Question 1

The person-situation debate reflects deep-seated views about human nature.

Accepted Answer

The person-situation debate is centered around the question of whether human behavior is more influenced by individual characteristics (person) or the environment (situation). Therefore, it reflects differing beliefs about the fundamental nature of human beings.

Question 2

According to the book Personality and Assessment, a correlation of .30 is impressive.

Accepted Answer

According to Personality and Assessment, a correlation of .30 is considered modest or weak, not impressive.

Question 3

People low in agreeableness tend to have greater risks to their cardiac health.

Accepted Answer

Studies have found that people low in agreeableness have greater risks to their cardiac health, possibly due to their tendency to be more competitive, hostile, and prone to anger. High levels of agreeableness, on the other hand, have been linked to better overall health outcomes.

Question 4

Funder believes that it is easy to characterize findings from large literatures.

Accepted Answer

Funder actually argues that characterizing findings from large literatures is not easy, and that it requires careful analysis and synthesis of multiple studies.

Question 5

Describe why the Funder and Ozer (1983) calculation of effect sizes from famous experiments in social psychology is important for undermining the situationist argument. How does Funder believe that these results should be interpreted?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe why the Funder and Ozer (1983)...

Question 6

Describe the three major aspects of the situationist argument. Explain how trait psychologists responded to this argument.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the three major aspects of the...

Question 7

Explain the issues that are involved in judging the size of the correlation coefficient of .40.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the issues that are involved in...

Question 8

The personality coefficient is similar in size to the situation coefficient.

Accepted Answer

The personality coefficient and situation coefficient are both similar in size in predicting behavior, suggesting that both factors are important in influencing behavior.

Question 9

It is possible to directly calculate effect sizes from experimental social psychology using correlational metrics.

Accepted Answer

Correlational metrics, such as Pearson's correlation coefficient, can be used to calculate effect sizes in experimental social psychology. This involves calculating the correlation between the independent variable and the dependent variable and transforming the correlation coefficient into an effect size measure, such as Cohen's d. However, it is important to note that this method may not always be appropriate or accurate, especially if the relationship between the variables is non-linear or if there are confounding variables present.

Question 10

What is interactionism? Explain different ways that personality attributes and situations can work together. Illustrate your arguments using examples of the associations between personality and work outcomes.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is interactionism? Explain different ways that...

Question 11

Situationists are often concerned with precisely calculating how much situations affect behavior.

Accepted Answer

Situationists focus on the influence of situational factors on behavior, but they do not typically emphasize precise calculations of these effects. Instead, they highlight the variability of behavior across different contexts.

Question 12

Individuals high in the trait of extraversion tend to die younger than individuals who are lower in extraversion.

Accepted Answer

Research does not consistently support the claim that extraversion is linked to a shorter lifespan. In fact, some studies suggest that extraversion may be associated with positive health outcomes and longevity due to social engagement and positive emotions.

Question 13

Funder strongly believes that Mischel conducted an unfair literature review in Personality and Assessment.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Funder strongly believes that Mischel conducted an...

Question 14

Individuals low on hostility are less likely to evoke laboratory aggression in a competitive game than individuals high on hostility.

Accepted Answer

Low hostility individuals are less likely to engage in aggressive behavior in competitive situations, thus reducing the likelihood of provoking aggression in others. On the other hand, high hostility individuals are more prone to aggressive behavior, which increases the chances of evoking aggression in others. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 15

In real life, personality traits and situational features are uncorrelated.

Accepted Answer

Personality traits and situational features have been found to have a correlation, albeit a weak one. Situational factors can impact the expression of certain personality traits, and individuals with certain traits may also seek out certain situations. However, it is important to note that situational factors do not determine personality traits and individuals can exhibit a range of behaviors across different situations.

Question 16

If you use the Binomial Effect Size Display to evaluate a correlation of .40, you will find that personality traits have a 50 percent chance of accuracy.

Accepted Answer

The Binomial Effect Size Display is used to evaluate the statistical significance and replication of a relationship, not the accuracy of personality traits. Therefore, the statement is false.

Question 17

There is a tendency to equate a situationist perspective with a more optimistic view of the world.

Accepted Answer

A situationist perspective emphasizes the role of the environment and social context in shaping behavior, suggesting that individuals are not solely responsible for their actions and that change is possible through changes in the environment. This can lead to a more optimistic view of the world, as it suggests that problems can be solved by addressing the underlying social and environmental factors that contribute to them.

Question 18

Interactionism is the view that traits and situations work with each other to produce behavior.

Accepted Answer

Interactionism suggests that personality traits and situational factors interact with each other to produce behavior. It emphasizes the importance of understanding both internal and external factors in predicting behavior.

Question 19

Agreeableness is negatively associated with criminal behavior.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that individuals who score high in agreeableness are less likely to engage in criminal behavior as they are more cooperative, empathetic, and considerate of others' feelings and well-being. On the other hand, low agreeableness is associated with higher levels of aggression, hostility, and lower moral reasoning, which increases the likelihood of criminal behavior.

Question 20

The trait of neuroticism is associated with unhappiness.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that individuals who score high in neuroticism tend to experience negative emotions more frequently and intensely, which is associated with greater levels of unhappiness and lower life satisfaction.

Quiz 4: Personality Traits, Situations, and Behavior