Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between the nomothetic and idiographic approaches to personality?

Accepted Answer

The nomothetic approach looks at traits that can be applied to large groups, whereas the idiographic approach looks at the unique qualities of individuals. The Big Five is a commonly used measure in the nomothetic approach, and the genetic and cultural basis of personality can be examined in both approaches.

Question 2

What are the four general aspects of situations that are most likely to influence our behavior? Provide an example for each.

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

Explain the Five Factor Model and list the Big Five factors it is centered on. How were its creators, McCrae and Costa, able to identify only five key factors from the thousands of different traits that could be used to define personalities?

Accepted Answer

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Question 4

Which of the following statements best describes what psychologists now know about the genetic basis of personality?

Accepted Answer

While there is no single gene that determines personality, research has found that certain genes are associated with different traits. For example, one study linked a gene variant to extraversion and another to neuroticism. Therefore, option (C) is the best answer as some genes have been identified that are related to certain aspects of personality function.

Question 5

Kaitlin describes herself as unmotivated. She has not felt rewarded by her attempts to succeed at school or work and, therefore, has given up trying. How might a psychologist who adopts a strict behaviorist approach account for Kaitlin's behavior?

Accepted Answer

A behaviorist would attribute Kaitlin's behavior to her history of not being reinforced for trying to succeed. The lack of rewards for her efforts has led to a reduction in her motivation to continue trying.

Question 6

When it comes to personality, the phrase "opposites attract" seems to be the exception, rather than the rule. People typically match up pretty closely when it comes to choices of romantic partners. Which evolutionary principle has been used to explain this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Assortative mating is the evolutionary principle used to explain why people tend to match up closely when it comes to romantic partners. This principle suggests that individuals tend to choose partners who have similar traits and characteristics to their own, which can increase the likelihood of passing on advantageous genes to their offspring.

Question 7

A defense mechanism would be employed:

Accepted Answer

Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that the ego uses to reduce anxiety caused by conflicts between the id, ego, and superego. Therefore, defense mechanisms are employed by the ego to reduce or avoid conflict, not by the id or superego to create or avoid conflict.

Question 8

According to Freud, the _____ is the personality component that is responsible for seeking to satisfy basic biological needs.

Accepted Answer

According to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, the id is the most primitive part of the personality and operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification for basic biological needs such as hunger, thirst, and sexual needs.

Question 9

Results from applying the Big Five personality traits in other countries reveal that:

Accepted Answer

Research on the Big Five personality traits has shown that there are some cross-cultural differences as well as many similarities in the patterns of people's personality traits. While the five traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) have been found to be universal, the degree to which they are expressed may differ across cultures. For example, some cultures may place a greater emphasis on collectivism and social harmony, leading to higher levels of agreeableness and lower levels of extraversion. However, overall, the Big Five has been found to be a useful framework for understanding personality traits across different cultures.

Question 10

In contrast to psychodynamic theory, humanistic theory emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Humanistic theory emphasizes the belief in free will and sees individuals as having the potential for personal growth and the ability to make choices that can positively impact their lives. Psychodynamic theory, on the other hand, focuses on unconscious factors and the role of past experiences in shaping behavior. Therefore, D is the best choice.

Question 11

The founders of humanistic psychology had a much more optimistic view of human personality than Freud and many of his followers did.

Accepted Answer

The founders of humanistic psychology believed in the potential for growth and self-actualization in all individuals, whereas Freud and his followers often focused on psychological issues and negative aspects of human behavior.

Question 12

Four of the most famous tools for assessing personality are the NEO PI-R, the MMPI-2, the inkblot test, and the test involving story telling after viewing images. Explain in general how each of these tests works and what they are designed primarily to do. How do projective tests differ conceptually from the NEO and MMPI?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

Which of the following concepts developed by Bandura refers to interactions that occur among behavior, internal, and external factors as an explanation for personality?

Accepted Answer

Reciprocal determinism refers to the dynamic interplay between behavior, internal factors such as thoughts and feelings, and external factors such as the environment, as they all influence each other to shape personality.

Question 14

Steven lied about his brother to avoid getting in trouble with his parents, but now he is experiencing extreme guilt. According to Freud, this guilt would arise due to the activity of the _____.

Accepted Answer

According to Freud's theory of personality development, the superego is the component of the personality that represents our internalized values and morals. It operates based on the morality principle and strives to suppress the id's impulses and satisfy the ego's desires in a socially acceptable way. When a person violates the superego's standards or values, they experience guilt or shame. In this case, Steven's guilt arises due to his violation of his internalized morals and values, which would be regulated by the superego.

Question 15

Describe how three of Freud's followers developed their own psychodynamic theories. Explain ways in which their theories differed from Freud's theory.

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Criminal profiling is a hugely popular concept that captures the interest of television views. What is the reality about the validity of criminal profiling?

Accepted Answer

There is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of criminal profiling in identifying specific suspects. Criminal profiling can provide useful insights into the potential characteristics and behaviors of an offender, but it is not a foolproof method for identifying guilty parties. Physical evidence, DNA analysis, and other objective measures are often necessary to confirm the identity of a suspect.

Question 17

If you are the type of person who tends to go to the same restaurant and order the same thing, sticking to your daily routine, and have possibly turned down opportunities to travel to new destinations, which of the Big Five factors would account for this description of your personality?

Accepted Answer

The trait of openness refers to an individual's willingness to experience new things, ideas, and activities. People who score low on this trait tend to stick to familiar routines and avoid new experiences. In the scenario described, the person is avoiding the opportunity to travel to new destinations and sticking to the same restaurant and order, which suggests a lack of openness.

Question 18

What does the WEIRD acronym refer to?

Accepted Answer

The WEIRD acronym refers to a specific group on which major perspectives and theories of personality are based, namely individuals from Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic societies.

Question 19

Even when identical twins are reared apart, they still tend to be very similar in personality. How is this strong evidence that genes contribute to personality?

Accepted Answer

The fact that identical twins who were reared apart still tend to be very similar in personality suggests that there is a strong genetic component to personality, as environmental factors (such as upbringing) are likely to be different between the twins. Therefore, the similarities remaining despite differences in upbringing strongly suggest a genetic influence on personality. Option A is incorrect because the similarities between twins could also suggest that both twins were treated very differently by their adoptive families, which would contradict the hypothesis that genetics play a role in personality. Option C is incorrect because there are generally more similarities between twins who were reared together than those who were reared apart. Option D is incorrect because research has shown that identical twins who are raised apart actually do show significant similarity in personality.

Question 20

Describe two different techniques researchers use to investigate the relationship between genes and personality.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 12: Personality