Psychology Chapter 11: Personality
Questions and Answers
- 1.
A psychologist who studies personality may ask people to discuss events in their childhood and may also ask them how they might respond to a hypothetical event. Why?
- A.
Because all personality characteristics are environmentally determined.
- B.
Because they want to detect the existence of defense mechanisms.
- C.
Because an understanding of prior and anticipated events is crucial to explaining personality.
- D.
Because they are looking for hidden motives and desires.
Correct Answer
C. Because an understanding of prior and anticipated events is crucial to explaining personality.Explanation
The psychologist asks people to discuss events in their childhood and their hypothetical responses to understand their prior and anticipated events. This is because an understanding of these events is crucial in explaining personality. By examining past experiences and future expectations, psychologists can gain insights into how individuals have been shaped by their environment and how they may respond in different situations. This information helps in understanding the development and dynamics of personality.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Because projective tests are based on __________, they are a controversial practice in psychology.
- A.
Implicit measures of personality
- B.
Physiological responses
- C.
The interpretation of the responder
- D.
The interpretation of the scorer
Correct Answer
D. The interpretation of the scorerExplanation
Projective tests are a controversial practice in psychology because they rely on the interpretation of the scorer. Unlike other types of tests that have clear and objective scoring criteria, projective tests involve subjective interpretation of the responder's answers or behavior. This subjectivity can lead to bias or inconsistency in scoring, raising concerns about the reliability and validity of the results. Critics argue that the interpretation of the scorer can introduce personal biases and undermine the scientific rigor of projective tests.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The ______ is the most well-known self-report measure of personality.
- A.
Rorschach
- B.
TAT
- C.
MMPI
- D.
WAIS
Correct Answer
C. MMPIExplanation
The MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) is the most well-known self-report measure of personality. It is a widely used psychological assessment tool that consists of a series of true/false questions, designed to measure various aspects of an individual's personality and psychopathology. The MMPI has been extensively researched and validated, making it a reliable and valid measure of personality traits and psychopathology. Its widespread use and recognition in the field of psychology contribute to its status as the most well-known self-report measure of personality.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Most researchers using factor analysis agree that ___________________ are the core traits of personality.
- A.
Conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness to experience, and extraversion
- B.
Openness to experience, neuroticism, and agreeableness
- C.
Anger, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise
- D.
Orderliness, happiness, extraversion, and introversion
Correct Answer
A. Conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness to experience, and extraversionExplanation
Most researchers using factor analysis agree that conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness to experience, and extraversion are the core traits of personality. Factor analysis is a statistical technique used to identify underlying dimensions or factors that explain the correlations among a set of observed variables. Through this analysis, researchers have found that these five traits consistently emerge as the main dimensions of personality. Conscientiousness refers to being organized, responsible, and reliable. Agreeableness relates to being kind, cooperative, and considerate. Neuroticism involves being prone to negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. Openness to experience refers to being imaginative, curious, and open-minded. Lastly, extraversion is characterized by being outgoing, sociable, and energetic.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which trait best describes someone who is regularly late to meetings, cannot keep his class schedule organized, and often misplaces things?
- A.
Singular
- B.
Disorganized
- C.
Aggressive
- D.
Superficial
Correct Answer
B. DisorganizedExplanation
The trait that best describes someone who is regularly late to meetings, cannot keep his class schedule organized, and often misplaces things is "disorganized". This person lacks the ability to manage their time effectively, keep track of their commitments, and maintain order in their belongings. Their behavior suggests a lack of organization and a tendency to be scattered and chaotic.Rate this question:
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- 6.
___________ is a computational method that can help researchers identify core traits of personality.
- A.
Multidimensional scaling
- B.
Mapping
- C.
Factor analysis
- D.
A one-way ANOVA
Correct Answer
C. Factor analysisExplanation
Factor analysis is a computational method that can help researchers identify core traits of personality. It is a statistical technique used to uncover underlying factors or dimensions that explain the relationships among a set of observed variables. By examining patterns of correlations between variables, factor analysis can identify common factors that contribute to the variation in the data. This method is particularly useful in psychology and social sciences to understand the structure of personality traits and to reduce the complexity of data by identifying underlying factors.Rate this question:
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- 7.
According to Freud, ____________ are useful because they help us to overcome anxiety.
- A.
The id, ego, and superego
- B.
Drugs
- C.
Personality traits
- D.
Defense mechanisms
Correct Answer
D. Defense mechanismsExplanation
Defense mechanisms, according to Freud, are useful because they help us to overcome anxiety. Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that individuals unconsciously use to protect themselves from distressing thoughts and feelings. They work by distorting reality or redirecting negative emotions into more acceptable forms. By employing defense mechanisms, individuals can alleviate anxiety and maintain a sense of psychological well-being.Rate this question:
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- 8.
________ is the most common result from interactions among the id, ego, and superego.
- A.
Anxiety
- B.
Contentment
- C.
Desire
- D.
Happiness
Correct Answer
A. AnxietyExplanation
Anxiety is the most common result from interactions among the id, ego, and superego because these three components of the mind are constantly in conflict with each other. The id represents our basic instincts and desires, the ego tries to balance these desires with reality, and the superego represents our internalized moral standards. The conflicts between these three can lead to feelings of anxiety as we struggle to satisfy our desires while also adhering to societal norms and expectations.Rate this question:
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- 9.
According to Freud, why do fixations occur throughout the psychosexual stages?
- A.
Because of deprivation of pleasurable experiences associated with each stage.
- B.
Because of an optimal amount of pleasurable experiences at each stage.
- C.
Because of either deprivation or overindulgence in pleasurable experiences at a given stage.
- D.
Because of overindulgence in pleasurable experiences at a given stage.
Correct Answer
C. Because of either deprivation or overindulgence in pleasurable experiences at a given stage.Explanation
Fixations occur throughout the psychosexual stages because of either deprivation or overindulgence in pleasurable experiences at a given stage. According to Freud, if a child is deprived of pleasurable experiences during a particular stage, they may become fixated and continue to seek gratification in that stage later in life. On the other hand, if a child is overindulged in pleasurable experiences during a stage, they may also become fixated and struggle to move on to the next stage. Therefore, both deprivation and overindulgence can lead to fixations in the psychosexual stages.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How does existentialism propose that an individual cope with life’s anxieties?
- A.
Meditate until the negative emotions associated with the anxiety are gone.
- B.
Confront and accept the anxiety and the fear of dying as part of life.
- C.
Ignore the bad things in life as if they don’t exist.
- D.
Develop defense mechanisms to deal with anxiety subconsciously.
Correct Answer
B. Confront and accept the anxiety and the fear of dying as part of life.Explanation
Existentialism proposes that an individual cope with life's anxieties by confronting and accepting them, including the fear of dying, as part of life. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of facing the realities and uncertainties of existence head-on, rather than avoiding or ignoring them. By acknowledging and accepting these anxieties, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of themselves and find meaning and purpose in their lives. This approach encourages personal growth and resilience in the face of life's challenges.Rate this question:
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- 11.
In order to try and find meaning in life and contemplate what it means to be alive, you must first _________ according to humanists such as Maslow.
- A.
Accept death as part of life
- B.
Resolve anxiety from the interaction between the id, ego, and superego.
- C.
Silence the id
- D.
Satisfy basic physiological and safety needs
Correct Answer
D. Satisfy basic physiological and safety needsExplanation
According to humanists such as Maslow, in order to find meaning in life and contemplate what it means to be alive, one must first satisfy basic physiological and safety needs. This is because these needs are considered fundamental and must be met before an individual can focus on higher-level needs such as self-actualization and self-transcendence. By ensuring that one's basic needs for food, water, shelter, and safety are fulfilled, individuals can then have the stability and security necessary to explore deeper existential questions and pursue personal growth.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The __________ approach views personality as a result of our self-awareness and ability to decide how we will behave given our knowledge about life and death.
- A.
Humanistic
- B.
Existential
- C.
Trait
- D.
Psychodynamic
Correct Answer
B. ExistentialExplanation
The existential approach views personality as a result of our self-awareness and ability to decide how we will behave given our knowledge about life and death. This perspective emphasizes individual freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning in life. It suggests that we have the power to shape our own personalities and create our own meaning in the face of existential realities such as mortality and the uncertainty of existence.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What do we need to know in order to predict behavior?
- A.
People are unpredictable so it doesn’t really matter what we know.
- B.
We need to know something about a person’s experiences in prior situations.
- C.
We need to know something about a person’s personality and prior situations.
- D.
We need to know something about a person’s personality.
Correct Answer
C. We need to know something about a person’s personality and prior situations.Explanation
To predict behavior, it is important to have knowledge about a person's personality and prior situations. This information helps in understanding how an individual is likely to respond or behave in different circumstances. Personality traits provide insights into a person's typical patterns of behavior, while knowledge of prior situations helps in understanding how they have reacted in similar contexts before. By considering both factors, we can make more accurate predictions about an individual's behavior.Rate this question:
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- 14.
According to the work of Mischel, what is the relationship between traits and behavior?
- A.
They are not related.
- B.
They are perfectly correlated.
- C.
They are strongly correlated.
- D.
They are somewhat correlated.
Correct Answer
D. They are somewhat correlated.Explanation
According to the work of Mischel, traits and behavior are somewhat correlated. This means that while there is a connection between a person's traits and their behavior, it is not a perfect or strong correlation. Traits can influence behavior to some extent, but other factors such as the situation or context also play a role in determining how a person behaves.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Personal constructs are:
- A.
A nativist approach to the sense of well-being.
- B.
Dimensions people use in making sense of their experiences.
- C.
Art projects undertaken by the mentally challenged.
- D.
Differences in the way situations are interpreted by different people.
Correct Answer
D. Differences in the way situations are interpreted by different people.Explanation
Personal constructs refer to the dimensions or categories that individuals use to understand and interpret their experiences. These constructs vary from person to person, leading to differences in how situations are interpreted. This means that individuals may perceive and make sense of the same situation in different ways based on their unique personal constructs. Therefore, the correct answer is that personal constructs are differences in the way situations are interpreted by different people.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Our __________ and our __________ do not always match up.
- A.
Self-concepts; self-narratives
- B.
Locus of control; self-concepts
- C.
Egos; self-concepts
- D.
Defense mechanisms; personalities
Correct Answer
A. Self-concepts; self-narrativesExplanation
Self-concepts refer to the beliefs and ideas we have about ourselves, while self-narratives are the stories we tell ourselves about our lives and experiences. These two may not always align because our self-concepts are based on our perceptions and beliefs about ourselves, while our self-narratives are constructed based on our interpretations and memories of our experiences. Therefore, our self-concepts and self-narratives may differ due to biases, selective memory, or other factors that influence how we perceive and interpret our own lives.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What does your agreement or disagreement with the statement, “On the whole, I am satisfied with myself,” indicate?
- A.
Your locus of control
- B.
Your personality type
- C.
Your self-concept
- D.
Your self-esteem
Correct Answer
D. Your self-esteemExplanation
Your agreement or disagreement with the statement "On the whole, I am satisfied with myself" indicates your self-esteem. Self-esteem refers to how you perceive and value yourself. If you agree with the statement, it suggests that you have a positive self-esteem and are generally satisfied with who you are. On the other hand, if you disagree, it indicates a lower self-esteem and dissatisfaction with oneself.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What is the process that describes why we feel uncomfortable when someone views us differently from how we view ourselves?
- A.
Self-serving bias
- B.
Self-verification
- C.
Egotism
- D.
Self-esteem
Correct Answer
B. Self-verificationExplanation
Self-verification is the process that describes why we feel uncomfortable when someone views us differently from how we view ourselves. This process suggests that individuals have a strong motivation to maintain consistent self-views, seeking confirmation of their self-concept from others. When someone views us differently, it challenges our self-views and creates discomfort as we strive for self-verification and consistency in how we perceive ourselves.Rate this question:
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- 19.
What characteristic do the Thematic Apperception Test and the Rorschach Inkblot Test have in common?
- A.
They are both highly reliable.
- B.
They are not controversial.
- C.
They are standard tests of personality.
- D.
They have not been found to be reliable or valid in predicting behavior.
Correct Answer
D. They have not been found to be reliable or valid in predicting behavior.Explanation
The characteristic that the Thematic Apperception Test and the Rorschach Inkblot Test have in common is that they have not been found to be reliable or valid in predicting behavior. This means that the results of these tests cannot accurately determine or predict someone's behavior or personality traits.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Which of the following serves as a source of your self-esteem?
- A.
Your height
- B.
Your comparison group
- C.
Your intelligence level
- D.
Your hair color
Correct Answer
B. Your comparison groupExplanation
Your comparison group serves as a source of your self-esteem because humans tend to evaluate themselves based on how they compare to others. Comparing oneself to others can either boost or lower self-esteem depending on the outcome. If individuals perceive themselves as being better than their comparison group, it can enhance their self-esteem. Conversely, if individuals perceive themselves as being worse off or inferior to their comparison group, it can negatively impact their self-esteem.Rate this question:
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Nov 28, 2011Quiz Created by
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