SPEX SPEX Exam 3

Question 1

Which attachment style in adulthood is most commonly associated with a history of disorganized attachment in childhood?

Accepted Answer

Fearful-avoidant (disorganized)

Answer

Fearful-avoidant attachment in adults, characterized by both desire for closeness and fear of it, is the adult analog most linked to disorganized attachment patterns from childhood.

Question 2

A psychologist is asked to provide testimony as an expert witness. Which of the following best describes the standard introduced by Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals (1993)?

Accepted Answer

Scientific testimony must be based on methodology that has been tested, peer-reviewed, and is generally accepted

Answer

Daubert established that federal judges serve as gatekeepers and must assess whether scientific testimony is based on reliable methodology including testing, peer review, known error rates, and general scientific acceptance.

Question 3

Which statistical index is most appropriate for evaluating the clinical significance of treatment change in an individual client?

Accepted Answer

Reliable Change Index (RCI)

Answer

The Reliable Change Index (RCI) determines whether the magnitude of change in a client's score exceeds what would be expected by measurement error alone, making it ideal for assessing individual clinical significance.

Question 4

A client with borderline personality disorder frequently calls the psychologist after hours in crisis. The most appropriate initial response is to:

Accepted Answer

Collaboratively develop a crisis plan within sessions to guide after-hours contact

Answer

Establishing a structured, collaborative crisis plan within therapy sessions is consistent with DBT and other evidence-based approaches, setting limits while ensuring safety.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a Type II error in research?

Accepted Answer

Failing to detect a true effect that exists in the population

Answer

A Type II error (false negative) occurs when a researcher fails to reject a null hypothesis that is actually false, meaning a real effect goes undetected.

SPEX Exam Practice Test

SPEX Exam Practice Test

SPEX SPEX Exam 3