21
Q

How did Cleckley describe the psychopath’s response to punishment or learning from experience?
A. Highly reflective and improved over time
B. Resistant but eventually responsive
C. Unable to learn from consequences
D. Prone to anxiety-driven overcorrection

A

C. Unable to learn from consequences

Psychopaths exhibit poor judgment and a failure to learn from negative consequences.

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22
Q

Which of the following would Cleckley most likely consider a key psychopathic trait?
A. Frequent hallucinations
B. Chronic nervousness
C. Unresponsiveness in interpersonal relations
D. Strong self-reflection

A

C. Unresponsiveness in interpersonal relations

Psychopaths are described as unresponsive in social interactions and relationships.

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23
Q

What was Cleckley’s view of a psychopath’s long-term planning?
A. Focused and goal-oriented
B. Driven by moral values
C. Frequently derailed and impulsive
D. Rooted in tradition and discipline

A

C. Frequently derailed and impulsive

Psychopaths often fail to follow any coherent life plan and act on impulse.

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24
Q

Which cognitive trait did Cleckley note in many psychopaths?
A. Below-average intelligence
B. Delusional thinking
C. Above-average intelligence
D. Inability to speak clearly

A

C. Above-average intelligence

Cleckley observed that many psychopaths have above-average IQs and cognitive sharpness.

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25
Which of the following behaviors illustrates Cleckley’s idea of “untruthfulness and insincerity”? A. Lying even when unnecessary B. Fact-checking compulsively C. Keeping secrets due to anxiety D. Lying only under stress
A. Lying even when unnecessary Cleckley observed that psychopaths lie impulsively, often without any clear reason.
26
According to the DSM-II description, individuals with 'Personality Disorder, Antisocial Type' are typically: A. Highly loyal and socially responsible B. Easily overwhelmed by guilt and anxiety C. Grossly selfish, impulsive, and callous D. Withdrawn and socially isolated
C. Grossly selfish, impulsive, and callous The DSM-II describes these individuals as selfish, callous, and lacking guilt or responsibility.
27
What is a core emotional deficit described in DSM-II for antisocial/psychopathic personalities? A. Frequent sadness B. Intense guilt C. Inability to feel guilt or learn from punishment D. Over-attachment to family
C. Inability to feel guilt or learn from punishment The DSM-II description highlights a lack of guilt and failure to learn from consequences.
28
According to the DSM-II description, how do individuals with antisocial traits typically handle frustration? A. They avoid it through planning B. They tolerate it well C. They become severely depressed D. They have low frustration tolerance
D. They have low frustration tolerance Low frustration tolerance is directly mentioned in the DSM-II description.
29
What year did the American Psychiatric Association first group related disorders under “psychopathic personalities”? A. 1941 B. 1932 C. 1952 D. 1980
B. 1932 1932 marks the APA's earliest grouping of psychopathy-like disorders.
30
Which of the following traits is central to psychopathy but not required for ASPD? A. History of theft B. Repeated job loss C. Superficial charm and manipulativeness D. Arrests before age 15
C. Superficial charm and manipulativeness Superficial charm is a hallmark of psychopathy but not a diagnostic criterion for ASPD.
31
According to Cleckley, which feature reflects a psychopath’s emotional profile? A. Intense fear of abandonment B. Absence of psychotic symptoms and general poverty of affect C. Recurrent panic attacks D. Hyper-empathy
B. Absence of psychotic symptoms and general poverty of affect Cleckley emphasized lack of neurosis and a shallow, emotionally cold profile.
32
What major concern is raised about using ASPD as a stand-in for psychopathy? A. It requires a different therapist B. It misses core interpersonal traits like lack of empathy and manipulativeness C. It over-diagnoses empathy D. It treats all criminals the same
B. It misses core interpersonal traits like lack of empathy and manipulativeness ASPD criteria do not include core personality traits that define psychopathy.
33
Which of the following is considered a “positive impression” trait in psychopaths according to Cleckley? A. Hallucinations B. Superficial charm and good intelligence C. Anxiety and self-doubt D. Loyalty to family
B. Superficial charm and good intelligence Cleckley described psychopaths as often charming, articulate, and intelligent—traits that mask deeper deficits.
34
Which psychopathy-related trait would be least likely captured by DSM-III's ASPD criteria? A. Truancy B. Promiscuity C. Lack of empathy D. Theft
C. Lack of empathy DSM-III is behavior-focused; affective traits like lack of empathy are not included.
35
Why is Cleckley’s “Mask of Sanity” important in the history of psychopathy? A. It defined schizophrenia B. It created the DSM C. It provided a foundational personality-based description of psychopathy D. It focused on PTSD
C. It provided a foundational personality-based description of psychopathy Cleckley’s 1941 work was the first to systematically outline psychopathy as a personality disorder beyond criminal behavior.
36
DSM-II description of Personality Disorder, Antisocial Type (e.g., impulsivity, callousness, lack of guilt, rationalizing behavior) The timeline of classification: 1932: APA’s grouping of “psychopathic personalities” 1941: Cleckley’s Mask of Sanity 1952: DSM-I and “Sociopathic Personality Disturbance” 1968: DSM-II and “Personality Disorder, Antisocial Type” 1980: DSM-III and the introduction of “Antisocial Personality Disorder” Emphasis on psychopathy-related personality features (as described in DSM-II and historically) The shift from personality-based (Cleckley-style) psychopathy to behavioral criteria in DSM-III
37
According to ICD-10, which trait reflects a fundamental lack of emotional concern for others? A. Frequent mood swings B. Avoidance of conflict C. Callous unconcern and lack of empathy D. High emotional reactivity
C. Callous unconcern and lack of empathy ICD-10 lists callousness and lack of capacity for empathy as central traits.
38
Which ICD-10 criterion describes disregard for societal rules and obligations? A. General anxiety B. Gross and persistent irresponsibility C. Obsession with perfection D. Need for approval
B. Gross and persistent irresponsibility Persistent irresponsibility and disregard for norms are core ICD-10 features.
39
How does ICD-10 describe the individual’s ability to maintain relationships? A. Emotionally attached and loyal B. Prefers solitude but forms stable bonds C. Incapable of enduring relationships D. Avoids intimacy due to fear
C. Incapable of enduring relationships ICD-10 notes a marked incapacity to maintain lasting relationships.
40
Personality Disorder under ICD-10? A. Threshold for guilt B. Threshold for sexual arousal C. Threshold for aggression or violence D. Threshold for social embarrassment
C. Threshold for aggression or violence ICD-10 states that individuals have a low threshold for aggressive discharge, including violent behavior.
41
Which trait reflects the ICD-10 description of learning difficulties from punishment? A. Fear of failure B. Incapacity to experience guilt or learn from punishment C. High impulsivity and attention to feedback D. Compulsive rule-following
B. Incapacity to experience guilt or learn from punishment These individuals do not learn from negative experiences or punishment, a key feature.
42
According to ICD-10, how do such individuals typically explain their harmful behavior? A. With open remorse B. Through avoidance C. By blaming others or offering rationalizations D. Through emotional breakdown
C. By blaming others or offering rationalizations ICD-10 highlights externalization of blame and plausible excuses for harmful acts.
43
What emotional trait is commonly persistent in ICD-10's profile of dissocial personality? A. Anxiety B. Empathy C. Irritability D. Gratitude
C. Irritability Persistent irritability is explicitly listed among the core criteria.
44
What does the PCL-R primarily assess? A. Anxiety disorders B. Pathological psychopathy in clinical and forensic populations C. PTSD symptoms D. Depression severity
B. Pathological psychopathy in clinical and forensic populations The PCL-R was developed to assess psychopathy in clinical and forensic settings, especially in criminal offenders.
45
Which of the following is a core interpersonal trait listed in the PCL-R? A. Emotional withdrawal B. Grandiose sense of self-worth C. Obsessive thinking D. Somatic preoccupations
B. Grandiose sense of self-worth A grandiose sense of self-worth is part of the Interpersonal facet of psychopathy.
46
What PCL-R trait describes emotional superficiality? A. Shallow affect B. Deep sadness C. Chronic anxiety D. Sudden mood shifts
A. Shallow affect “Shallow affect” refers to the inability to experience deep emotional reactions — a key Affective trait in psychopathy.
47
Which of the following are the 4 facets of psychopathy? a) Cognitive, Emotional, Behavioral, Social b) Interpersonal, Affective, Lifestyle, Antisocial c) Impulsive, Aggressive, Detached, Criminal d) Introversion, Anxiety, Delinquency, Control
b) Interpersonal, Affective, Lifestyle, Antisocial
48
Which of the following traits is part of the Interpersonal facet of psychopathy? A) Lack of empathy B) Pathological lying C) Impulsivity D) Poor behavioral controls
B) Pathological lying The interpersonal facet includes traits like superficial charm, grandiosity, and manipulativeness — including pathological lying.
49
A person who shows no guilt after harming someone most likely scores high on which facet of psychopathy? A) Lifestyle B) Interpersonal C) Affective D) Antisocial
C) Affective The affective facet involves emotional deficits like lack of remorse, shallow affect, and callousness.
50
Which facet is most closely related to chronic irresponsibility and impulsivity? A) Interpersonal B) Affective C) Lifestyle D) Antisocial
C) Lifestyle The lifestyle facet includes behaviors like impulsivity, parasitic lifestyle, and lack of long-term goals.
51
Which of the following best reflects the Antisocial facet of psychopathy? A) Grandiose sense of self-worth B) Juvenile delinquency C) Shallow affect D) Pathological lying
B) Juvenile delinquency The antisocial facet involves a history of serious behavioral problems, including juvenile offenses and criminal versatility.
52
The Factor 1 of psychopathy includes which two facets? A) Interpersonal and Affective B) Lifestyle and Antisocial C) Affective and Lifestyle D) Interpersonal and Antisocial
A) Interpersonal and Affective Factor 1 represents the emotional and interpersonal features of psychopathy, including charm, lack of empathy, and shallow affect.
53
Which of the following is categorized under Factor 2: Social Deviance in the PCL-R? A. Glibness and charm B. Conning others C. Irresponsibility and impulsivity D. Lack of remorse
C. Irresponsibility and impulsivity Factor 2 reflects lifestyle instability and antisocial behavior, including impulsivity and irresponsibility.
54
Which of the following PCL-R items reflects manipulative behavior? A. Parasitic lifestyle B. Pathological lying C. Shallow affect D. Poor behavioral controls
B. Pathological lying Pathological lying is part of manipulative interpersonal style, under Facet 1: Interpersonal.
55
In the PCL-R, what does “parasitic lifestyle” refer to? A. Living modestly to save money B. Constantly exploiting others financially or emotionally C. Avoiding relationships D. Working multiple jobs
B. Constantly exploiting others financially or emotionally A parasitic lifestyle involves living off others with little effort or reciprocity — part of Facet 3: Lifestyle.
56
Which of the following PCL-R traits belongs to Facet 4: Antisocial? A. Glibness B. Criminal versatility C. Grandiosity D. Shallow affect
B. Criminal versatility Criminal versatility (engaging in many types of crimes) is part of the Antisocial facet in Factor 2.
57
Which item in the PCL-R indicates a lack of long-term planning? A. Revocation of conditional release B. Need for stimulation C. Lack of realistic long-term goals D. Callousness
C. Lack of realistic long-term goals Lack of realistic long-term goals is part of Facet 3: Lifestyle, reflecting impulsivity and poor planning.
58
Which trait indicates emotional coldness and lack of concern for others' pain? A. Impulsivity B. Callousness/lack of empathy C. Criminal versatility D. Promiscuity
B. Callousness/lack of empathy Callousness and lack of empathy are central Affective traits (Facet 2).
59
Which of the following is most directly associated with Facet 1: Interpersonal in the PCL-R? A. Impulsivity B. Promiscuous sexual behavior C. Glibness/superficial charm D. Early behavior problems
C. Glibness/superficial charm Glibness and superficial charm are key traits in the Interpersonal facet of psychopathy.
60
61
What percentage of forensic offenders are diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), according to Hare et al., 1999? A. 10–20% B. 30–40% C. 50–80% D. 85–100%
C. 50–80% Hare’s research found that 50–80% of forensic offenders meet criteria for ASPD.
62
Among forensic offenders with ASPD, what percentage meet criteria for psychopathy on the PCL-R? A. 10–20% B. 15–30% C. 40–60% D. 70–90%
B. 15–30% Only 15–30% of ASPD-diagnosed individuals also meet PCL-R criteria for psychopathy.
63
Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between ASPD and psychopathy? A. Everyone with ASPD is a psychopath B. ASPD and psychopathy are identical diagnoses C. Most psychopaths meet ASPD criteria, but not all with ASPD are psychopaths D. Psychopathy is a milder form of ASPD
C. Most psychopaths meet ASPD criteria, but not all with ASPD are psychopaths Psychopathy is a more specific subset with interpersonal and affective traits; most psychopaths meet ASPD criteria, but not vice versa.
64
How prevalent is psychopathy (as defined by PCL-R criteria) in the general population? A. Around 10% B. About 5% C. Approximately 1% D. More than 20%
C. Approximately 1% Psychopathy affects roughly 1% of the general population.
65
Compared to non-psychopathic offenders, psychopathic individuals tend to: A. Start criminal activity later in life B. Have fewer violent offenses C. Begin criminal careers earlier and commit more interpersonal violence D. Be less aggressive
C. Begin criminal careers earlier and commit more interpersonal violence Psychopathic offenders typically start earlier, have longer criminal careers, and display more interpersonal aggression.
66
What does research suggest about the relationship between psychopathy and future criminal behavior? A. It has no predictive power B. It predicts future offending C. It only predicts white-collar crime D. It only applies to juvenile offenders
B. It predicts future offending Psychopathy is a strong predictor of future criminal and violent behavior.
67
Which group of sex offenders scores highest on psychopathy measures? A. Incest offenders B. Child/adolescent sex offenders C. Adult sex offenders D. None; all score similarly
C. Adult sex offenders Adult sex offenders show significantly higher levels of psychopathy compared to incest and adolescent sex offenders.
68
What percentage of incest offenders are typically found to be psychopathic? A. 1.5% B. 5.4% C. 25% D. 50%
B. 5.4% Only about 5.4% of incest offenders meet psychopathy criteria.
69
According to the MacDonald Triad, which of the following is NOT one of the three suggested early indicators of serial killing? A. Fire setting B. Animal cruelty C. Stealing D. Enuresis (bedwetting)
C. Stealing The MacDonald Triad includes animal cruelty, fire setting, and enuresis, not stealing.
70
What is the current scientific consensus on the MacDonald Triad as a predictor of serial killing? A. Strong empirical support B. Universally accepted by all psychologists C. Limited evidence; some serial killers exhibit these traits, but most people who show them do not become killers D. Legally used as a diagnostic tool
C. Limited evidence; some serial killers exhibit these traits, but most people who show them do not become killers Evidence for the triad is weak; it's not predictive or diagnostic — many who display one or more traits do not become serial killers.
71
What term is often used to describe psychopathic individuals who function outside the criminal justice system? A. Secondary sociopaths B. Clinical narcissists C. Non-criminal or successful psychopaths D. Reactive offenders
C. Non-criminal or successful psychopaths “Non-criminal” or “successful psychopaths” describes individuals with psychopathic traits who avoid legal trouble.
72
Which of the following best describes a non-criminal psychopath in the workplace? A. Loyal team player B. Trustworthy leader C. Unethical and manipulative professional D. Highly empathetic
C. Unethical and manipulative professional Such individuals are often untrustworthy, unethical, and predatory in business or professional roles.
73
What psychometric tools are commonly used in non-forensic psychopathy research? A. MMPI and Beck Depression Inventory B. WAIS and Rorschach C. SRP-III and LSRP D. DSM-5 and ICD-10
C. SRP-III and LSRP The Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (SRP-III) and Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP) are standard tools in non-clinical research.
74
What are the three traits included in the “Dark Triad”? A. Schizotypy, empathy, paranoia B. Narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy C. Aggression, depression, psychopathy D. Perfectionism, anxiety, manipulation
B. Narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy The Dark Triad includes narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy.
75
What is the relationship between psychopathy and the Dark Triad traits? A. Unrelated B. Strongly negatively correlated C. Moderately to strongly positively correlated D. Predictive of OCD
C. Moderately to strongly positively correlated Research shows moderate to strong positive correlations between psychopathy and the other Dark Triad traits.
76
What love style is most associated with psychopathy in research? A. Companionate B. Game-playing C. Self-sacrificing D. Traditional
B. Game-playing Psychopathy is linked to game-playing approaches to romantic relationships.
77
How do psychopathic individuals tend to behave in romantic relationships? A. Extremely loyal B. Emotionally dependent C. Coercive and destructive communicators D. Passive and submissive
C. Coercive and destructive communicators They show coercive, manipulative, and short-term oriented relational patterns.
78
What type of sexual orientation or preference is positively correlated with psychopathy? A. Monogamous exclusivity B. Celibacy C. High sociosexual orientation and sadomasochistic themes D. Romantic idealism
C. High sociosexual orientation and sadomasochistic themes Psychopathy correlates with short-term sexual strategies and sadomasochistic sexual fantasies.
79
How do psychopathic individuals generally respond emotionally to others’ misfortunes? A. Deep empathy B. Indifference C. Schadenfreude (pleasure at others’ pain) D. Guilt and sadness
C. Schadenfreude (pleasure at others’ pain) Psychopathy is positively correlated with schadenfreude, indicating emotional callousness.
80
What emotional trait shows a negative correlation with psychopathy? A. Excitement B. Empathy C. Anger D. Happiness
B. Empathy Psychopathy is negatively correlated with empathy — a central emotional deficit.
81
How do psychopaths tend to perceive threats? A. Accurately B. With heightened fear C. With delayed recognition or deficits D. Over-sensitively
C. With delayed recognition or deficits Psychopathy is associated with deficits in threat perception, leading to risky or aggressive behavior.
82
Which fictional house in the Harry Potter are individuals high in psychopathy more likely to choose in studies? A. Gryffindor B. Ravenclaw C. Hufflepuff D. Slytherin
D. Slytherin Psychopathic traits have been positively associated with preference for Slytherin, based on ambition and dominance.
83
Which of the following is NOT one of the proposed causes of psychopathy? A. Brain dysfunction B. Early adversity C. High IQ D. Cognitive-affective dysfunction
C. High IQ High IQ is not a causal factor; the others are commonly discussed in psychopathy research.
84
What does the “learning deficit” theory suggest about the development of psychopathy? A. The individual fails to internalize punishment-based learning B. The individual lacks curiosity C. The person is over-praised D. The brain is structurally intact
A. The individual fails to internalize punishment-based learning A failure to learn from punishment or emotional cues is central to the learning deficit hypothesis.
85
Which combined factors are most often implicated in the development of psychopathy? A. Family warmth and nutrition B. Childhood adversity and emotional trauma C. Political beliefs and schooling D. Exposure to technology
B. Childhood adversity and emotional trauma Childhood adversity and emotional dysfunction are strongly linked to psychopathic development.
86
What is a key developmental factor in sociopathy? A. Strong genetic influence only B. High verbal IQ C. Poor socialisation processes D. Birth complications
C. Poor socialisation processes Sociopathy is described as emerging from poor socialization, including possibly abusive or neglectful environments.
87
What is suggested about sociopathy’s origin? A. Fully genetic B. Fully learned C. Possibly acquired later in life D. Present at birth only
C. Possibly acquired later in life Sociopathy is proposed by some researchers as an acquired disorder, not purely genetic.
88
What emotional ability is more preserved in sociopathy than in psychopathy? A. Absence of guilt B. Inability to love C. Capacity for guilt and remorse D. Total emotional detachment
C. Capacity for guilt and remorse Sociopaths are capable of feeling guilt and remorse, unlike psychopaths.
89
Which neural structure shows greater activation in sociopaths during emotional threat? A. Hippocampus B. Thalamus C. Amygdala D. Occipital lobe
C. Amygdala The amygdala is more reactive in sociopathy, reflecting heightened emotional responses.
90
Which of the following best characterizes the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) profile of psychopathy? A. Normal BIS B. High BIS C. Low BIS D. BIS not involved
C. Low BIS Psychopathy is linked to a low BIS, reflecting poor fear or punishment sensitivity. BIS is a "break pedal" in the brain.
91
In contrast, how is the BIS typically described in sociopathy? A. Nonexistent B. Low C. Normal to high D. Inactive
C. Normal to high Sociopathy is associated with normal to high BIS function.
92
What does "PCL-R" stand for? A. Psychopathy Clinical List – Revised B. Personality Checklist for Liars – Revised C. Psychopathy Checklist – Revised D. Pathological Crime Likelihood – Revised
C. Psychopathy Checklist – Revised
93
Who developed the PCL-R? A. Sigmund Freud B. Robert Hare C. B.F. Skinner D. Carl Jung
B. Robert Hare
94
What is Factor 1 of the PCL-R associated with? A. Criminal versatility and impulsivity B. Empathy and anxiety C. Interpersonal and affective traits like superficial charm and lack of remorse D. Avoidant behavior and phobias
C. Interpersonal and affective traits like superficial charm and lack of remorse
95
What is Factor 2 of the PCL-R primarily linked to? A. Childhood trauma B. Emotional empathy C. Antisocial and impulsive behavior D. High intelligence
C. Antisocial and impulsive behavior
96
Which of the following best distinguishes psychopathy from Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)? A. Higher impulsivity B. Greater criminal versatility C. Presence of Factor 1 traits (e.g., callousness, manipulativeness) D. Higher likelihood of substance abuse
C. Presence of Factor 1 traits (e.g., callousness, manipulativeness)
97
Which factor of the PCL-R do psychopaths score higher on? A. Factor 2 only (antisocial lifestyle) B. Factor 1 (interpersonal/affective) C. Neither D. Both equally
B. Factor 1 (interpersonal/affective) Psychopaths score primarily high on Factor 1 (e.g., charm, lack of empathy). People with true psychopathy score higher on Factor 1 — these traits are unique to psychopathy and not present in ASPD alone. Factor 2 traits can appear in many criminal or antisocial individuals, but Factor 1 separates psychopaths from the rest.
98
Which motivational system is high in both psychopathy and sociopathy? A. BIS B. Hippocampal threshold C. BAS (Behavioral Activation System) D. Prefrontal control
C. BAS (Behavioral Activation System) Both show high BAS, driving reward-seeking and impulsivity.
99
Sociopaths tend to score primarily high on which PCL-R factor? A. Factor 1 B. Factor 2 C. Both D. Factor 3
B. Factor 2 Sociopaths score primarily on Factor 2, which includes lifestyle and behavioral instability.
100
Which form of aggression is more typical in psychopathy? A. Reactive aggression B. Defensive aggression C. Instrumental aggression D. Passive aggression
C. Instrumental aggression Psychopaths use instrumental (goal-driven) aggression, calculated rather than emotional.
101
Sociopaths are more likely to exhibit what kind of aggression? A. Highly calculated B. Passive C. Instrumental D. Reactive
D. Reactive Sociopaths show reactive aggression, driven by emotional triggers.
102
What brain dysfunction is associated with psychopathy in socio-emotional processing? A. Overactive hippocampus B. Ventromedial prefrontal cortex hyperactivity C. Amygdalar hyporesponsivity D. Temporal lobe lesions
C. Amygdalar hyporesponsivity Psychopathy involves reduced amygdala responsiveness to emotional/social cues.
103
Sociopathy is more strongly linked to dysfunction in which brain area? A. Amygdala B. Visual cortex C. Ventromedial prefrontal cortex D. Parietal lobe
C. Ventromedial prefrontal cortex Sociopathy is associated with ventromedial prefrontal dysfunction, impacting emotional control.
104
Which trait is more characteristic of sociopathy than psychopathy? A. Shallow affect B. Superficial charm C. Stronger emotional responses and reactivity D. Complete lack of conscience
C. Stronger emotional responses and reactivity Sociopaths tend to show more emotional reactivity, especially to perceived threats, unlike emotionally cold psychopaths.
105
Which term best describes psychopathic antisocial behavior? A. Primarily emotional B. Impulse-driven C. Goal-directed and calculated D. Accidental
C. Goal-directed and calculated Psychopathic behavior tends to be goal-driven, not merely reactive.
106
In terms of conscience formation, which distinction is accurate? A. Psychopaths have strong conscience; sociopaths do not B. Both have normal conscience C. Psychopaths: deficient conscience; sociopaths: disturbed but present D. Sociopaths lack any emotional understanding
C. Psychopaths: deficient conscience; sociopaths: disturbed but present Psychopaths show deficient conscience formation; sociopaths show disturbed but present moral capacity.
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In terms of conscience and morality, how do sociopaths differ from psychopaths? A. Sociopaths have no conscience; psychopaths do B. Sociopaths have a disturbed but present sense of morality C. Sociopaths are highly moral D. Both completely lack moral awareness
B. Sociopaths have a disturbed but present sense of morality Sociopaths may feel guilt and have a conscience, but their moral compass is often misaligned with cultural norms.
108
In terms of interpersonal functioning, what distinguishes a psychopath? A. Deep, lasting emotional relationships B. Inability to form any social bonds C. Superficial charm with no emotional attachment D. Frequent expressions of guilt
C. Superficial charm with no emotional attachment Psychopaths typically exhibit superficial charm and emotional detachment, using relationships as tools.
109
Which of the following is more typical of a psychopath than a sociopath? A. Uncontrolled emotional outbursts B. Reactive violence when provoked C. Calculated, goal-directed manipulation D. High attachment to others
C. Calculated, goal-directed manipulation Psychopaths often engage in instrumental, calculated behavior with emotional detachment.
110
Which best summarizes the moral profile of a sociopath? A. Fully aligned with legal standards B. Guided by empathy for all people C. Morality present, but possibly at odds with societal expectations D. No moral structure whatsoever
C. Morality present, but possibly at odds with societal expectations Sociopaths may have a well-developed internal moral system, but it can deviate from societal norms.
111
How does the sociopath’s sense of morality differ from a psychopath’s? A. Sociopaths have no sense of right and wrong B. Sociopaths adopt the exact moral values of their culture C. Sociopaths have a conscience, but their morality may oppose cultural norms D. Both have identical moral frameworks
C. Sociopaths have a conscience, but their morality may oppose cultural norms Sociopaths may feel guilt and have a conscience, but it may reflect a personal or subcultural code, not the dominant culture’s.
112
What emotional capacity most clearly differentiates sociopaths from psychopaths? A. Inability to feel fear B. Complete lack of empathy C. Capability for guilt and remorse D. Consistent happiness
C. Capability for guilt and remorse Sociopaths are capable of guilt and remorse, while psychopaths typically are not.

Personality Psychology (UniSA BEHL 3036) (9 decks)

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