Deck 2: Theories of Personality

Question 1

Which of the following is not included in McCrae and Costa's five-factor model of personality

A) Neuroticism
B) Extraversion
C) Conscientiousness
D) Authoritarianism

Answer 1

Five factor model of personality:
Paul Costa and Robert McCrae used factor analysis for building five-factor model of personality. They argue that huge majority of traits are derived from the five higher-order traits.
Five higher order traits in five-factor model of personality are:
Extraversion :
People with extroversion trait are characterized as sociable, upbeat, friendly, firm, outgoing, and gregarious.
Neuroticism:
People with neuroticism trait are insecure, hostile, self-conscious, vulnerable, and anxious.
Openness to experience:
Openness trait is related to eccentric attitudes, flexibility, vivid fantasy, artistic sensitivity, and curiosity.
Agreeableness:
It is associated with sympathy, trust, co-operation, straightforward and modest.
Conscientiousness :
These people tend to be disciplined, punctual, dependable, attentive, and well organized.
Hence, options "a", "b", and "c" are not correct.
Therefore, " authoritarianism " is not included in the five-factor model of personality.
Hence, the correct answer is option
.

Question 2

You're feeling guilty after your third bowl of ice cream. You tell yourself it's all right because yesterday you skipped lunch. Which defense mechanism is at work

A) Conceptualization
B) Displacement
C) Rationalization
D) Identification

Answer 2

Conceptualization is not a defense mechanism.
Hence, option "a" is not correct.
Displacement is a defense method, which involves distracting emotional thoughts (usually anger) from their actual source to alternate target.
Hence, option "b" is not correct.
Identification is strengthening self-esteem by forming an unreal or real association with some group or person.
Hence, option "d" is not correct.
Rationalization:
Rationalization is a defense method that is used to get rid of anxiety (an unpleasant emotion).
Defense mechanisms:
• They are unconscious responses, which guards a person from guilt and anxiety.
• Rationalization involves making false but likely excuses to justify undesirable answer.
• Here, people try to reduce their guilt by explaining some unacceptable answer.
Therefore, feeling guilty following third bowl of ice cream and telling yourself alright and that you skipped lunch yesterday is a rationalization.
Hence, the correct answer is option
.

Question 3

According to Adler, _______ is a universal drive to adapt, improve oneself, and master life's challenges.

A) compensation
B) striving for superiority
C) avoiding inferiority
D) social interest

Answer 3

Compensation, avoiding inferiority, and social interest are not the universal drive for adaptation, mastering life challenges and improving oneself.
Hence, options "a", "c", and "d" are not correct.
Alfred Adler developed an own theory of personality called individual psychology.
• He argues that the primary drive in human is striving for superiority.
• He viewed this striving as a universal force to adapt, master life's challenges, and improve oneself.
• Young children feel weak, helpless, and inferior when compared to adults and older children.
• This makes them to expand new talents and obtain more skills.
Therefore, according to Adler, striving for superiority is a universal force to improve oneself, adapt, and face life's challenges.
Hence, the correct answer is option
.

Question 4

The strengthening of a response tendency by virtue of the fact that the response leads to the removal of an unpleasant stimulus is

A) positive reinforcement.
B) negative reinforcement.
C) primary reinforcement.
D) punishment.

Question 5

Self-efficacy is

A) the ability to fulfill one's potential.
B) one's belief about one's ability to perform behaviors that should lead to expected outcomes.
C) a durable disposition to behave in a particular way in a variety of situations.
D) a collection of beliefs about one's nature, unique qualities, and typical behavior.

Question 6

According to Rogers, disparity between one's self-concept and actual experience is referred to as

A) a delusional system.
B) dissonance.
C) conflict.
D) incongruence.

Question 7

According to Maslow, which of the following is not characteristic of self-actualizing persons

A) Accurate perception of reality
B) Being open and spontaneous
C) Being uncomfortable with solitude
D) Sensitivity to others' needs

Question 8

If identical twins exhibit more personality resemblance than fraternal twins, it's probably due mostly to

A) similar treatment from parents.
B) their greater genetic overlap.
C) their strong identification with each other.
D) others' expectations that they should be similar.

Question 9

Research on terror management theory has shown that increased mortality salience leads to all of the following except

A) increased striving for self-esteem.
B) more stereotypic thinking about minorities.
C) a preference for charismatic political candidates.
D) reduced respect for cultural icons.

Question 10

In psychological testing, consistency of results over repeated measurements refers to

A) standardization.
B) validity.
C) statistical significance.
D) reliability.