Question 1

In a sample showing low absolute continuity and high differential continuity over time for a given trait,

Accepted Answer

Low absolute continuity implies that the average level of the trait in the sample changes over time, while high differential continuity indicates that individuals maintain their relative positions within the group despite these changes.

Question 2

All of the following are true of the Q-sort methodology in personality assessment except

Accepted Answer

The Q-sort methodology does not compare persons to each other on absolute trait levels; instead, it assesses how individuals compare to themselves across different traits or characteristics.

Question 3

If the correlation coefficient of a given trait among MZ twins is +.50, and the correlation coefficient among DZ twins on the same trait is +.30, then the heritability quotient is approximately

Accepted Answer

The heritability quotient can be estimated using the formula 2(r_MZ - r_DZ), where r_MZ is the correlation among monozygotic (MZ) twins and r_DZ is the correlation among dizygotic (DZ) twins. Substituting the given values, we get 2(.50 - .30) = .40 or 40%.

Question 4

If the heritability quotient on extraversion is 40%, this means that

Accepted Answer

A heritability quotient of 40% means that 40% of the variability on extraversion can be attributed to genetic differences between people. This does not refer to chance or environmental factors, but rather the proportion of the trait that can be explained by genetic factors.

Question 5

With respect to differential continuity, which of the following statements is well-supported in longitudinal research?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal research has shown that stability of traits increases as people get older. This means that people become more consistent in their behavior and personality over time. This is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, as well as the accumulation of life experiences. However, it should be noted that not all traits show the same level of continuity, and some may change more than others.

Question 6

In the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart, which of the following results was obtained? .

Accepted Answer

The Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart found that monozygotic (MZ) twins raised apart showed approximately similar concordance on various traits as MZ twins raised together, highlighting the strong influence of genetics over environment on certain traits.

Question 7

In a sample of 100 classmates, extraversion scores in 1972 correlate +.70 with extraversion scores from the same sample in 1992. This result demonstrates

Accepted Answer

A correlation coefficient of +.70 indicates a strong positive relationship between extraversion scores in 1972 and 1992, indicating high differential continuity. This means that individuals who scored high on extraversion in 1972 were likely to score high on extraversion in 1992 as well.

Question 8

A heritability quotient is an estimate of

Accepted Answer

A heritability quotient is an estimate of the proportion of variance in a trait attributable to genetic differences between people. It does not refer to the percentage of genetic influence for an individual, the genetic to environmental impact on the development of a trait in a population, or the confidence level in the genetic determination of a trait.

Question 9

Research suggests that among older adults marriage tends to

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that among older adults, marriage provides more emotional benefits to men than to women. Being married insulates men from negative emotion and provides a buffer against stressors. Women tend to benefit more from social support outside of marriage.

Question 10

Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies suggest that as people move from young adulthood through midlife and early old age, their scores on measures of positive emotion tend to

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies suggest that as people move from young adulthood through midlife and early old age, their scores on measures of positive emotion tend to increase. This may be due to a variety of factors, such as increased emotional stability, greater life satisfaction, and improved coping skills. However, it is important to note that there is also significant individual variability, and not everyone experiences this pattern of increasing positive emotion over time.

Question 11

Test-retest correlations for neuroticism over a 30-year period of time tend to be around

Accepted Answer

Test-retest correlations for personality traits like neuroticism over long periods, such as 30 years, tend to be moderate, around +.50, indicating some stability but also change over time.

Question 12

Differential continuity usually refers to

Accepted Answer

Differential continuity refers to the stability of individuals' differences in traits over time, meaning how consistent an individual's relative standing (e.g., rank) within a group is for a particular trait across different time points.

Question 13

Research involving temperament dispositions and environment indicates that

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that people tend to select and create environments that reinforce their current temperamental dispositions. For example, introverted individuals may choose to spend more time in quiet, solitary settings, which reinforces their introverted tendencies. In contrast, extroverted individuals may seek out social interactions and lively environments, which reinforce their extroverted tendencies.

Question 14

Which of the following tends to occur regarding differential continuity of traits over the human lifespan?

Accepted Answer

Differential continuity of traits tends to decrease as the length of time between measurement intervals increases, reflecting that the stability of individual differences in personality traits may diminish over longer periods.

Question 15

Research by Jerome Kagan and other developmental psychologists identifies behavioral inhibition in infancy as a temperament pattern associated with

Accepted Answer

Behavioral inhibition in infancy is associated with high levels of arousal in the brain's limbic system. This can lead to an increased sensitivity to novel or uncertain situations, and a tendency to withdraw or avoid unfamiliar people, objects, or events. It is thought to reflect a basic disposition toward anxiety and fearfulness, and may be related to the development of anxiety disorders later in life.

Question 16

The 5-HT transporter gene is responsible for

Accepted Answer

The 5-HT transporter gene produces molecules that remove serotonin from the synaptic cleft, allowing for efficient neurotransmission and preventing excessive serotonin build-up that can lead to mood disorders such as depression.

Question 17

Which of the following is not true regarding the temperament dimension of "effortful control"?

Accepted Answer

Scores on effortful control tend to vary between ages 2 and 4 years as children develop cognitive and emotional regulation skills.

Question 18

Caspi's overall concept of the process by which temperament dimensions become more fully articulated personality traits is known as

Accepted Answer

Caspi's overall concept is known as developmental elaboration, which refers to the process by which temperament dimensions become more complex and structured over time to form fully articulated personality traits. This process involves both biological maturation and environmental influences. The other choices are not specific to Caspi's theory of developmental elaboration.

Question 19

What is ego resiliency?

Accepted Answer

Ego Resiliency is a psychological construct that refers to the ability of an individual to properly regulate their impulses, modulation of intense affects, and ability to respond flexibly to changing situational demands. It involves modifying one's level of ego control in a productive manner to handle situations better.

Question 20

According to Block's studies with the Q-sort, impressive consistency in personality may be seen with respect to

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Block's studies with the Q-sort,...

Quiz 6: Continuity and Change in Traits: the Roles of Genes, Environments, and Time