Question 1

Behavioral genetics have proven that the heritability of intelligence is around 80%.

Accepted Answer

The heritability of intelligence is a complex issue, and estimates vary widely, with many studies suggesting a range between 50% and 80%. The exact percentage can depend on factors such as age, environment, and the method of measurement.

Question 2

Theorists argue that one of the primary aims of terror management theory is to explain why__________is relevant to people's existence.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Theorists argue that one of the primary...

Question 3

Humanistic theories of personality have been critiqued for their_____

Accepted Answer

Humanistic theories of personality have been critiqued for all three of these reasons, making option D the correct answer. These theories focus on subjective experiences and internal states that are difficult to objectively measure or test, leading to poor testability of hypotheses. Additionally, the evidence supporting these theories is largely based on self-report data rather than objective observations, leading to criticism of inadequate empirical evidence. Finally, some argue that humanistic theories are overly optimistic and their views of human nature are unrealistic.

Question 4

Which of the following psychologists said "personality is determined to a large extent by a person's genes"?

Accepted Answer

Hans Eysenck is known for his theory that personality is largely determined by a person's genes.

Question 5

__________ is an estimate of the proportion of trait variability within a population that is determined by differences in genetic inheritance.

Accepted Answer

Heritability ratio is the correct term used to describe the proportion of trait variability within a population that is determined by differences in genetic inheritance. The other answer choices are not commonly used or accurate terms.

Question 6

Suppose you were interested in learning more about how the trait of extraversion is adaptive and relevant in the broader scheme of life. Which of following research questions would be most related to evolutionary psychology?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary psychology is concerned with understanding how behavior and traits have adapted over time through the process of natural selection. Since mating is a key aspect of reproduction and therefore evolutionary fitness, understanding how extraversion contributes to mating would be most relevant to evolutionary psychology. The other answer choices are not directly related to evolutionary psychology.

Question 7

Explanations of personality from a biological standpoint, like all approaches, have their shortcomings. The authors of the textbook note__________ as a weakness of the biological approach.

Accepted Answer

The complex interplay of heredity and environment is noted as a weakness of the biological approach, as it oversimplifies the role of genetics and ignores the impact of environmental factors on personality development.

Question 8

Twin studies allow researchers to assess hereditary influences, in part, because

Accepted Answer

Identical twins share 100% of their genes, while fraternal twins share approximately 50%. This allows researchers to compare similarities and differences between twins and determine the extent to which genetics plays a role in different traits or behaviors.

Question 9

Which of the following traits has been of particular interest to Eysenck?

Accepted Answer

Eysenck was particularly interested in the traits of extraversion-introversion, which he believed were linked to differences in cortical arousal levels. He developed a model of personality that included three dimensions: extraversion-introversion, neuroticism-emotional stability, and psychoticism.

Question 10

John molds his interpretation of his past dating relationships to fit how the relationship turned out. This is a common tendency called

Accepted Answer

Hindsight bias is the tendency to view past events as more predictable than they actually were, and to mold one's interpretation of those events to fit their outcome. John is likely using this bias to rationalize his past dating experiences. None of the other options accurately describe this tendency.

Question 11

Betty likes to post flattering photos of her body on her Facebook page. She believes that cheating on a test is okay because she is smarter than other students. When her friends comment on her behavior, she gets very angry. Betty's behavior is most likely that of

Accepted Answer

Betty's behavior demonstrates a belief in her own superiority and a desire for attention and admiration from others, which are characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder. Additionally, her anger when her behavior is questioned suggests a lack of empathy for others, another common feature of the disorder.

Question 12

Which of the following was NOT described by Maslow as one of the characteristics of a self-actualizing person?

Accepted Answer

Maslow did not describe self-centeredness as a characteristic of a self-actualizing person. In fact, one of the hallmarks of self-actualization is a focus on personal growth and fulfillment, while being able to connect with and contribute to the greater good beyond oneself.

Question 13

The idea that personality traits have reproductive payoffs, such as extraversion being higher in those with greater physical attractiveness, complies with the_____ view.

Accepted Answer

The idea that personality traits have reproductive payoffs is consistent with the evolutionary view, which emphasizes the adaptive value of traits in achieving reproductive success.

Question 14

Genes account for approximately_____ of personality variance, according to twin studies.

Accepted Answer

Twin studies have shown that genes account for about 50% of personality variance, while the other 50% is determined by environmental factors.

Question 15

Research has NOT demonstrated which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that narcissism is negatively related to empathy (A), positively related to infidelity (B), and positively related to materialism (D). However, the relationship between narcissism and self-esteem is complex and not straightforwardly positive. Some studies suggest that narcissists may have fragile self-esteem rather than genuinely high self-esteem.

Question 16

Behavioral genetics has provided evidence that

Accepted Answer

Behavioral genetics has shown that there is a heritable component to personality. While environment plays a significant role as well, the relative contributions of genes and environment can be studied through twin and adoption studies. This means that hereditary factors do help shape personality. Choices A and B are incorrect, as children's genes do not alter as they grow and the basic architecture of personality is not entirely environmental. Choice D is also incorrect, as natural selection is a well-established theory in evolutionary biology.

Question 17

According to Maslow, our need to fulfill our potential is called the

Accepted Answer

Maslow defined the need for self-actualization as the highest level in his hierarchy of needs, representing our desire to reach our full potential and achieve personal growth and fulfillment. Therefore, the correct choice is C) need for self-actualization.

Question 18

Which of the following is one of the significant contributions of humanistic theory?

Accepted Answer

Humanistic theory has contributed significantly to psychology by laying the foundation for the emergence of positive psychology, increasing attention to psychological health, and emphasizing the importance of self-concept. All three contributions are important for understanding and promoting human wellbeing.

Question 19

_____ examines behavioral processes in terms of their adaptive value for members of a species over the course of many generations.

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary psychology examines how behavior has evolved through natural selection and how it has provided adaptive advantages for survival and reproduction over generations. It considers how different biological and psychological factors have influenced the evolution of behavior in humans and other animals.

Question 20

Michael typically posts three selfies an hour to his Instagram account. If he does not receive a number of comments complimenting his appearance, he will take down the photo or use a different filter. Michael is MOST likely_______________ .

Accepted Answer

Michael's behavior of constantly posting selfies and requiring external validation through comments suggests a high level of narcissism.

Quiz 2: Theories of Personality