Question 1

People with Type A personality show

Accepted Answer

People with Type A personality tend to be more competitive, impatient, and easily angered. These traits have been associated with higher levels of cardiovascular reactivity, which means that their blood pressure and heart rate may increase more dramatically in response to stressors. This can put them at a greater risk for heart disease and other health problems.

Question 2

Unlike Phineas Gage, Canadian brain injury patient Kent Cochrane

Accepted Answer

Kent Cochrane maintained his polite and easygoing nature after his brain injury. He did not become violent or aggressive, nor did he become more extraverted and sociable. His personality remained largely unchanged, except for some memory and cognitive impairments.

Question 3

Most physiological personality psychologists today focus on

Accepted Answer

Most physiological personality psychologists today focus on physiological systems, such as the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system, and their impact on personality traits and behaviors. Body types and the four humors have largely been dismissed as outdated and unscientific theories, and telemetry is a method of monitoring physiological processes rather than a focus of study in itself.

Question 4

Most physiological psychologists would agree that

Accepted Answer

Most physiological psychologists recognize the significant role that physiology plays in influencing personality, among other factors. They understand that physiological processes and brain functions can impact behaviors, emotions, and personality traits, but do not believe that physiology solely determines destiny or behavior.

Question 5

A small bit of Elliot's brain that transmitted information to the higher reasoning centres of the brain was destroyed when his tumor was removed.

Accepted Answer

The part of the brain that transmits information to the higher reasoning centers and is associated with emotions is likely the amygdala or related neural pathways. Damage to these areas can disrupt the emotional processing or emotional aspects of cognition, which can indirectly affect decision-making and reasoning.

Question 6

Electrodermal activity measures

Accepted Answer

Electrodermal activity measures the amount of sweat present on the skin, indicating physiological arousal and stress response.

Question 7

Electrical activity in the brain is measured with

Accepted Answer

Electrical activity in the brain is measured with the electroencephalogram or EEG. The other options listed measure different physiological processes, such as skin conductance measuring sweat gland activity and cardiovascular reactivity measuring changes in blood pressure and heart rate.

Question 8

An advantage of the physiological approach to personality is that physiology

Accepted Answer

One advantage of the physiological approach to personality is that it can be measured mechanically and reliably. Biological and physiological measures, such as brain scans, heart rates, and hormone levels, can provide objective data that can be standardized and replicated across individuals.

Question 9

Sensors placed on the surface of the skin can be used to measure

Accepted Answer

Sensors placed on the surface of the skin can measure brain waves, cardiovascular measures, and electrodermal activity. Dopamine levels and neurotransmitters require more invasive methods to measure. Telemetry refers to remote monitoring through wireless communication and is not directly related to skin sensors.

Question 10

Following his accident, Phineas Gage

Accepted Answer

After his accident, Phineas Gage was unable to return to his previous job and instead held various farm jobs, as his personality and behavior had changed significantly.

Question 11

Measuring the amount of electricity that passes between two electrodes placed on a person's skin measures

Accepted Answer

Measuring the amount of electricity that passes between two electrodes placed on a person's skin measures electrodermal activity, which refers to the electrical changes that occur in the sweat glands in response to emotional and cognitive stimuli. Options A, B, and C all relate to different types of electrical activity in the heart and brain.

Question 12

The increase in blood pressure observed in response to stress is an indication of

Accepted Answer

Cardiovascular reactivity refers to the body's physiological response to stress, which can include an increase in blood pressure. Hormonal activity, while also affected by stress, does not specifically relate to this particular physiological response. Alpha waves and skin conductance are measures of brain activity and autonomic nervous system activity, respectively, and are not directly related to blood pressure changes.

Question 13

Phineas Gage's personality became after his brain was penetrated by an iron rod in an accident.

Accepted Answer

According to historical accounts and medical records, Phineas Gage experienced a significant change in his personality after the accident. He became stubborn, impulsive, and unpredictable, which can be described as obstinate and capricious.

Question 14

After Elliot's brain tumor was removed his changed.

Accepted Answer

Elliot's personality changed after the removal of his brain tumor.

Question 15

Which of the following best indicates cardiovascular activity?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood against the walls of arteries as it circulates through the body, and is therefore a direct measure of cardiovascular activity. Electrodermal activity and skin conductance are measures of sweat gland activity and are related to emotional arousal or stress rather than cardiovascular activity. Alpha waves are a type of brain wave and are not directly related to cardiovascular activity.

Question 16

Some individuals have spontaneous electrodermal responses even when in a resting state in a quiet room. The personality traits most consistently associated with these nonspecific electrodermal responses are

Accepted Answer

Spontaneous electrodermal responses are often associated with anxiety and neuroticism. Individuals with higher levels of anxiety and neuroticism are more likely to experience these responses even when in a resting state in a quiet room. Research has consistently found this association between electrodermal responses and anxious personality traits.

Question 17

Patient K. C.'s final brain injury had its most significant effect on his

Accepted Answer

Patient K. C.'s final brain injury had its most significant effect on his episodic memory, which is the ability to recall events and experiences from one's past.

Question 18

Terry, a Type A personality, suffers from chronic cardiovascular activity. He should be careful as these behaviours may contribute to

Accepted Answer

Type A personalities are prone to high levels of stress, which can lead to increased levels of inflammation and damage to the arteries. This can result in the development of coronary artery disease, which can lead to chronic cardiovascular problems. Cancer proneness, Crohn's disease, and chronic diabetes are not directly related to Type A personality or chronic cardiovascular activity.

Question 19

Carlos is very competitive, hostile, impatient, and has a strong level of cardiac reactivity. Carlos most likely has a(n)personality.

Accepted Answer

These characteristics are all associated with the Type A personality, which is characterized by high levels of competitiveness, hostility, impatience, and cardiac reactivity. The other options are either not directly related to these specific traits or do not fully capture the combination of traits described.

Question 20

To obtain an accurate measure of cardiovascular activity researchers typically

Accepted Answer

Measuring the intervals between heartbeats provides an accurate measure of cardiovascular activity because it allows researchers to assess the heart's rate and rhythm.

Quiz 7: Physiological Approaches to Personality