Prelim TOP

Question 1

Which of the following statements reflects the general belief of psychologists about
personality?

Answer 1

can be explained by several different theories.

Question 2

Which of the following is a definition of a personality theory?

Answer 2

Interrelated system of concepts used to explain personality

Question 3

What is the primary foundation upon which theories are constructed?

Answer 3

scientific observations

Question 4

The personalities, cognitive processes, developmental histories, and social experiences of
personality theorists help shape their theories. What is the discipline that deals with these
factors?

Answer 4

psychology of science

Question 5

Which evaluation criterion assesses whether scientific statements are ultimately based on
empirical observation and specifies how they can be confirmed and refuted?

Answer 5

Verifiability

Question 6

What does the humanistic perspective in theories of personality emphasize?

Answer 6

self-actualization and free will

Question 7

From a teleological perspective, what is the primary influence on why people act as they do?

Answer 7

future aspirations and goals

Question 8

What are two fundamental principles that serve as the basis for Freud’s psychoanalysis?

Answer 8

sex and aggression

Question 9

What are Freud’s three levels of mental life?

Answer 9

unconscious, preconscious, and conscious.

Question 10

According to Freud, what is the role of unconscious ideas to behavior?

Answer 10

influence behavior even when one is unaware of them.

Question 11

What is the primary function of repression?

Answer 11

protect a person against the pain of anxiety.

Question 12

How would Freud define the Id?

Answer 12

constantly seeks to increase pleasure and reduce tension

Question 13

What did Freud propose as the dominant influence on pleasure-seeking people with no thought
of what is reasonable or proper?

Answer 13

Id

Question 14

Which of the following best describes superego?

Answer 14

Superego strives for perfection

Question 15

What province of the mind dominates a psychologically healthy individual?

Answer 15

Ego

Question 16

Freud believed that instincts are characterized by all of the following

Answer 16

. impetus
c. source
d. aim
e. object

Question 17

According to Freud, what concept best defines a teenager preoccupied with self and personal
appearance?

Answer 17

secondary narcissism

Question 18

What is the aim of Freud’s destructive instinct?

Answer 18

. self-destruction

Question 19

According to Freud, what type of anxiety is the apprehension a person feels when physically
threatened?

Answer 19

realistic

Question 20

A mother who has deep-seated hostility toward her only child but who shows overprotection
and hyper-concern for the physical well-being of her child illustrates which Freudian defense
mechanism?

Answer 20

reaction formation

Question 21

Jon is frequently berated by his domineering employer. Jon is too timid to confront his
employer, but he takes out his frustration by mistreating his dog, children, and wife. According
to Freud, this is an example of

Answer 21

displacement

Question 22

Robin protects herself against the threat of change by constantly clinging to objects and
behaviors left from her early childhood. It thus appears that Robin is relying primarily on
which Freudian defense mechanism?

Answer 22

fixation

Question 23

Tyler greatly admires his geometry teacher and tries to copy his mannerisms and lifestyle.
This is an example of which Freudian defense mechanism?

Answer 23

introjection

Question 24

Which of the following distinguishes sublimation from the other Freudian defense mechanisms?

Answer 24

Sublimation is constructive to society

Question 25

What type of mental content is typically found in the preconscious level of mental life?

Answer 25

Thoughts and feelings that are easily accessible but not currently in
awareness

Question 26

What is the significance of the unconscious level of mental life in Freud’s theory?

Answer 26

It holds repressed memories, desires, and conflicts that can shape behavior and
emotions.

Question 27

Mark has difficulty controlling his impulsive behaviors and often feels overwhelmed by his
desires and cravings. He enters psychoanalytic therapy to gain insight into his instincts and
the unconscious forces that drive his behavior. What part of mental life is Mark focusing on in
therapy?

Answer 27

The unconscious level

Question 28

Jenny is trying to quit smoking, but she finds it incredibly difficult to resist the urge to smoke
when she’s stressed. She knows that smoking is harmful to her health and wants to make a
rational decision to quit. In this scenario, which aspect of the mind is Lisa’s ego primarily
trying to balance?

Answer 28

The id’s desire for immediate gratification

Question 29

James is faced with a moral dilemma at work. He has the opportunity to take credit for a
project that he didn’t work on, which could lead to a promotion and financial gain. However,
he knows it’s dishonest and goes against his ethical values. Which aspect of the mind is likely
influencing James’s decision to act ethically?

Answer 29

The superego, which enforces moral principles

Question 30

Emily is a student who is torn between studying for an important exam or going to a social
event with her friends. Her id wants to have fun with her friends, while her superego insists on
responsible studying. Emily eventually decides to study for her exam but promises to spend
time with her friends afterward. In this scenario, which aspect of the mind has played a role in
Emily’s decision-making process?

Answer 30

The ego, which finds a compromise between desires