Question 1

_______________ describes the extent to which people are anxious and impulsive.

Accepted Answer

Neuroticism vs. emotional stability is a dimension of personality that represents emotional instability, anxiousness, and impulsivity. People who score high in neuroticism tend to be easily overwhelmed by stress and may struggle with anxiety and mood disorders. Those who score low in neuroticism tend to be more emotionally stable and resilient.

Question 2

Of our total DNA,98.8 percent is

Accepted Answer

Noncoding DNA makes up the majority of our genome, with only 1.5% of it actually coding for proteins (which would be considered genes). Chromosomes refer to the structures that hold our DNA, so they are not technically DNA themselves. Therefore, the best choice is C.

Question 3

Which of these research methods would a psychologist be likely to employ to study the influence of genetics on personality?

Accepted Answer

The most appropriate method for studying the influence of genetics on personality would be to examine heritability in twins and adopted individuals. This allows researchers to control for environmental factors and to determine how much of the observed individual differences in personality are due to genetic factors.

Question 4

_______________ describes whether people are cooperative and secure,or irritable and abrasive.

Accepted Answer

The trait of agreeableness vs. antagonism is directly related to how cooperative and supportive individuals are with others. It also reflects how irritable or hostile they are towards others. The other traits listed, such as extroversion, neuroticism, and openness to experience, are not as directly related to these qualities.

Question 5

Research on animal personality suggests that

Accepted Answer

Research on animal personality suggests that many different species demonstrate most of the Big Five factors (e.g., extraversion, neuroticism, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness). Studies have shown consistent patterns of behavior in individual animals across different contexts, indicating the presence of distinct personality traits.

Question 6

Sonia owns a small dog.Both she and a close friend agree that the dog is very extroverted,but a little neurotic.What is probably true about their opinion?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that dog owners and even acquaintances are fairly good at rating the personality traits of dogs, including extroversion and neuroticism. While there may be some bias, it is not necessarily invalidating the overall opinion. Additionally, while not all dogs may exhibit these traits, it is not uncommon for dogs to be described as extroverted or neurotic.

Question 7

The nature-nurture debate can be summarized by asking:

Accepted Answer

The nature-nurture debate refers to the question of whether differences between individuals are due to their genetics (nature) or their environment and experiences (nurture). It is a complex and ongoing debate, but ultimately boils down to this central question. The other answer choices are not directly related to the nature-nurture debate.

Question 8

Which trait among the Big Five typically decreases by age 30?

Accepted Answer

Neuroticism tends to decrease as people age, particularly around or by the age of 30, as individuals often become more emotionally stable.

Question 9

Rene is 85 years old.It is most likely that he has become __________ open to new experiences and _________ extroverted over the last few decades.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Rene is 85 years old.It is most...

Question 10

The functional units of heredity that are composed of DNA and specify the structure of proteins are called

Accepted Answer

Genes are the functional units of heredity that are composed of DNA and specify the structure of proteins. Heritability refers to the degree to which genes contribute to a trait. Traits are the physical, behavioral, and psychological characteristics of an organism. Chromosomes are the structures in the nucleus of a cell that contain genes.

Question 11

According to many clinical psychologists,an important trait,_______________,is not included among the Big Five.

Accepted Answer

The Big Five personality traits include openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism, but self-absorption is not one of them. Self-absorption refers to a preoccupation with oneself and a lack of concern or interest in others, and while it is considered an important trait by some psychologists, it is not included in the commonly recognized Big Five.

Question 12

Most of Candice's relationships with other people are hostile.She frequently gets in fights with strangers and even close friends.Candice is highly

Accepted Answer

Candice's behavior of frequently getting into fights with strangers and close friends indicates that she is hostile and confrontational towards others, which aligns with the definition of antagonistic. The other choices (introverted, extroverted, neurotic) do not accurately describe Candice's behavior towards others.

Question 13

Amir is constantly worrying about things,even though he really doesn't have anything to worry about.He constantly complains about his coursework,and gives up on difficult projects easily.Amir is best described as highly

Accepted Answer

Amir's behavior suggests that he is constantly worried and easily gives up on difficult tasks, which are characteristics of neuroticism.

Question 14

_______________ describes the extent to which people are outgoing or shy.

Accepted Answer

Extroversion vs. introversion is the personality trait that describes the extent to which people are outgoing or shy. This trait is characterized by a person's level of sociability, assertiveness, and talkativeness. Those who are more extroverted are typically outgoing, talkative, and assertive, while those who are more introverted are often quiet, reserved, and contemplative.

Question 15

_______________ describes whether people are steadfast and persevering,or fickle and careless.

Accepted Answer

Conscientiousness vs. impulsiveness is the dimension that describes whether people are steadfast and persevering or fickle and careless. Conscientious individuals are diligent and responsible, while impulsive individuals may act on whim without considering long-term consequences.

Question 16

In the study of dogs and their owners,Samuel Gosling and his colleagues found

Accepted Answer

The passage states that the dog owners and neutral observers all agreed strongly in their ratings of the dogs' personalities along four of the Big Five dimensions, indicating that there is agreement on the dogs' personalities and that they do exhibit different traits. Therefore, A, B, and C are incorrect.

Question 17

Physiological dispositions to respond to the environment in certain ways are present in infancy.These dispositions,called _______________,are assumed to be innate.

Accepted Answer

Temperaments refer to innate physiological dispositions to respond to the environment in certain ways. Personalities, aptitudes, and traits can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

Question 18

Walter prefers to stay home on a Friday night and read a good book to hanging out with other people.In fact,he tends to be fairly reclusive in general.Walter would be best described as

Accepted Answer

Walter's preference for staying home and reading suggests that he derives more energy from solitude and introspection, which are characteristics of introverted individuals.

Question 19

Regarding the Big Five,most psychologists would probably agree with the statement that

Accepted Answer

The Big Five are believed to represent key personality traits that are present across a wide range of cultures and populations. While there may be some variation in the precise terms used to describe these traits or the specific nuances associated with them in different cultures, the core concepts underlying the Big Five are thought to be universal. Moreover, research has consistently supported the idea that these traits are relatively stable over time, suggesting that they represent enduring dimensions of personality that are not easily changed. Finally, while the Big Five do not necessarily capture all aspects of personality that may be relevant to mental health and well-being, they do reflect some of the most important and well-established domains that are relevant to psychological functioning.

Question 20

_______________ describes the extent to which people are imaginative and questioning,or conforming and predictable.

Accepted Answer

Openness to experience refers to a person's willingness to try new things and explore new ideas. This trait is characterized by creativity, imagination, and curiosity. On the other hand, resistance to new experiences refers to a person's preference for stability, routine, and the familiar. Therefore, D is the best choice to describe the extent to which people are imaginative and questioning or conforming and predictable.

Quiz 2: Theories of Personality