Question 1

_____________ is a personality trait marked by an inflated sense of self worth and a tendency to exploit other people.

Accepted Answer

Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a tendency to exploit others for personal gain. People who exhibit narcissistic behavior tend to be self-centered, lack empathy, and have a strong need for admiration and attention from others. They often have an exaggerated sense of their abilities and accomplishments and may belittle or disregard the feelings and opinions of others.

Question 2

Nettle (2006)believes which trait may be adaptive because it fueled competitiveness in our ancestors?

Accepted Answer

Nettle (2006) suggests that neuroticism may have been adaptive in our ancestors as it could have fueled competitiveness and vigilance, helping them to survive and reproduce in challenging environments.

Question 3

Eysenck's theory of personality is based on all of the following except

Accepted Answer

Eysenck's theory of personality is based on basic personality traits, differences in physiological functioning, and differences in ease of conditioning. Basic needs are not a central part of his theory.

Question 4

Assume that personality researchers have isolated a new trait they called "nescience." If these researchers report that identical twins reared together and identical twins reared apart show the same correspondence for this particular trait,it would indicate that

Accepted Answer

If identical twins, who have the same genetic makeup, show the same correspondence for a new trait called "nescience," regardless of whether they were reared together or apart, it suggests that genetics have a larger influence on the expression of this trait. The fact that identical twins reared apart show the same correspondence as those reared together indicates that environmental factors do not play a significant role in the expression of the trait.

Question 5

Behavioral genetics,the evolutionary approach,and Eysenck's theory all approach the study of personality from the

Accepted Answer

All three approaches focus on the biological basis of personality, examining genetic, evolutionary, and physiological factors.

Question 6

Research on genes and personality indicates that the heritability estimates for personality traits are approximately

Accepted Answer

Research on genes and personality indicates that the heritability estimates for personality traits are between 40 and 60 percent. This suggests that genetics is a significant factor in our personality development, but environmental factors also play a crucial role.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT one of the main weaknesses in biological approaches to personality?

Accepted Answer

The biological approach to personality does not necessarily have an overly optimistic view of human nature. This is not typically considered one of the main weaknesses of biological approaches. The other three options are all commonly cited weaknesses, including conceptual problems with heritability estimates, difficulty separating nature and nurture, and the potential for children's genes to affect their environment.

Question 8

Research in behavioral genetics has shown the family environment shared by children growing up together has ____ impact on personality.

Accepted Answer

Research in behavioral genetics suggests that the shared family environment has little impact on personality, with genetic factors and non-shared environmental influences playing a more significant role.

Question 9

Research in behavioral genetics has shown that identical twins reared apart often have similar personality traits.This result suggests that ____ contribute(s)to personality.

Accepted Answer

The similarity in personality traits among identical twins reared apart highlights the significant role of genetic inheritance in shaping personality, as these twins share the same genetic makeup but are exposed to different environments.

Question 10

Dr.Hawkins believes that the big five personality traits stand out as important dimensions of personality because those traits have significant adaptive implication is largely determined by an individual's genetic makeup.Dr.Hawkins's views are similar to the view of personality put forward by

Accepted Answer

David Buss shares Dr. Hawkins's belief that the big five personality traits have significant adaptive implications and that genetics play a major role in shaping personality.

Question 11

Assume that personality researchers have isolated a new trait they called "prajna." If these researchers report that fraternal twins reared together are more similar in this trait than identical twins reared apart,it would indicate that

Accepted Answer

The fact that fraternal twins reared together are more similar in prajna than identical twins reared apart suggests that environmental factors have a greater influence on the expression of prajna than genetics. This is because fraternal twins share approximately 50% of their genes, which is the same degree of genetic relatedness as non-twin siblings, whereas identical twins share 100% of their genes. Therefore, if genetics were the primary factor influencing the expression of prajna, then we would expect identical twins reared apart to be more similar than fraternal twins reared together. However, the observed pattern of greater similarity in fraternal twins reared together suggests that environmental factors, such as shared experiences and upbringing, may be more important for this trait.

Question 12

The evolutionary approach to personality suggests that ____ may have contributed to reproductive fitness.

Accepted Answer

The evolutionary approach to personality posits that both having certain personality traits and the ability to recognize these traits in others could have enhanced survival and reproductive success by facilitating social cooperation, mate selection, and group cohesion.

Question 13

According to the evolutionary approach to personality,humans have evolved special sensitivity to variations in the tendency to be reliable and ethical,which is closely associated with which of the following Big Five personality traits?

Accepted Answer

Conscientiousness is strongly associated with reliability and ethical behavior, which is believed to have evolved as an adaptive trait in humans. This trait includes being organized, responsible, dependable, and goal-oriented, and is strongly related to success in many areas of life.

Question 14

Studies linking personality traits with specific genes have been difficult to replicate because

Accepted Answer

Personality traits are complex and can be influenced by multiple genes, making it challenging to identify specific genes that play a role in certain traits. This can lead to difficulties in replicating studies that seek to link specific genes with personality traits. Twin studies and measuring dopamine levels or the availability of MRI technology are not directly related to the challenges of replicating studies linking genes to personality traits.

Question 15

According to Hans Eysenck,people who condition easily are likely to be

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Hans Eysenck,people who condition easily...

Question 16

Research on the heritability of personality shows that ____ appears to have a surprisingly small impact on personality.

Accepted Answer

The research suggests that shared family environment, including upbringing, parenting, and socioeconomic status, has a smaller impact on personality than previously thought. This is because individuals within the same family can have vastly different personalities, indicating that other factors, such as genetics and unique experiences, play a greater role in shaping personality.

Question 17

Which psychologist's theory of personality uses conditioning principles and inherited differences in physiological functioning to explain how heredity is linked to personality?

Accepted Answer

Hans Eysenck's theory of personality uses conditioning principles and inherited differences in physiological functioning to explain how heredity is linked to personality.

Question 18

The findings from twin studies indicate that identical twins are much more similar than fraternal twins on which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The findings from twin studies suggest that genetic factors play a significant role in determining individual differences in all five personality traits of the five-factor model of personality (neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness), but identical twins are much more similar than fraternal twins on all of these traits.

Question 19

Recent research suggests that the size of brain structures that regulate planning and voluntary control are associated with people's levels of

Accepted Answer

Recent research has found that the size of brain structures such as the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, which are responsible for planning and voluntary control, are associated with a person's level of conscientiousness. Conscientious individuals tend to have larger and more active prefrontal cortex regions, which enable them to effectively plan and control their behavior.

Question 20

Which of the following is MOST accurate?

Accepted Answer

It is difficult to completely separate genetic and environmental factors in shaping behavior and personality. The interaction between nature and nurture is complex and cannot be separated easily into distinct categories. Therefore, efforts to divide behavior into genetic and environmental components are ultimately artificial.

Quiz 12: Personality