Question 1

A large study of children and adolescents in the Netherlands found that the most evident dimensions characterizing these subjects were

Accepted Answer

The answer of A large study of children and adolescents...

Question 2

All of the following are propositions on which the biological explanation of personality is based EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Option B refers to the social learning theory, which is not a part of the biological explanation of personality that is based on genetic and physiological factors. The other options (A, C, D, and E) are all propositions of the biological explanation of personality.

Question 3

Correlation between measures of behavioral inhibition in children and physiological measures, such as muscle tension, heart rate, dilation of the pupil of the eye, and the chemical composition of both urine and saliva indicate that

Accepted Answer

The correlation between measures of behavioral inhibition and physiological measures suggests that temperament is based on physiological responses.

Question 4

Kagan believes that shy children have behavioral inhibitions because

Accepted Answer

According to Kagan, shy children have a low threshold for responding to uncertainty in their amygdala and hypothalamus, leading to heightened behavioral and physiological inhibition.

Question 5

Research on inhibition such as that done by Kagan has shown that

Accepted Answer

Kagan's research has shown that consistency in inhibition is stronger among children with extreme initial temperaments.

Question 6

Leroy is full of original ideas and is very imaginative. He is high in which of the Big Five personality traits?

Accepted Answer

The trait of being imaginative and having original ideas falls under the domain of openness/intellect in the Big Five personality traits.

Question 7

Research by Oliver John has shown that delinquent boys were markedly lower than nondelinquent boys in which personality traits?

Accepted Answer

According to the research by Oliver John, delinquent boys were markedly lower in conscientiousness and agreeableness compared to nondelinquent boys.

Question 8

Research on teens use of social networking sites such as Facebook have shown that teens who use less swear words scored higher on which of the Big Five personality traits?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Research on teens use of social networking...

Question 9

Behavior that is reinforced on a partial schedule is ________ behavior that is consistently reinforced.

Accepted Answer

Partial reinforcement schedules create more resistance to extinction because the behavior is not being continuously reinforced, so the subject will continue to expect reinforcement at varying intervals rather than becoming discouraged by a lack of reinforcement.

Question 10

Of the following inhibited children, who is least likely to have physical arousal to challenges and persistent inhibition?

Accepted Answer

Securely attached children have been found to have better emotional regulation and are less likely to display physiological arousal to challenges. Therefore, Sara, who is securely attached, is least likely to have physical arousal to challenges and persistent inhibition.

Question 11

Biological theorists believe that

Accepted Answer

Biological theorists believe that personality development is influenced by both genetic factors (temperamental tendencies) and environmental factors. This interaction between nature and nurture is the key to understanding personality development. This view is opposed to the idea that genetics alone determine personality (choice E). It also focuses on the individual rather than the unconscious mind (choice B) or stage-like development (choice C). Finally, partial reinforcement schedules (choice A) are more of a behavioral concept than a biological one.

Question 12

Who is the most influential theorist in the learning theory tradition?

Accepted Answer

Albert Bandura is widely considered the most influential theorist in the learning theory tradition. His social learning theory emphasizes the role of observational learning, or learning by watching the behavior and outcomes of others, in shaping human behavior. This theory has been widely applied in fields such as education, psychology, and communication studies.

Question 13

Research using the Buss and Plomin temperament catagories indicates that the strongest correlation in temperament is found in

Accepted Answer

The Buss and Plomin temperament categories have been found to have the strongest correlation in temperament between identical twins. Since identical twins share 100% of their genes, any similarities in temperament they exhibit are likely due to genetic factors rather than environmental ones. This makes them a stronger indicator of the influence of genetics on temperament than fraternal twins, siblings, or adopted siblings, who share fewer genes and may have more varied environmental experiences.

Question 14

A strength of biological theories of personality is that they

Accepted Answer

Biological theories of personality have been strongly supported by empirical research, which adds credibility to the theory. This includes research on genetics, brain structure and function, and the role of neurotransmitters, hormones, and other biological processes in personality development.

Question 15

Research on teens use of social networking sites such as Facebook have shown that teens who posted longer comments on books and other reading materials scored higher on which of the Big Five personality traits?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that teens who posted longer comments on books and other reading materials scored higher on the personality trait of openness. Openness is characterized by curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to explore new ideas and experiences. Posting longer comments on reading materials may be indicative of a deeper engagement with ideas and a desire to express and share one's thoughts and opinions.

Question 16

Dr. Montana is a radical behaviorist. He is most likely to believe that variations in behavior are caused by

Accepted Answer

As a radical behaviorist, Dr. Montana is most likely to attribute variations in behavior solely to the principles of classical and operant conditioning. Radical behaviorism rejects the concept of unconscious mental processes and focuses solely on observable behavior and its environmental antecedents and consequences. Therefore, choices A and B are incorrect. While observational learning is a component of behaviorism, it may not be the exclusive cause of variation in behavior, making choice C less likely. Finally, there is no such thing as a "biological form of conditioning," so choice E is incorrect.

Question 17

Lillith is usually tense and she worries about every small event in her life. She is high in the Big Five trait of

Accepted Answer

Lillith exhibits traits of neuroticism, which is characterized by a tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, worry, and insecurity. This is consistent with her being tense and worrying about small events in her life.

Question 18

All of the following can positively modify basic physiological/temperamental responses of inhibited children EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Oversolicitous mothers (meaning overly anxious or overprotective) can exacerbate the inhibition in children rather than positively modifying it. The other answer choices (secure attachment, responsive parents, relaxed mothers, and sensitive parents) can all positively modify basic physiological/temperamental responses of inhibited children.

Question 19

According to Buss and Plomin, which of the following children will typically adapt to his or her environment?

Accepted Answer

According to Buss and Plomin, children who are moderate in all temperamental areas are the most likely to adapt to their environment. Therefore, Ramon is the most likely to adapt.

Question 20

Ms. Cowan has a day care center, and this year she has one little girl who is very aggressive. No matter how much Ms. Cowan punishes her, the child continues to misbehave and seems to be increasing her aggressive actions. A behaviorist would say that

Accepted Answer

A behaviorist would suggest that punishment may actually reinforce the aggressive behavior if it is providing attention to the child. The behaviorist approach focuses on observable behaviors and the consequences they produce, rather than on unconscious conflicts or inborn traits. Therefore, punishing the child may not be the most effective approach and a behaviorist would likely suggest alternative strategies for reducing aggressive behavior.

Quiz 9: Personality Development: Alternative Views