Question 1

Existential psychologists believe that the desire for self-esteem reflects a need to find value in ourselves in order to:

Accepted Answer

Existential psychologists view the desire for self-esteem as a way to alleviate anxiety related to our own mortality. By finding value in ourselves, we can feel as though we have some control over our lives and our legacy, which can help to reduce existential angst. Belongingness and social status may contribute to our self-esteem, but they are not considered the primary motivations for seeking self-worth. Ambivalent feelings about love may be relevant for some individuals, but they are not directly related to the need for self-esteem.

Question 2

Reed believes that he is much smarter and way more attractive than his peers.Reed's grandiose belief in himself is a good example of:

Accepted Answer

Reed's belief in himself as superior and special is characteristic of narcissism, which involves an inflated sense of self-importance, entitlement, and the need for admiration. Narcissistic individuals often overestimate their abilities and attractiveness, and may have a sense of entitlement to special treatment or recognition.

Question 3

About _____% of all drivers classify themselves as above average,illustrating _____.

Accepted Answer

The self-serving bias is the tendency to attribute one's successes to internal factors and one's failures to external factors. This bias is illustrated by the fact that about 90% of all drivers classify themselves as above average.

Question 4

Lindsey has high self-esteem and carries herself more confidently than Barb,who has lower self-esteem.Their employees tend to work harder in an effort to impress Lindsey,illustrating a benefit of self-esteem related to:

Accepted Answer

Self-esteem is closely related to social status, and Lindsey's high self-esteem gives her a higher social status in the eyes of her employees. As a result, they work harder to impress her in order to gain her approval and elevate their own status.

Question 5

The idea that self-esteem reflects an inner gauge of how much a person feels included by others illustrates a theory of self-esteem based on:

Accepted Answer

The idea that self-esteem is based on a person's sense of belonging suggests that their self-esteem is related to how much they feel included by others. This theory suggests that self-esteem is not solely based on status, narcissism, or neediness, but rather on the sense of connectedness a person feels with others.

Question 6

People's tendency to take credit for their successes but downplay responsibility for their failures is termed:

Accepted Answer

The self-serving bias refers to the tendency for people to attribute their successes to internal factors (such as their own abilities and efforts) but attribute their failures to external factors (such as bad luck or other people's actions). This bias allows people to protect their self-esteem and maintain a positive self-image.

Question 7

The key theories on the benefits of self-esteem do NOT focus on:

Accepted Answer

The key theories on the benefits of self-esteem primarily focus on belonging, status, and security, rather than control.

Question 8

Upon his retirement,Charles is slightly more likely to move to Charleston,South Carolina,than to Savannah,Georgia,illustrating the phenomenon of:

Accepted Answer

Implicit egotism is the phenomenon whereby individuals are attracted to people, places, and things that resemble the self, including one's own name, birthplace, or profession. In this scenario, Charles retiring and choosing to move to a location with a similar name (Charleston) is an example of implicit egotism.

Question 9

About 94% of university professors rate their teaching as above average,illustrating:

Accepted Answer

The answer of About 94% of university professors rate their...

Question 10

When she makes a high grade on a test,Cynthia says,"I studied hard and did really well on that test!" When she scores low,she says,"That test was unreasonable and the professor just can't teach!" Her reactions are an example of:

Accepted Answer

Cynthia's reactions demonstrate the self-serving bias, which is the tendency to attribute positive outcomes to one's own efforts and abilities, while attributing negative outcomes to external factors such as luck or other people's actions. Cynthia takes credit for her success but blames external factors for her failure.

Question 11

When asked their favorite letter of the alphabet,about 30% of people answer by picking:

Accepted Answer

It is likely that individuals will have a personal connection and preference for the letter that begins their first name.

Question 12

Andrew experiences a boost in self-esteem when he succeeds in the classroom but not when someone compliments him on his style of dress.Anton reports just the opposite.The difference between the two men is MOST directly related to differences in:

Accepted Answer

The difference between Andrew and Anton's self-esteem being boosted by academic success versus compliments on style can be attributed to their individual self-concepts and the traits they value. Andrew may place more importance on academic achievements, while Anton may place more value on external appearance and social presentation. This directly impacts their self-esteem and the areas in which they feel validated. Therefore, option A is the best choice.

Quiz 12: Personality-Part A