Deck 7: Personality Stability, Development, and Change

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a basic aspect of childhood temperament?

A) positive emotionality
B) negative emotionality
C) effortful control
D) heterotypic continuity

Answer 1

D

Question 2

________ generally refers to the traits that help a person to fulfill socially important adult roles such as being a spouse, a parent, or a worker.

A) Responsibility
B) Consistency
C) Maturity
D) Generativity

Answer 2

C

Question 3

The process by which a person seeks out compatible environments and avoids incompatible ones is called

A) active person-environmental transaction.
B) reactive person-environment transaction.
C) evocative person-environment transaction.
D) heterotypic continuity.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which of the following serves as evidence for the claim that personality remains stable throughout the life span?

A) Due to major life events throughout young adulthood, people undergo significant personality trait changes.
B) The impact of major life events is similar in young adulthood and later in life.
C) People's personalities tend to deviate from their peers' to a lesser extent as they get older.
D) Childhood personality ratings are predictive of adult life outcomes.

Question 5

In one study, researchers found that personality trait scores from the same people measured 10 years apart correlated between r = .60 and r = .90. This is evidence for

A) personality stability.
B) personality accuracy.
C) mean level change.
D) adaptability.

Question 6

When individuals have rank-order personality consistency, they maintain the ways in which they ________ other people the same age.

A) are the same as
B) spend time with
C) are different from
D) are liked by

Question 7

Personality disorders generally ________ across the life span.

A) are responsive to therapy and become less severe
B) are stable
C) get worse
D) become less severe

Question 8

Between ages 10 and 20, levels of extraversion tend to ________ and then ________.

A) decrease; increase
B) level off; stay the same
C) decrease; stay the same
D) increase; level off

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a known physical factor that influences personality development?

A) height
B) attractiveness
C) gender
D) ethnicity

Question 10

John was bullied a lot in grade school. Given this early experience, which of the following behaviors is John MOST likely to exhibit later in life?

A) self-confidence and resilience
B) anxiety and disorganized thoughts
C) depression and apathy
D) laziness and irresponsibility

Question 11

The processes by which people respond to, seek out, and create environments that are compatible with their personalities are called

A) cumulative personalities continuity.
B) person-environment transactions.
C) personality-life-history transactions.
D) birth-order effects.

Question 12

According to the text, what paradox is central to the study of personality development?

A) People's personality traits both change and stay consistent over time.
B) People's personalities change both across their entire lives and in response to specific events.
C) People develop their personalities according to both nature and nurture.
D) Some people's personalities change dramatically over the life span, and some people don't change at all.

Question 13

According to previous research, when does personality stop developing?

A) There's no way to know for sure; the evidence is inconclusive.
B) Personality stops developing somewhere between childhood and adolescence.
C) Personality stops developing by the time someone turns 30.
D) Personality continues to develop throughout the entire life span.

Question 14

According to the text, the personality one begins with is known as one's

A) rank-order consistency.
B) trait structure.
C) temperament.
D) social clock.

Question 15

Consistency of individual differences in personality typically ________ over the life span.

A) decreases
B) stays the same
C) increases
D) increases and then decreases

Question 16

As a child, Brett always had a lot of energy at his parent's social gatherings. As an adult, he makes a point to talk to everyone attending a party. This is an example of

A) personal-environment transactions.
B) temperament.
C) heterotypic continuity.
D) cumulative continuity.

Question 17

In line with the ________ process, if someone is high on conscientiousness, they will most likely select environments that promote achievement and order.

A) evocative person-environment transaction
B) active person-environment transaction
C) reactive person-environment transaction
D) heterotypic continuity

Question 18

Richard is an introvert and finds himself miserable at parties. His response is an example of a(n) ________ person-environment transaction.

A) active
B) evocative
C) inactive
D) reactive

Question 19

Developmental Personality Psychology is the study of personality ________ and ________.

A) structure; organization
B) traits; facets
C) consistency; stability
D) judgment; accuracy

Question 20

According to psychologist Frank Sulloway, firstborns are more ________ compared to those born later.

A) conscientious
B) neurotic
C) open to experience
D) extraverted

Question 21

What is a key strength of longitudinal personality development studies?

A) They are easy and quick to complete.
B) They are not biased by the cohort effect.
C) They are typically high powered with many thousand participants.
D) They are not affected by attrition.

Question 22

According to a recent large-scale cross-sectional study that measured personality stereotypes of people in 26 different countries, adolescents around the world in today's age tend to be

A) agreeable and considerate.
B) impulsive and rebellious.
C) conscientious and studious.
D) aggressive and angry.

Question 23

Ashley has always wanted to be a great lawyer. After years of hard work, she has just graduated from law school and in the next few weeks will begin working as a junior partner at a national law firm. Ashley is beginning to see herself as an

A) agent.
B) artist.
C) author.
D) actor.

Question 24

Ajay has just begun his first professional job. Ajay will MOST likely display an increase in which trait?

A) extraversion
B) openness to experience
C) conscientiousness
D) agreeableness

Question 25

Joaquim is 65 years old. Relative to his personality as a 20-year-old, John has likely ________ in openness to experience.

A) increased
B) stayed pretty much the same
C) decreased
D) increased and then decreased

Question 26

Personality psychologists are currently debating whether young adults in the 21st century are more ________ than previous generations.

A) self-centered and narcissistic
B) depressed and anxious
C) agreeable and happy
D) hardworking and diligent

Question 27

Based on personality development research conducted over the last 40 years, what can we conclude regarding William James's claim that personality is "set like plaster" by age 30?

A) He was more or less correct.
B) He was very wrong.
C) There is not yet enough evidence to know whether he was correct.
D) He was wrong in the sense that personality remains stable after age 50.

Question 28

What is a well-known issue with cross-sectional methodology?

A) the length of time it takes to collect data from each and every age group
B) the possibility that cohort differences determine differences between age groups
C) the difficulty in obtaining data from each and every age group
D) the possibility that one group is overrepresented in the study

Question 29

According to recent evidence, results from longitudinal studies and cross-sectional studies about personality traits are

A) only slightly different.
B) drastically different.
C) not comparable.
D) only the same in certain contexts.

Question 30

According to psychologist Ravenna Helson, someone who stays "on time" in relation to their social clock

A) receives social approval.
B) feels no different than someone who is "behind."
C) receives social shaming.
D) feels as if they have not "lived."

Question 31

As the author of one's own autobiography, one forms a(n)

A) sense of purpose.
B) well-rounded personality.
C) intellectual identity.
D) narrative identity.

Question 32

Personality development is the

A) mean level change of a trait over time.
B) cross-situational consistency of a trait.
C) rank-order change of a trait across individuals.
D) change in social status of an individual over time.

Question 33

What is the correct order of narrative identity development over the life course, according to Dan McAdams?

A) actor, agent, author
B) author, agent, actor
C) agent, actor, author
D) agent, author, actor

Question 34

Research suggests that women who follow ________ reported being content and satisfied with life 20 years after graduation.

A) the Feminine Social Clock
B) the Masculine Social Clock
C) neither the Feminine Social Clock nor the Masculine Social Clock
D) either the Feminine Social Clock or Masculine Social Clock

Question 35

A current study is surveying people of different ages in order to understand whether individuals' levels of subjective well-being change across the life span. What type of developmental study is this?

A) longitudinal
B) cross-sectional
C) informant
D) experimental

Question 36

Maria is in her late twenties and is a manager at an advertising company. According to the text, Maria is following the ________ Clock.

A) Feminine Social
B) Neither Social
C) Masculine Social
D) Occupational Achievement

Question 37

According to Dan McAdams, the narrative theme of "agency" organizes the life story around

A) an event that seemed terrible at the time but had positive consequences in the end.
B) individuals who had a particular influence in the trajectory of one's life.
C) episodes of challenging oneself and then accomplishing one's goals.
D) a high point, a low point, and a turning point.

Question 38

In the last month, Oscar learned to drive and began working at his first job. These new developments are helping him to see himself as an

A) agent.
B) actor.
C) author.
D) artist.

Question 39

Paul used to abuse alcohol and at his lowest point, his father helped him become sober. Now Paul and his father are closer than they ever have been. Paul's story is an example of a(n) ________ story.

A) agency
B) interpersonal
C) redemptive
D) communion

Question 40

According to a classic study, individuals who grew up during the Great Depression had different attitudes regarding work and financial security than those who did not grow up during this time. These findings provide evidence for

A) the maturity principle.
B) cohort effects.
C) rank-order stability of personality.
D) cumulative continuity principle.

Question 41

Young people with life-threatening illnesses appear to shift their goals from ________ to ________.

A) exploration; emotional well-being
B) generativity; meaningfulness
C) work; family
D) intellectual achievement; creativity

Question 42

What event is likely to contribute to personality changes well into adulthood?

A) entering college
B) beginning a serious relationship
C) caring for a spouse with a terminal illness
D) going through the natural aging process

Question 43

According to the text, narcissists seem to ________ the positive consequences of changing themselves.

A) overestimate
B) underestimate
C) fully understand
D) reject

Question 44

Starting a job, entering college, and beginning a serious relationship are all associated with increases in

A) openness to experience.
B) neuroticism.
C) extraversion.
D) conscientiousness.

Question 45

Johnny just lost his job. What change in personality is he likely to undergo?

A) an increase in conscientiousness
B) a decrease in agreeableness
C) an increase in emotional stability
D) a decrease in extraversion

Question 46

According to a study investigating the relationship between stress and important life events (Seery et al., 2013), a ________ amount of stress throughout one's life leads to a(n) ________ in cardiovascular reactivity (or resiliency).

A) low; decrease
B) high; decrease
C) moderate; increase
D) moderate; decrease

Question 47

Based on the findings from various studies investigating interventions aimed at changing delinquent behavior, targeting ________ children seems to be more effective.

A) older
B) low socioeconomic status
C) younger
D) high socioeconomic status

Question 48

What drug can lead to increases in openness to experience that lasts a year or longer?

A) Prozac
B) marijuana
C) psilocybin mushrooms
D) cocaine

Question 49

According to the theoretical model cited in the text, what is the correct order of steps necessary to accomplish self-regulated personality trait change?

A) changing one's behavior, allowing the behaviors to become habitual, wanting to change, believing change is possible
B) believing change is possible, wanting to change, asking for outside help, changing one's behavior
C) changing one's behavior, asking for outside help, believing change is possible, wanting to change
D) wanting to change, believing change is possible, self-regulating behavioral change, behavior change becoming habitual

Question 50

A shift in one's goals is related to a change in one's

A) age.
B) life narrative.
C) personality trait levels.
D) social roles.

Question 51

What intervention has been developed to (temporarily) change levels of narcissism?

A) Individuals were given psilocybin mushrooms.
B) Individuals were instructed to work for a charity for at least 10 hours per week.
C) Individuals were told to practice mindfulness meditation.
D) Individuals were told to practice empathy and taking perspective.

Question 52

According to one survey, what trait did the greatest number of people report wanting to change?

A) agreeableness
B) extraversion
C) openness
D) neuroticism

Question 53

All the following exercises are used to help develop self-control EXCEPT

A) meditating.
B) self-affirmation.
C) relaxing.
D) reconsidering temptations.

Question 54

According to a recent study, what intervention can lead people to become more tolerant of stress and less defensive in general?

A) attending a two-week acceptance training
B) practicing daily mindfulness activities
C) participating in one-on-one counseling sessions
D) writing self-affirmation essays

Question 55

Sandy is afraid that her lack of diligence and timeliness will cause her to get fired from her job. According to the text, what is the first thing she must do to increase her level of conscientiousness?

A) recognize her specific problem areas and want to change
B) talk to her boss to get his perspective
C) change herself immediately without much thought
D) recognize that particular aspects of her job are likely causing her to be late and lazy

Question 56

Joe just got back from a month-long trip to Africa. According to the text, what are the likely long-term effects of his trip?

A) an increase in his self-confidence and social skills
B) a decrease in verbal fluency
C) an increased appreciation for his hometown and family
D) a decreased sense of self

Question 57

According to a study investigating personality change among young Germans, those who completed community service increased in ________ at a higher rate than those who entered into the military.

A) agreeableness
B) conscientiousness
C) extraversion
D) emotional stability

Question 58

During old age, individuals tend to have goals that focus on

A) what is emotionally meaningful.
B) staying as busy as possible.
C) what can earn them the most money.
D) traveling around the world.

Question 59

What piece of evidence suggests that age is NOT a determining factor in the desire to change one's personality?

A) College students are more likely to want to change themselves than do individuals in their sixties.
B) There is little to no correlation between participants' age and their self-reported desire to change.
C) Parents report that their children want to change more often than their children report wanting to change.
D) There is a negative correlation between participants' age and their self-reported desire to change.

Question 60

According to a new theoretical model for personality change, if individuals change ________, the trait change will follow.

A) their mind-set
B) the relevant environmental factors
C) the relevant behaviors
D) their life goals

Question 61

The best sort of personality change

A) is quick and focused.
B) occurs in childhood but not in adulthood.
C) is slow and steady.
D) is a constant effortful struggle throughout the life span.

Question 62

With accumulated evidence from personality and developmental psychology we can conclude that personality ________ and ________ over the life course.

A) is positive; negative
B) changes; is stable
C) is subjective; objective
D) is self-reported; peer-reported

Question 63

Which of the following is NOT a method for changing personality stated in the text?

A) psychotherapy
B) intervention programs
C) life experiences
D) self-monitoring

Question 64

Altaf is interested in conducting a study that assesses narcissism across the life course, but he has limited time and money to do so. What type of study should Altaf use?

A) longitudinal
B) typological
C) cross-sectional
D) experimental

Question 65

________ change implies that personality changes over the life course, whereas ________ consistency implies that it stays relatively stable.

A) Rank-order; mean-level
B) Mean-level; rank-order
C) Longitudinal; cross-sectional
D) Cross-sectional; longitudinal

Question 66

People tend to blame negative experiences on ________ rather than recognizing the role of ________.

A) their own personalities; external factors
B) luck; their own personalities
C) external factors; their own personalities
D) external factors; luck

Question 67

The idea that people seek to develop a stable sense of who they are and then strive to act consistently with this self-view is consistent with the ________ principle.

A) identity development
B) role continuity
C) corresponsive
D) plasticity

Question 68

According to a study described in the text (Baranski, 2018), ________ college students in more than 60 countries reported current efforts to change their personalities.

A) a little less than half of
B) exactly 50 percent
C) almost no
D) more than half of

Question 69

The field of life-span development focuses on ________ as a basis for personality change.

A) psychotherapy
B) shifts in social roles
C) volitional personality change
D) the social clock

Question 70

Zara reported that she wants to be more extraverted. According to recent research on personality change and desire, Zara is likely

A) high in extraversion.
B) high in emotional stability.
C) low in extraversion.
D) low in emotional stability.

Question 71

According to a recent review of 207 studies, which of the following is MOST associated with increased levels of extraversion and emotional stability?

A) participating in psychotherapy
B) participating in a workplace productivity intervention
C) desiring to increase agreeableness
D) attending the opera

Question 72

In high school Jane was made fun of for being a geek. As an adult, she is a molecular biologist who now proudly wears the "geek" badge of honor. Jane's experience is an example of which of the principles of personality development?

A) plasticity principle
B) role continuity principle
C) identity development principle
D) maturity principle

Question 73

Over the last 10 years, Angelica has become more agreeable, conscientious, and emotionally stable. What principle best describes Angelica's development?

A) cumulative continuity
B) maturity
C) plasticity
D) social investment

Question 74

All of the following are among Roberts and colleagues' principles of personality development EXCEPT the ________ principle.

A) cumulative continuity
B) maturity
C) role continuity
D) rank-order reversal

Question 75

Match each definition with its associated principle of personality development.

-Identity development principle

A)Taking on roles or images such as being a "jock" can lead personality to be consistent over time.
B)People become better equipped to deal with the demands of life as they acquire experience and skills.
C)People seek to develop a stable sense of who they are and then strive to act consistently with this self-view.
D)Personality can change at any time (but such change may not be easy).
E)Personality traits increase in rank-order consistency as people get older.
F)Person-environment transactions can cause personality traits to remain consistent or even magnify over time.
G)Changing social roles at different stages of life, such as becoming a spouse, parent, or boss, can cause personality to change.

Question 76

According to the text, which of the following is true regarding the principles of personality development proposed by Roberts, Wood, and Caspi (2008)?

A) The principles argue against the previous claim that personality changes across the life span.
B) The principles serve as the bases of personality development and as a guide for future research.
C) The principles direct a therapist's approach to effortful personal change.
D) The principles argue against the previous claim that personality remains stable across the life span.

Question 77

Match each definition with its associated principle of personality development.

-Plasticity principle

A)Taking on roles or images such as being a "jock" can lead personality to be consistent over time.
B)People become better equipped to deal with the demands of life as they acquire experience and skills.
C)People seek to develop a stable sense of who they are and then strive to act consistently with this self-view.
D)Personality can change at any time (but such change may not be easy).
E)Personality traits increase in rank-order consistency as people get older.
F)Person-environment transactions can cause personality traits to remain consistent or even magnify over time.
G)Changing social roles at different stages of life, such as becoming a spouse, parent, or boss, can cause personality to change.

Question 78

What is a reasonable argument for the idea that personality change is maladaptive?

A) Having a disorganized, unsteady personality can cause others to find it difficult to make sense of or relate to that person.
B) Personality stability causes others to consider that person as "too perfect."
C) Someone who changes their personality frequently is perceived as unattractive and therefore may not acquire many relationship partners.
D) Personality instability causes borderline personality disorder.

Question 79

Longitudinal studies survey ________, whereas cross-sectional studies survey ________.

A) the same people over time; people at different ages
B) older participants; younger participants
C) people at different ages; the sample people over time
D) younger participants; older participants

Question 80

Which of the following life events has NOT been identified as contributing to significant changes in one's personality over one's life span?

A) birth order
B) early experience
C) attending college
D) retirement