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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do psychopaths often gain from therapy programs?

2. What does the author see as the antidote to inaccurate diagnoses?

3. When does the U.S. Supreme Court say expert testimony, such as Grigson's, is admissible?

4. On what basis do parole boards release prisoners?

5. Why do clinicians hesitate to label a child psychopathic?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is it about the speech of psychopaths that may reveal the condition to an astute observer?

2. What theory does the author feel may possibly explain the self-contradictory nature of psychopathic speech?

3. What is a hypothetical, and why is it dangerous in arriving at a diagnosis of psychopathy?

4. Why is a bilateral brain, with each side having separate spheres of influence, more efficient?

5. What does the Psychopathy checklist provide to clinicians that they are lacking?

6. What kinds of professions are likely choices for white-collar psychopaths?

7. Why does Kiki Olson say that the inclusion of more women in the workforce has opened new pathways for psychopaths?

8. Why are many clinicians and family members reluctant to identify psychopathy in childhood?

9. Why are the victims of psychopaths so reluctant to believe evidence of their wrongdoing?

10. Why is it important to identify psychopathy in childhood?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It has been said that "guilt is a blessing, not a curse". Using evidence from the text, write an essay for or against the proposition that guilt is an important, useful tool in our individual lives and social interactions.

Essay Topic 2

Empathy is a subject that is discussed at length in this book and that has great bearing on the diagnosis of psychopathy. In your essay, explain the word empathy and clarify its meaning with examples. How do empathetic people feel and behave? What is the difference between normal people and those who are without empathy? What difference would it make in your life if you could not feel empathy for others?

Essay Topic 3

Consider the grey boxes in this book. What do you think was the author's purpose for including these anecdotal materials? Do you think that if he were writing for a professional, rather than a lay audience, he would have included the boxed material? Do you think it contributes to your understanding or interest in the text? In your essay, give your opinion regarding the purpose and effectiveness of the boxed material.

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