Question 1

Which of the following best illustrates the difference between the idiographic and nomothetic approaches to personality assessment?

Accepted Answer

The idiographic approach focuses on detailed, unique descriptions of individuals, while the nomothetic approach seeks general laws by studying large groups.

Question 2

A psychologist is interested in whether extraverted individuals are more likely to develop attentional disorders. She measures extraversion in a large sample and correlates it with attentional disorder diagnoses. Which approach is she using?

Accepted Answer

Nomothetic approach

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of the Barnum effect?

Accepted Answer

Believing a vague, general personality description applies specifically to oneself after reading it in a magazine.

Question 4

According to the Five Factor Model, which trait is most associated with being organized, reliable, and ambitious?

Accepted Answer

Conscientiousness

Question 5

A company wants to hire employees who are likely to be successful and work well with others. According to research, which combination of Big Five traits should they prioritize?

Accepted Answer

High conscientiousness, high agreeableness, and low neuroticism

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the Honesty–Humility dimension in the HEXACO model?

Accepted Answer

It reflects sincerity, fairness, and modesty, with low scorers being deceitful and self-important.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a trait in the Dark Triad?

Accepted Answer

Agreeableness

Question 8

A person who is manipulative, strategic in relationships, and focused on self-interest is most likely high in which Dark Triad trait?

Accepted Answer

Machiavellianism

Question 9

Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A strong preference for ambiguity and open-mindedness

Question 10

In Altemeyer's Global Change Game study, what was a key difference in outcomes between high-RWA and low-RWA groups?

Accepted Answer

High-RWA groups escalated to global nuclear war, while low-RWA groups cooperated for humanitarian goals.

Question 11

Which statement best summarizes the findings of twin studies on the heritability of the Big Five personality traits?

Accepted Answer

Identical twins show higher correlations in Big Five traits than fraternal twins, even when raised apart.

Question 12

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have contributed to our understanding of personality by:

Accepted Answer

Identifying many genetic variants associated with personality traits, though not establishing causality.

Question 13

According to Hans Eysenck's arousal theory, why do extraverts seek more stimulation than introverts?

Accepted Answer

Extraverts have a higher threshold for arousal and less reactive ARAS, so they seek more external stimulation.

Question 14

Which of the following is a key criticism of projective tests like the Rorschach inkblot test?

Accepted Answer

They have low reliability and validity in measuring personality.

Question 15

According to Freud, which structure of the psyche operates on the pleasure principle and seeks immediate gratification?

Accepted Answer

Id

Question 16

A person who channels aggressive impulses into playing competitive sports is using which defense mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Sublimation

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the main difference between Freud's and Maslow's approaches to personality?

Accepted Answer

Freud emphasized unconscious conflict and negativity, while Maslow focused on positive growth and self-actualization.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a trait, rather than a state?

Accepted Answer

A person is generally anxious across many situations and over time.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about gender differences in personality is supported by research?

Accepted Answer

Females tend to score slightly higher than males in conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, and neuroticism, but differences are minor.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the Five Factor Model may not capture all relevant personality traits in every culture?

Accepted Answer

Some cultures have unique personality factors, such as interpersonal relatedness in Chinese culture, not included in the Big Five.

Personality: Contemporary, Trait, Cultural, Biological, Psychodynamic, and Humanistic Approaches

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