Question 1

Why is it difficult to provide an unambiguous definition of the self?

Accepted Answer

A)  the self does not "exist" 
B)  too many researchers have operationalized it in different ways 
C)  the word has been contaminated by generic multiple uses for years 
D)  none of the above C

Question 2

Mental processes with which the person processes information are referred to as

Accepted Answer

A)  ego-executive functions 
B)  ego-synthetic functions 
C)  self-efficacy abilities 
D)  ego identity B

Question 3

A person's specific niche in a community, experienced as a sense of uniqueness/individuation from others, is referred to as

Accepted Answer

A)  integration-the first principle of human identity 
B)  differentiation-the second principle of human identity 
C)  continuity-the third principle of human identity 
D)  adult identity B

Question 4

What developmental advantage does strong sense of self-efficacy give people?

Accepted Answer

A)  it can inoculate people from the effects of stress, anxiety, and depression 
B)  it can help people develop a better sense of optimal distinctiveness 
C)  it can help people develop a better sense of continuity 
D)  it can help people develop a better sense of integration

Question 5

Self-concept is a qualitative category (e.g., "I am a squash player"), while ____________ is a variable assessment of self-concept (e.g., "I am a good/ average/ poor squash player")

Accepted Answer

A)  self-esteem 
B)  self-efficacy 
C)  ego identity 
D)  self-assessment

Question 6

Which of the following attributes have been empirically associated with identity-based agency?

Accepted Answer

A)  a sense of purpose in life 
B)  self-esteem 
C)  an internal locus of control 
D)  all of the above

Question 7

The use of personal agency in forming new identities and maintaining established identities is called

Accepted Answer

A)  ego-executive ability 
B)  ego-synthetic ability 
C)  identity-based agency 
D)  self-efficacy

Question 8

Integration, differentiation, and continuity refer to

Accepted Answer

A)  ego identity, personal identity, and social identity 
B)  the products of ego-executive abilities 
C)  the products of ego-synthetic abilities 
D)  the three most durable aspects of human self-definition

Question 9

Why is it a mistake to assume that Buddhism recommends that people must eradicate the "self" or "ego" from their minds if they are to find happiness?

Accepted Answer

A)  people need to exercise the basic mental processes of self-control 
B)  forms of selfishness can be sources of happiness 
C)  self-efficacy is required to practice meditation 
D)  self-criticism is an important component of Buddhism

Question 10

What do the theories of mass society, postmodern society, and late-modern society have in common?

Accepted Answer

A)  they all promote personal agency as important for identity formation 
B)  all three theories reflect a growing preoccupation with inadequacies in people's sense of meaning and purpose 
C)  each has a theory of identity formation 
D)  each uses the term "age of anxiety"

Exam 1: From Ageless Questions to Current Theories