38 ❯ STEP 2. Determine Your Test Readiness
the Diagnostic/Master Exam
SECtIOn IITime—50 minutesDirections: Take approximately 50 minutes to answer both of the essay questions. According to the College
Board directions, “It is not enough to answer a question by merely listing facts. You should present a cogent
argument based on your critical analysis of the question posed, using appropriate psychological terminology.”
Write your essays on separate sheets of paper.
Essay 1:
[A] A study showed that after a car accident involving head trauma, many patients com-
plain of similar symptoms. The most common of these symptoms are headache, dizziness,
difficulty reading, and difficulty understanding what has been said to them. Discuss three
possible areas of the brain that could be affected and why each affected area could cause
the observed symptoms.[B] Similar symptoms are found in employees of an industrial company. A researcher hired
to analyze the symptoms believes a chemical, rather than head trauma, may be the cause.
Design and describe a study the researcher could perform to test this hypothesis. In your
description, you should include a description of how each of the following would apply to
your study.• Population
• Subject selection
• Illusory correlation
• Correlation coefficient
• Potential confounding variable
• EthicsEssay 2:
Often misunderstood, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a psychological disorder affecting
approximately 1.5 percent of the population. In addition to treating the disorder, psycholo-
gists work to identify its nature and origin, as well as help parents work with their affected
child.• Identify two characteristic symptoms used to diagnose ASD.
• Discuss two risk factors associated with the potential for ASD.
• Describe one medical treatment and identify a risk inherent in the use of this treat-
ment in ASD.
• Describe one psychological treatment for ASD.
• People sometimes confuse ASD with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Identify two characteristics that differentiate ADHD from autism spectrum disorder.END OF DIAGNOSTIC EXAM