Question 1

Personality tests based on the five-factor model:

Accepted Answer

The five-factor model, while widely used and reliable, simplifies personality into five broad traits, which can overlook the complexity and nuances of individual personalities.

Question 2

If genetics plays no role in a behavior,then the heritability would be:

Accepted Answer

Heritability estimates range from 0 to 1, where 0 suggests that genetics play no role in the behavior and 1 suggests that genetics are the only factor influencing the behavior. Therefore, if genetics play no role in a behavior, the heritability would be 0.0.

Question 3

Regarding the development of personality,it is currently believed that:

Accepted Answer

Currently, it is believed that personality development is influenced by both heredity and environmental factors. Heredity provides a foundation for personality traits, but the environment can shape how those traits are expressed. Therefore, D is the best choice. A is incorrect because recent research suggests that shared environment has only a minimal effect on personality development. B is also incorrect because personality is not solely determined by genetics. Finally, C is incorrect because personality development can continue throughout the lifespan, not just during adolescence.

Question 4

Which of the following is an accurate evaluation of the genetic influences on traits?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of personality traits, with estimates ranging from 40-50% depending on the trait. However, it is important to note that genetic factors do not determine behaviors, as environmental and situational factors also shape behavior. The accuracy of using traits to predict behaviors across different situations may vary depending on the specific trait and the complexity of the behavior being predicted.

Question 5

Which of the following groups share nearly 100% of their genes?

Accepted Answer

Identical twins share nearly 100% of their genes as they come from a single fertilized egg that splits into two embryos. Fraternal twins come from two separate eggs fertilized by two separate sperm, so they share about 50% of their genes. A brother and sister born three years apart would share about 50% of their genes like any other siblings. Fraternal twins reared apart would share genetic similarity like any two siblings reared apart, so they would not share nearly 100% of their genes like identical twins reared together.

Question 6

The statistical measure that estimates how much of a behavior is due to genetic factors is called:

Accepted Answer

Heritability is the statistical measure that estimates how much of a behavior is due to genetic factors. Factor analysis is a statistical method used to identify patterns among variables. Behavioral genetics is the study of the role of genetics in human behavior. Graphology is the analysis of handwriting to reveal personality traits or other characteristics.

Question 7

Traits could be better predictors of future behavior if they were assessed:

Accepted Answer

Traits are more accurately predicted when assessed across various conditions and situations, as this approach provides a comprehensive view of how traits manifest in different contexts, enhancing the predictability of future behavior.

Question 8

In understanding the trait of shyness,a behavioral geneticist will argue that:

Accepted Answer

Behavioral geneticists believe that genetics play a role in determining the range for the level of shyness, but environmental factors also interact with that range to determine actual levels of shyness. Identical twins separated at birth may have different levels of shyness due to differing environmental factors.

Question 9

If you are studying how inherited factors influence and interact with psychological factors to shape personality,then you are studying:

Accepted Answer

Behavioral genetics is the field that examines the role of genetic and environmental influences on behaviors, including personality traits. This area of study focuses on how inherited (genetic) factors interact with psychological factors to shape an individual's personality.

Question 10

Environmental factors contribute about ____ to personality traits.

Accepted Answer

Environmental factors account for approximately 50% of personality traits. The remaining 50% is attributed to genetics. It is important to note that even though genetics play a significant role, environmental factors such as socialization, cultural values, and life experiences can still shape and influence a person's personality.

Question 11

Personality appears to be influenced by several factors.Of the following lists,which one correctly orders the factors contributing to personality (from most to least):

Accepted Answer

Research in psychology suggests that genetics has a significant influence on personality, followed by nonshared environmental factors (experiences unique to the individual), with shared environmental factors (experiences shared with family members) having a lesser impact. "Error" refers to unexplained variance, not a direct factor influencing personality.

Question 12

Kaisa is a three-year-old and seems to have the genes for shyness.Her parents will try to encourage her to socialize and play with other children.What is the most likely outcome that her parents can expect?

Accepted Answer

While genes can influence shyness, environmental factors such as socialization can also play a role. By encouraging Kaisa to socialize and play with other children, her parents are providing her with opportunities to build social skills and confidence. It is likely that with time and practice, Kaisa will become less shy and more comfortable in social situations. Therefore, the most likely outcome is that she will outgrow her shyness.

Question 13

If intelligence has a heritability of .5 to .7,it means that:

Accepted Answer

Heritability refers to the proportion of differences in a trait (in this case, IQ) that can be attributed to genetic differences among individuals in a population. A heritability estimate of .5 to .7 indicates that genetic factors explain 50-70% of the variations we see in IQ scores across individuals. Option A correctly reflects this interpretation.

Question 14

The heritability of personality traits range from:

Accepted Answer

The heritability of personality traits typically range from .41-.51, which means that about 41-51% of the individual differences in personality traits can be accounted for by genetic factors. Options A ( .05-.10) and C ( .69-.99) are incorrect as these ranges are typically not observed for heritability of personality traits. Option D (1.56-2.90) is also incorrect as heritability scores cannot exceed 1 (100%).

Question 15

Who published the first study simultaneously comparing four different groups of twins?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Bouchard published the first study simultaneously comparing four different groups of twins. This research, known as the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart, is considered a landmark study in the field of behavioral genetics.

Question 16

Factors that involve how each individual's genetic factors react and adjust to the environment are called:

Accepted Answer

Nonshared environmental factors refer to the unique influences and experiences that affect an individual's development, distinguishing them from siblings or others in the same environment. These factors interact with an individual's genetic makeup, leading to differences in behavior, personality, and health outcomes among individuals raised in the same environment.

Question 17

One shortcoming with the trait theory is its insistence that:

Accepted Answer

Trait theory assumes that individuals behave consistently across different situations, which is a limitation because it overlooks the influence of situational factors on behavior.

Question 18

Two variables that have minimal impact on personality development are:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Two variables that have minimal impact on...

Question 19

The professor is discussing the various influences on personality.She writes the four factors on the overhead projector.Which one has the least impact on personality?

Accepted Answer

While parental practices do have an impact on personality, their impact is typically not as strong as genetics, nonshared environmental factors, and innate predispositions.

Question 20

A problem with the five-factor model is that:

Accepted Answer

Some critics argue that the five-factor model is too limited and simplistic to capture the complexity of human personality. They suggest that it may overlook important aspects of personality or fail to adequately assess individual differences in personality traits.

Quiz 20: Social and Cognitive and Trait Theories