The results of Rosenhan's classic study illustrate that psychiatric diagnoses can be influenced by situational and contextual factors rather than objective symptoms.

• A. Psychological disorders are always caused by biological abnormalities.
• B. Most psychiatric hospitals are highly effective at distinguishing between sane and insane individuals.
• C. Psychiatric diagnoses can be influenced by situational and contextual factors rather than objective symptoms.
• D. Patients with psychological disorders are always treated with respect and dignity in clinical settings.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key claim in the problem: Rosenhan's study shows that psychiatric diagnoses can be influenced by situational and contextual factors rather than objective symptoms.
2. Understand the context of Rosenhan's study: He sent healthy individuals (pseudopatients) to psychiatric hospitals to see if they would be diagnosed with mental illness despite showing no real symptoms.
3. Recognize the implication of the study: The diagnoses were influenced by the environment and expectations of the staff, not just by the actual behavior or symptoms of the individuals.
4. Contrast this with the incorrect statements: Psychological disorders are not always caused solely by biological abnormalities, and psychiatric hospitals may not always effectively distinguish between sane and insane individuals.
5. Conclude that the correct interpretation is that psychiatric diagnoses can be influenced by situational and contextual factors, highlighting the importance of considering these factors in clinical psychology.