Question 1

With respect to the influence of traits and situations on behavior,it is most accurate to say that the two

Accepted Answer

Traits and situations interact to influence behavior. This means that both the individual's traits and the situation they are in work together to determine how the individual will behave. For example, a normally friendly person may behave differently when faced with a threatening situation, showing a more aggressive trait. Alternatively, a person may act more shy in a social situation, even if they are naturally outgoing, due to the influence of the situation.

Question 2

A person states that almost anyone would be polite at a wedding reception; it doesn't matter what kind of personality the person has.This person believes that the behavior of people is strongly influenced by

Accepted Answer

The person's statement implies that external situations, such as the social norms and expectations surrounding a wedding reception, can have a strong influence on people's behavior, regardless of their personality or predispositions.

Question 3

According to Lee,Zimbardo,and Bertholf,sudden murderers tend to be

Accepted Answer

According to Lee, Zimbardo, and Bertholf, sudden murderers are often overcontrolled, meaning they are excessively restrained and have difficulty expressing emotions in a healthy way. This pent-up emotion can ultimately lead to a violent outburst. Sexual disturbances or being prone to anger and aggression are not specific characteristics of sudden murderers according to the study.

Question 4

The personality theory that has been very useful for describing and comparing personalities and on which many of the personality tests used by clinical psychologists are based is the __________ theory.

Accepted Answer

Trait theory, also known as the Big Five personality traits, provide a comprehensive framework for understanding personality. The traits are relatively stable characteristics that can be used to describe and compare individuals. Personality tests such as the NEO Personality Inventory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator are based on this theory. The psychoanalytic, behaviorist, and humanistic theories all have limitations in their ability to explain and compare personality traits in a systematic and scientific manner.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a strength of the humanistic theory of personality?

Accepted Answer

The humanistic theory of personality is not known for rigorously testing and verifying their ideas, as they prioritize subjective experiences and personal growth over scientific research. While it is useful in counseling and psychotherapy, encourages self-awareness and personal growth, and values the positive dimensions of personality, it is not typically seen as a framework for personality research.

Question 6

Although Jan would be described as very extroverted,she will be more extroverted at a party than when she is attending church.This observation supports the concept of

Accepted Answer

Trait-situation interaction refers to how an individual's behavior may vary based on the situation they are in. In this case, Jan's extroverted behavior is heightened in a party setting compared to the more reserved behavior she exhibits in a religious setting. This suggests that Jan's behavior is influenced by the specific situational context, which is a key element of trait-situation interaction.

Question 7

External circumstances influence the expression of a personality trait,according to

Accepted Answer

Trait-situation interaction theory posits that external circumstances and situational factors can influence the expression of a personality trait. This theory acknowledges that personality is not only influenced by internal factors but also by external situations, which individuals may react to differently depending on their innate characteristics.

Question 8

Which personality theory pays attention to the positive dimensions of personality,has been very useful in counseling and psychotherapy,but has been criticized for using "fuzzy" concepts that are difficult to measure and study objectively?

Accepted Answer

The humanistic personality theory emphasizes positive aspects of personality such as self-actualization, personal growth, and subjective experience. It has been influential in counseling and psychotherapy but has been criticized for using concepts that are difficult to measure objectively.

Question 9

Dan is quieter than average in class.According to trait-situation interaction,what would Dan's behavior be like at a basketball game?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dan is quieter than average in class.According...

Question 10

In evaluating a new theory,a psychologist asks the questions "Does the theory adequately explain behavior? Does the theory stimulate new research? Does the theory suggest how to treat psychological disorders?" This psychologist is judging this theory by its

Accepted Answer

The psychologist is evaluating the theory based on its usefulness, specifically in explaining behavior, stimulating new research, and suggesting treatments for psychological disorders. This is not about the truthfulness or concreteness of the theory, but rather the practical applications and implications of it.

Question 11

Psychologists subscribing to which personality theory have made the best effort to rigorously test and verify their ideas,but have been criticized for understating the impact that temperament,emotion,thinking,and subjective experience have on personality?

Accepted Answer

Behaviorist psychologists focus on observable behaviors and external stimuli, often neglecting internal processes like emotions and thoughts. They have rigorously tested their theories but are criticized for not considering internal experiences.

Question 12

Psychological researchers believe that sudden murderers explode into violence because they

Accepted Answer

Psychological research suggests that sudden murderers are usually quiet and overcontrolled, meaning they suppress their emotions until they reach a breaking point, leading to an explosive violent outburst. Brain damage, habitual aggression since childhood, and schizophrenia may be contributing factors in some cases, but they are not the primary cause according to research.

Question 13

Which personality theory seems to exaggerate the impact of sexuality and biological instincts,tends to explain any psychological event after it has occurred,offers little help in predicting future behavior,and has been difficult or impossible to test scientifically?

Accepted Answer

The psychoanalytic theory, proposed by Sigmund Freud, suggests that the impact of sexuality and biological instincts is a major determinant of human behavior. It also explains psychological events after they have already occurred, rather than predicting future behavior. Furthermore, it is considered difficult to test scientifically as it deals with subjective experiences and unconscious processes.

Question 14

Regarding the influence of traits and situations on people's behaviors,which of the following statements is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

This statement is false because personality traits have been shown to have predictive power in various areas such as job performance, risky behavior, and relationship satisfaction. While it is true that external circumstances can influence the expression of personality traits, traits are generally considered to be relatively stable and consistent over time.

Question 15

According to Lee,Zimbardo,and Bertholf,sudden murderers,like Fred Cowan described in your textbook,tend to

Accepted Answer

Sudden murderers, as described by Lee, Zimbardo, and Bertholf, tend to exhibit all of these characteristics: being quiet and overcontrolled, killing in furious, frenzied attacks, and having amnesia for their violent actions.

Question 16

The attacks of sudden murderers often reflect

Accepted Answer

Sudden murderers often act out due to unexpressed feelings of anger and belittlement, which can build up over time and lead to explosive actions.

Question 17

Kearstein is quiet and shy,although she is less quiet and shy when she is at family gatherings than when she is in her college class.This example of Kearstein supports the concept of

Accepted Answer

The concept of trait-situation interaction suggests that a person's behavior is influenced by both their traits and the situation they are in. In this example, Kearstein exhibits different levels of quietness and shyness depending on the situation (family gatherings vs college class), indicating that her behavior is influenced by both her traits and the situation she is in. Therefore, D is the best answer choice.

Question 18

According to your textbook,the best way to judge a theory is by its

Accepted Answer

The best way to judge a theory is by its usefulness, as a theory that is practical, effective, and helpful in furthering scientific understanding and improving the world around us is more valuable than a theory that may be technically true but lacks practical applications or relevance to real-world problems.

Question 19

Regarding sudden murderers,which of the following statements is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Regarding sudden murderers,which of the following statements...

Question 20

What do psychologists mean by the term trait-situation interaction?

Accepted Answer

Trait-situation interaction refers to the idea that situations can affect how an individual's traits are expressed or exhibited. This means that the same trait may manifest differently in different situations or contexts. For example, a person who is generally introverted may be more outgoing and sociable in a situation where they feel comfortable or with close friends, while they may be more withdrawn and reserved in an unfamiliar or stressful situation.

Quiz 12: C: Personality