Question 1

Correlations for personality traits between twins are always less than 1.0, even among identical twins. What conclusion have researchers drawn from this evidence?

Accepted Answer

If correlations for personality traits between twins are always less than 1.0, then this suggests that something other than genetics must be at play, and since identical twins have the same genes but still do not have correlations of 1.0, the most logical explanation is that non-shared environment must exert some influence on personality. Shared environment (such as growing up in the same household) could also play a role, but if it were the main factor then correlations between identical twins should be closer to 1.0.

Question 2

According to the authors, ________ is both the most worshipped and the most widely criticized personality theorist.

Accepted Answer

Sigmund Freud is widely considered the most significant and most worshipped personality theorist, but he is also perhaps the most widely criticized.

Question 3

Initially, Freud believed that mental disorders were due to ___________ causes, but his views changed to reflect __________ causes for mental disorders following his work with hysteria patients.

Accepted Answer

B

Question 4

Your friend sets you up on a blind date. When you meet this person for coffee, they tell you they are introverted and haven't had much luck meeting potential dating partners without the help of friends. Your date has given you a description of ______________.

Accepted Answer

The description provided by the date only pertains to one aspect of their personality, namely their introverted nature and struggles with dating. Therefore, it can be categorized as a description of one of their personality traits.

Question 5

Results of several studies comparing twins that were reared apart or reared together have concluded that

Accepted Answer

The studies comparing twins reared apart or together indicate that shared environment plays little or no role in adult personality. Non-shared environmental factors and genetics are stronger determinants of personality manifestation.

Question 6

Which personality trait has been linked to genetic markers in the dopamine system?

Accepted Answer

Novelty seeking has been strongly linked to genetic markers in the dopamine system, particularly the dopamine D4 receptor gene. Studies have shown that individuals with a certain variant of this gene tend to have higher levels of novelty seeking behavior.

Question 7

If a parent treats both of her children poorly and neglects their needs, and as a consequence they both end up with low self-esteem and difficulties forming close relationships, the parenting in this case is a _________________ factor.

Accepted Answer

The parenting in this case is a shared environmental factor, meaning that both children are exposed to the same negative parenting behaviors and environments that lead to their low self-esteem and difficulties forming close relationships.

Question 8

Our typical ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving correspond to our _____________.

Accepted Answer

Personality refers to the unique and enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that characterize an individual and distinguish them from others. It encompasses our typical ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving, as well as our underlying motivations and values. Schemas, defense mechanisms, and traits are all related to personality, but they are more specific concepts that describe different aspects of it.

Question 9

What is one of the main conclusions from adoption research concerning the effects of genes and environment on personality?

Accepted Answer

Adoption studies have consistently shown that the personalities of adopted children are more similar to their biological parents, with whom they do not live, than to their adoptive parents. This suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in shaping personality, and living together (shared environment) does not lead to a significant increase in personality similarity between parents and offspring.

Question 10

What types of studies have been used to attempt to pinpoint which genes are associated with specific personality traits?

Accepted Answer

Molecular genetic studies have been used to attempt to pinpoint which genes are associated with specific personality traits. These studies focus on the analysis of specific genes or groups of genes, and their variations or mutations, to understand their impact on personality traits. Family, adoption and twin studies are also used to study the heritability of personality traits, but they do not directly aim to identify specific genes associated with these traits.

Question 11

What is the goal of using the nomothetic approach to studying personality?

Accepted Answer

The goal of using the nomothetic approach to studying personality is to seek general principles across a wide range of people. The nomothetic approach focuses on identifying traits and patterns of traits that are common among individuals and using those patterns to make generalizations about how people behave in certain situations. In contrast, the idiographic approach focuses on investigating unique experiences for individuals.

Question 12

If a parent treats one child more affectionately than another, and as a consequence this child ends up with higher self-esteem, the parenting in this case is a _________________ factor.

Accepted Answer

Nonshared environmental factors refer to experiences that are unique to each individual, such as differential treatment within a family. In this scenario, the differential treatment of the children is a nonshared environmental factor, as it is not experienced equally by both children.

Question 13

Brian is a middle-aged conservative male who doesn't like change and supports the status quo. His brother, Ed, on the other hand, favours radical ideas and is a proponent of dramatic social change and action. Based on these details, according to Sulloway's research on birth order and attitudes, Brian is likely to be a ___________ whereas Ed would likely be a __________.

Accepted Answer

Sulloway's research suggests that firstborns tend to be more conservative and supportive of the status quo, while later-borns are more likely to favour radical ideas and social change. Therefore, based on these characteristics, Brian is likely a firstborn and Ed is likely a later-born.

Question 14

Which of the following results demonstrates that shared environment plays very little role in adult personality?

Accepted Answer

If identical twins reared apart are as similar as identical twins reared together, it suggests that genetics plays a larger role in adult personality than shared environment does.

Question 15

Which of the following pairs are most likely to have similar personalities?

Accepted Answer

Identical twins share 100% of their DNA, making them the most likely to have similar personalities due to genetic factors. While adoptive parents and children may share some environmental influences, their genetic makeup is not necessarily similar. Biological parents and children may have some genetic similarities, but environmental factors can play a significant role in personality development. Fraternal twins share only about 50% of their DNA, making them no more likely to have similar personalities than any two siblings.

Question 16

Freud's early beliefs that mental disorders were physiologically caused largely stemmed from his training as a ______________.

Accepted Answer

Freud trained as a neurologist and his early beliefs about mental disorders were largely influenced by his physiological approach to medicine.

Question 17

Molecular genetic studies suggest that there may be associations between genes that control various neurotransmitter systems and subsequent personality (i.e., dopamine and novelty seeking). However, these studies suffer from __________________ and should be interpreted with caution.

Accepted Answer

The statement mentions that molecular genetic studies lack replication, indicating that there might not have been enough research to support these associations between genes and personality. Thus, the correct option is B, a lack of replication. The other options like confirmation bias, illusory correlations, and falsifiability might also contribute to the limitations of molecular genetic studies, but they are not mentioned in the given statement.

Question 18

A research who collects narrative reports of people's lives, and create case studies to examine the effects of life experiences on personality would be using which approach?

Accepted Answer

This approach uses narrative reports of people's lives and creates case studies to examine the effects of life experiences on personality, which is the definition of an idiographic approach. The other options, such as behavioural genetic and quantitative approaches, do not necessarily involve collecting narrative reports of people's lives or creating case studies. Nomothetic approach focuses on generalizing behavior across people as opposed to idiographic approach which is aimed at understanding behavior in a particular individual.

Question 19

Relatively enduring predispositions that influence our behaviour across many situations are called _____________.

Accepted Answer

Traits are relatively enduring predispositions that influence behaviour across many situations. Personalities are a broader concept that includes a variety of factors, including traits. Schemas refer to mental frameworks that organize and interpret information. Defence mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies used to cope with anxiety or other emotional distress.

Question 20

Psychologists believe that personality is largely the result of

Accepted Answer

Personality is the result of multiple factors, including genetics, environment, personal experiences, and cultural influences. While genetics play a role, studies have shown that a person's environment and experiences can also shape their personality. Additionally, personality can change over time with new experiences and personal growth. Parental and peer influences and responses to life stressors can also contribute to personality formation, but they are not the only factors.

Quiz 14: Personality