Deck 12: Section 1: Personality

Question 1

Provide an example of a self-report inventory of personality and a projective personality test. Discuss why self-report inventories are more commonly used and less controversial than projective measures.

Answer 1

The answer should include the following information: (1) An example of a self-report inventory is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2-RF). The MMPI-2-RF consists of over 300 descriptive statements to which respondents answer "true" or "false." The MMPI-2-RF measures general personality characteristics as well as tendencies toward clinical problems; (2) An example of a projective personality test is the Rorschach Inkblot test, a test in which individual interpretations of the meaning of a set of unstructured inkblots are analyzed to determine respondents' inner feelings and personality structure. Another example of a projective personality test is the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). The TAT is a projective personality test in which respondents are shown ambiguous scenes of people and are asked to tell a story about what is happening in the picture. It is believed that the respondents' unconscious motives, concerns, and the way they view the world will be projected onto the scene and reflected in their story; (3) Self-report inventories of personality are more commonly used because they are easy to administer and score, and do not require subjective interpretation of the responses. These inventories also include validity scales that assess tendencies to distort the results by faking answers; (4) Projective personality tests remain controversial in psychology. Many consider them to be subjective interpretations of personality based on the theoretical biases of the examiner. They have not been found to be reliable and valid in predicting behavior. Nevertheless, they are useful as a means to get to know a respondent personally and intuitively.

Question 2

Define the person-situation controversy. Then, explain why the social-cognitive approach to personality differs from both trait theory and traditional learning theory.

Answer 2

The answer should include the following information: (1) The person-situation controversy focuses on the question of whether behavior is caused more by personality or situational factors; (2) Classic trait theorists believe that personality traits are, in part, biologically determined and cause people to behave in the same way across situations and time. Walter Mischel, however, observed that personality traits were actually a poor predictor of specific behaviors. Social-cognitive theorists place more emphasis on the personal interpretation of the situation as a determinant of behavior than trait theorists; (3) Social-cognitive theorists agree with learning theorists that environmental factors (situations) can evoke powerful effects on personality and behavior. Whereas traditional learning theorists focus solely on these environmental factors, social-cognitive psychologists focus more on the individual's interpretation of these situations. People react differently to similar situations because they have different personal constructs, outcome expectancies, and loci of control.

Question 3

Ashley and Melanie are sophomore college students. Ashley is feeling incredibly overwhelmed academically and is not performing well in her classes. Her academic problems are causing her a great deal of anxiety. Melanie, on the other hand, feels incredibly bored in her classes. Although she finds the material easy, she isn't interested in it, rarely studies, and thus does not obtain the grades that she feels capable of earning. How might a humanistic psychologist explain the problems of these two students and what advice might she give?

Answer 3

The answer should include the following information: (1) Humanistic psychologists believe that tasks that exactly match a person's abilities create an energized mental focus termed flow. Flow experiences lead to personal and professional growth. Tasks that are too challenging result in anxiety and those that are too easy result in boredom; (2) Ashley may not have the skill-set that her courses require. A humanistic psychologist might guide Ashley in reevaluating her academic and career goals. Perhaps she should change her major to a topic area that better suites her abilities; (3) Melanie's academic problems stem for boredom. Melanie should determine what academic topics she feels passionate about and then delve into coursework in these areas.

Question 4

It is the night before your psychology exam and you are busy studying. The door opens and a group of your best buddies walks in, hoping to entice you to go out on the town with them for a few hours. What would Freud say is going on in your head as you debate whether to go with your friends or stay in and study? Include in your discussion the three systems of the mind and the way they interact in this mental debate.

Question 5

Describe the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) of personality, and provide an example of a TAT item.

Question 6

List the Big Five dimensions of personality. Then, provide several sources of evidence that the Big Five personality dimensions are universal.

Question 7

Henry is friendly and outgoing, but can become irrational and aggressive when things do not go his way. Meghan is quiet and has a few close friends. She tends to be thoughtful and deliberative when facing a problem. Using Eysenck's two-factor theory of personality, categorize the personalities of Henry and Meghan.

Question 8

Outline and discuss the stages of psychosexual development. Then, describe some personality characteristics of people fixated in the oral, anal, and phallic stages.

Question 9

Describe how people might unconsciously employ the defense mechanisms of reaction formation and sublimation to shield themselves from their anxiety-provoking homosexual tendencies.

Question 10

Compare and contrast the trait approach with the humanistic-existential approach to personality.

Question 11

Your roommate throws open the door to the apartment and slings his backpack across the room. You can hear him in the kitchen, slamming cabinet doors and yelling about a moron driver who dangerously tailgated him on the way home-"Why should I get in the slow lane just because he wanted to speed?" Meanwhile, you curl up on your bed and pull up your soft, comforting blanket. You turn on cartoons and decide that a nap sounds like a fine idea. Although you should work on a research paper, you tell yourself that you're no good at writing papers and you'll likely make a low grade no matter how much time you spend working on it. Identify and define the defense mechanisms that are being used by you and your roommate. Include in your discussion the purpose of defense mechanisms.

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