Question 1

Evidence of trait stability indicates that environments are unimportant in development.

Accepted Answer

Trait stability refers to the consistency of an individual's personality traits over time, but it does not necessarily mean that environments are unimportant in development. Environmental factors can still play a role in shaping and influencing the expression of traits.

Question 2

Discuss the grounds for support of the Big Five model of individual differences, including evidence that the trait terms relate to people's everyday behavior.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the grounds for support of the...

Question 3

Personality is more stable in adulthood than in childhood.

Accepted Answer

Personality traits become more established and predictable as individuals mature and undergo life experiences. Therefore, personality is more stable in adulthood than in childhood.

Question 4

Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to longitudinal consistency in personality.

Accepted Answer

Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in shaping personality traits, which means that individuals tend to exhibit longitudinal consistency in their personalities over time. Studies have shown that genetic factors account for about 50% of the variance in personality traits, while environmental factors such as upbringing, social experiences, and life events also contribute to personality development and stability.

Question 5

The five-factor model clearly is useful in distinguishing among the various forms of psychopathology.

Accepted Answer

The five-factor model, while useful for understanding personality, does not specifically distinguish among various forms of psychopathology. It is a model of personality, not a diagnostic tool for mental disorders.

Question 6

Critics of trait theory question the evidence of cross-situational consistency even more than that of longitudinal consistency.

Accepted Answer

Critics of trait theory believe that cross-situational consistency is not well-supported by evidence, which further undermines the overall validity of the theory.

Question 7

The trait of conscientiousness is linked to health and longevity.

Accepted Answer

Several studies have found a positive correlation between conscientiousness and better physical health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and longer lifespans. Conscientious individuals tend to engage in healthier lifestyle habits, take necessary precautions, and follow medical advice more diligently.

Question 8

Though there are subtle differences from language to language, the data indicate that a new sixth factor, honesty/humility, generalizes across seven languages.

Accepted Answer

The statement clearly states that the data indicates that a new sixth factor, honesty/humility, generalizes across seven languages, making the statement true.

Question 9

According to the five-factor model, personality disorders represent pathological conditions distinct from normal personality.

Accepted Answer

According to the five-factor model, personality disorders are viewed as maladaptive variations or extremes of normal personality traits rather than entirely distinct conditions.

Question 10

Personality trait structure in childhood is the same as in adulthood.

Accepted Answer

While certain personality traits can be identified in childhood, research has shown that the structure and development of personality continues to evolve throughout adulthood.

Question 11

Discuss the strengths and limitations of the trait approach as both
a) a description of individual differences, and
b) an explanatory model of human personality functioning.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the strengths and limitations of the...

Question 12

The five-factor model offers a specific model for psychological treatment.

Accepted Answer

The five-factor model (also known as the "Big Five" personality traits) is a descriptive model of personality that offers a way to categorize and understand individual differences in personality. It does not offer a specific model for psychological treatment.

Question 13

Discuss the person-situation controversy in terms of the issue, the evidence, and the conclusions you would make about the consistency versus variability of behavior.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the person-situation controversy in terms of...

Question 14

Findings across seven languages indicate that honesty/humility is a reliable factor, in addition to the other factors of the Big Five.

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently found honesty/humility to be a reliable sixth factor in addition to the Big Five personality traits. This finding has been replicated across multiple languages and cultures.

Question 15

Since all studies find the identical five factors, we can assume the basic units of personality have been discovered.

Accepted Answer

While many studies support the Five Factor Model of personality (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism), there is ongoing debate and research in psychology suggesting that personality may be more complex, and these five factors may not encompass all aspects of personality.

Quiz 8: Trait Theory: the Five-Factor Model: Applications and Evaluation of the Trait Approach