Deck 6: Culture, Self, and Personality

Question 1

According to the book, research on identical and fraternal twins has shown that approximately _______percent of variation in temperament is the result of genetics.

A) 25-30
B) 40-50
C) 60-70
D) 100

Answer 1

40-50

Question 2

A good example of characteristics associated with the concept of "relational self" is

A) phobia.
B) frugality.
C) sociability.
D) conscientiousness.

Answer 2

sociability.

Question 3

Characteristics considered typical of a "difficult" child vary from one culture to another. For example, Nanta of the Masai tribe would consider a quiet and shy infant "difficult" to care for in her society. In Japan, Akiko considers her demanding, highly energetic, son "difficult." This cultural difference can best be explained by which of the following?

A) heritability
B) cultural character
C) goodness-of-fit
D) adaptability

Answer 3

goodness-of-fit

Question 4

In research in the West Indies, in which black and white preschoolers were presented with black dolls and white dolls, Gopaul-McNichol (1995) found that

A) both black and white preschoolers preferred the white doll.
B) white preschoolers preferred the white doll; black preschoolers preferred the black doll.
C) white preschoolers preferred the white doll; black preschoolers had no clear preference.
D) neither black nor white preschoolers had clear preferences for either doll.

Question 5

The ability to adjust the self-concept in response to changing ecological conditions, and preserving a positive self-concept in older age is described as

A) self-assimilation.
B) identity balance.
C) self-integrity.
D) self-accommodation.

Question 6

Cross-cultural researchers have shown that adolescents in some cultures struggle more with the stage of identity formation than do others. Which factor makes this transition from adolescent identity to adult identity easier?

A) clearly defined roles
B) a large variety of social roles from which to choose
C) social support from one's family
D) social support from one's peers

Question 7

"Self-efficacy" is best defined as

A) one's sense of self-esteem and personal power.
B) the general sense of one's ability to master tasks and to direct one's behavior toward a goal.
C) the belief that one is competent is most areas of social behavior.
D) the belief that one has accomplished more than his or her peers in the area of competence that one most values (academics, athletics, etc.).

Question 8

The relationship between collectivism and interdependent self-concept, as well as individualism and independent self-concept, is a good example of

A) the interaction of the microsystem and the individual.
B) the interaction of the macrosystem and the individual.
C) the interaction of the microsystem and the exosystem.
D) the interaction of the mesosystem and the exosystem.

Question 9

Various researchers have found cultural differences in self-esteem among children. One of the possible explanations discussed in the text is

A) differences in educational systems.
B) differences in cultural character.
C) differences in temperament.
D) differences in child-rearing practices.

Question 10

As discussed in the text, Jensen has conducted research on globalization and its effects on development in East Indians. Jensen's research focused on

A) adolescents' attitudes toward arranged marriage.
B) the elderly and their perceptions of sexual behavior among young adults.
C) the elderly and their attitudes about religions in other cultures.
D) young adults and their perceptions of female beauty.

Question 11

Melissa would be characterized as a "difficult child" in terms of Thomas and Chess' classification system of infant temperament in the United States. She is most likely to show which of the following characteristics?

A) lack of intense emotions
B) irregular sleeping patterns
C) low activity level
D) regular eating patterns

Question 12

Clifford Geertz found that people in Bali most frequently use tekonyms as a way of referring to themselves and other people. Which of the following is an example of a tekonym?

A) My mother's daughter will move to the city soon.
B) I will move to the city soon.
C) The young college student will move to the city soon.
D) My sister will move to the city soon.

Question 13

Akira, a Japanese adolescent, and Carl, from the U.S., both responded to the question "Who am I?" by writing down as many answers as possible. Carl's self-description is more likely to include which of the following?

A) "I am a good friend to others."
B) "I am my parents' second child."
C) "I am smart."
D) "I am as good a student as my best friend."

Question 14

Which of the following Big Five personality factors tends to decrease with age, across a variety of cultures?

A) neuroticism
B) conscientiousness
C) agreeableness
D) extraversion

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the origin of the Big Five personality traits is true?

A) The Big Five traits were originally identified in China.
B) Researchers used a lexical approach (investigating natural language) to identify the Big Five traits.
C) Researchers explored famous literature across the world to identify traits that are frequently used to describe fictional characters.
D) The Big Five traits are more valid in Eastern cultures than in Western cultures.

Question 16

The Tuareg people of the Sahara are seasonal nomads with a need to survive in harsh climates. Tuareg mothers do not approve of infants who are dependent and demand a lot of attention, whereas in Japan, mothers encourage closeness and respond immediately when children show anxiety. Explain these differences by using the concept of "goodness-of-fit."

Question 17

Ai has just moved from Korea (a collectivist culture) to Scotland (an individualistic culture). Although she has a good job, friendly colleagues, and some friends, she has a difficult time adjusting. Explain the challenges she may experience with regard to her self-concept during this transition.

Question 18

Describe changes in Big Five personality traits that tend to occur with aging. Provide two explanations for these changes.