Question 1

In Murray's theory,a ________ is a force in the brain that organizes our perceptions,understanding,and behavior so that it changes our situation for the better.

Accepted Answer

Murray's theory of personality includes the concept of "needs," which are forces in the brain that organize perceptions, understanding, and behavior to improve one's situation.

Question 2

Murray describes a force from objects or persons within the environment that helps or hinders a person's efforts to reach a goal as a

Accepted Answer

The term "press" is specifically used in Murray's theory to describe the environmental force that acts upon the individual and either makes it easier or more difficult for them to achieve their goals. A "vector" is a mathematical term used to describe a quantity with both magnitude and direction, and while it could be used to describe a force, it is not the term Murray uses. "Variable" is a term used in research to describe a factor that can vary or change, and while environmental press could be considered a variable in some research, it is not the best choice in this context. "Need" is a separate concept in Murray's theory, referring to a fundamental part of a person's motivational state.

Question 3

Omar is a young man who is known for his tenacity and perseverance.When he struggles or fails,he reliably continues to put forth effort.Omar would probably score high on which of Murray's needs?

Accepted Answer

Murray's need for Counteraction involves a drive to overcome obstacles and persevere in the face of adversity. Omar's tenacity and perseverance in struggling or failing situations align with this need, as it reflects a motivation to counteract and overcome difficulties.

Question 4

What is Allport's view of the role of neurosis versus health in personality theory?

Accepted Answer

Allport believed that health and maturity should be defined positively, rather than simply as the absence of neurotic symptoms. He argued that a focus on negative aspects of personality was limited and that we needed to understand the positive aspects of personality to fully understand a person's overall psychological health.

Question 5

Murray defined a proceeding as a

Accepted Answer

Murray defined a proceeding as a short, significant interaction that has a clear beginning and an ending. This definition emphasizes the structured and finite nature of proceedings, distinguishing them from ongoing or indefinite interactions.

Question 6

In Allport's study of racial and religious prejudice,what does he see as contributing to the belief that a group is inferior?

Accepted Answer

Allport sees the traits that the minority group develops in trying to adapt as one of the contributing factors to the belief that a group is inferior. He argues that these traits are not inherent to the group, but rather the result of the discrimination and prejudice they experience from the majority group. Therefore, option B is the best choice. Option A and C are incorrect as they suggest that the inferiority is inherent to the group, while Allport argues that it is imposed by the majority group. Option D is also incorrect as Allport does not see similarity in traits as a contributing factor to prejudice.

Question 7

Ray scores high on Murray's need for rejection,which indicates that Ray has a strong tendency to

Accepted Answer

According to Murray's theory, a high score on need for rejection indicates a tendency to exclude others or to push them away. Thus, Ray's high score on this need suggests that he has a strong tendency to behave in this manner.

Question 8

For Allport,maturity entails a

Accepted Answer

Allport believed that maturity involves having a well-defined sense of purpose and goals. This suggests that an individual understands what they aim to accomplish in life and has a plan to achieve it. Maturity is not focused on gaining the approval of others (B) or being stuck in repetitive behaviors (D). While understanding one's past (A) may contribute to maturity, it is not the primary factor according to Allport.

Question 9

Murray described his study of human lives and the factors that influence them as

Accepted Answer

Murray's study of human lives and the factors that influence them is known as personology. Personology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study of the whole person, including their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as the factors that influence them throughout their lives. It involves the analysis of personality traits, motivations, and biographical experiences to gain a better understanding of how individuals function and develop over time.

Question 10

A researcher undertakes a nomothetic study,which means that she will be working with

Accepted Answer

Nomothetic studies aim to identify patterns and general laws that apply to large groups of people, rather than studying individual cases. Therefore, the best choice is B, which refers to large groups of subjects. The other options do not necessarily exclude nomothetic studies, but they are not specifically related to them.

Question 11

When Debbie realizes that she left her wallet at home and can't pay for her meal at a restaurant,she heaves a sigh,blushes furiously,and stammers as she asked the waiter if she can speak to the manager.Which of the preceding LEAST illustrates the expressive aspects of Debbie's behavior?

Accepted Answer

Asking to speak to the manager is less indicative of Debbie's emotional state and more indicative of her attempt to resolve the situation. A), B), and C) all involve visible physical or verbal expressions of emotion.

Question 12

Which of the following is defined on Murray's list as the need to relate to others?

Accepted Answer

Murray's need for affiliation refers to the desire and motivation to have positive and meaningful interactions with others, to be liked and accepted, and to belong to social groups.

Question 13

One of Allport's findings regarding the relationship between religious attitudes and prejudice is that

Accepted Answer

Allport found that an extrinsic religious orientation, in which religion is seen as a means to an end (such as social status or personal gain), is correlated with higher levels of prejudice. In contrast, an intrinsic religious orientation, in which religion is seen as an end in itself and a deeply ingrained part of one's identity, is not necessarily correlated with prejudice.

Question 14

Enrique,a slight,weak eight-year-old,unconsciously seeks as friends other boys who are strong,helpful,and sympathetic.On Murray's list of needs,Enrique would probably score high on which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Succorance refers to the need for help and support, and it is likely that Enrique, being weak and young, would score high in this need. He unconsciously seeks out friends who can help and support him. Dominance and aggression are unlikely to be high needs for him, and order does not necessarily relate to his social needs.

Question 15

Studies such as Allport's analysis of the letters from Jenny are characteristic of which type of approach?

Accepted Answer

Allport's analysis of the letters from Jenny is a unique and individualized approach, which is characteristic of the idiographic approach. This approach emphasizes understanding individuals and their unique experiences and characteristics, rather than trying to generalize across groups of people.

Question 16

What was Murray's purpose in creating the concept of a proceeding?

Accepted Answer

Murray's purpose in creating the concept of a proceeding was to separate the total behavior of a person into identifiable and manageable units. This allowed for a more systematic approach to studying personality and behavior.

Question 17

Ana is beginning to develop a sense that she is measuring up to the expectations of those around her.In other words,she is engaging in Allport's propriate function of

Accepted Answer

Self-image, according to Allport's theory, involves developing a sense of self-worth by realizing that we measure up to the expectations of others. This aspect of the propriate functions focuses on how individuals see themselves in relation to others' expectations and evaluations.

Question 18

Megan,a sixteen-year-old,refuses to be seen in public with her parents because she is so concerned about being embarrassed in front of her friends.On Murray's list of needs,Megan would probably score high on which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Infavoidance refers to the need to avoid embarrassment or social rejection. Megan's behavior of refusing to be seen with her parents in public suggests that she prioritizes this need.

Question 19

A teenage boy begins to drink alcohol as an act of rebellion against his parents.As an adult,he continues to drink,even though his parents have passed away.His adulthood drinking exemplifies

Accepted Answer

Perseverative functional autonomy refers to a behavior that continues even though the original motive or reason for the behavior is no longer present. In this case, the teenage boy began drinking as an act of rebellion against his parents, but as an adult, he continues to drink even though his parents have passed away. This exemplifies perseverative functional autonomy.

Question 20

Allport would describe addictions and compulsive,repetitive activities with the term

Accepted Answer

Allport described the phenomenon of perseverative functional autonomy as the persistence of a behavior or activity even after its original motive has disappeared or been satisfied. This would include addictions and compulsive, repetitive activities, which continue even after the initial pleasure or reward has diminished or even become harmful.

Quiz 10: Traits and Personology Gordon Allport Henry Murray