Psych 431: Exam Study Guide

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Questions and Answers

How do traditional and behavioral approaches differ in their methods of psychological assessment? Provide a brief example of a technique used by each.

Traditional approaches rely on subjective interpretation and clinical judgment, while behavioral approaches focus on observable behaviors and empirical data. An example of a traditional technique is the Rorschach inkblot test, and an example of a behavioral technique is systematic observation.

Briefly explain Holland's occupational model and how it categorizes individuals and work environments.

Holland's model proposes that individuals and work environments can be classified into six categories: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional (RIASEC). The model suggests that people are most satisfied and successful when their personality type aligns with their work environment.

Describe three of the four dimensions of personality assessed by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

The MBTI assesses personality across four dimensions: Extraversion vs. Introversion, Sensing vs. Intuition, Thinking vs. Feeling, and Judging vs. Perceiving. For example, Extraversion (E) focuses on how individuals direct their energy (outwardly) while Introversion (I) focuses on how individuals direct their energy (inwardly).

What are some strategies that an interviewer can use to increase the validity of interviews during the personnel selection process?

Using structured interviews with standardized questions, employing multiple interviewers, providing interviewers with adequate training, and focusing on job-related criteria can improve validity. Signup and view all the answers

Name three tests included in the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery and briefly state what cognitive function each assesses.

The Halstead-Reitan includes the Category Test (abstract reasoning), the Trail Making Test (attention, sequencing, and motor speed), and the Finger Tapping Test (motor speed). Signup and view all the answers

Explain what is meant by the reliability of a test. Briefly describe two methods for establishing the reliability of a test.

Reliability refers to the consistency of a test. Test-retest reliability assesses consistency over time, while internal consistency reliability assesses the consistency of items within the test. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly explain two common misconceptions about the reliability coefficient alpha, as discussed by Streiner (2003).

One misconception is that alpha is a fixed property of a scale; rather, it depends on the sample being tested. Another is that alpha measures only internal consistency; it is also affected by other factors like test length. Signup and view all the answers

Define executive functions and provide two examples of specific cognitive abilities that fall under the umbrella of executive functions.

Executive functions are higher-order cognitive processes that control and regulate behavior. Examples include planning, working memory, and inhibitory control. Signup and view all the answers

Name three tests used to assess executive functions and briefly explain what each test measures.

The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test assesses cognitive flexibility, the Stroop test assesses inhibitory control, and the Tower of Hanoi assesses planning and problem-solving. Signup and view all the answers

Identify four of the six characteristics of environments in the workplace that Moos (as cited in the text, tables 18.6 and 18.7) suggests are important. Briefly describe what each characteristic entails.

Four characteristics are: Physical elements (aesthetic and functional aspects), Social climate (relationships and support), Organizational structure (rules, policies and hierarchy), and Technological resources (tools and equipment). Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe how the Rorschach inkblot test is administered.

The Rorschach is administered by presenting a series of ten inkblots, one at a time, and asking the examinee to describe what they see in each blot. The examiner records the responses verbatim, along with observations of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe the process of scoring the Rorschach inkblot test responses.

Scoring involves categorizing responses based on factors such as location (where the response was seen), determinants (what aspects of the blot influenced the response), content (what the response is), and originality (how common the response is). Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe how the data obtained from the Rorschach inkblot test is typically interpreted.

Interpretation involves analyzing the patterns in the scored responses to make inferences regarding personality traits, emotional functioning, and thought processes. For example, certain patterns of responses may indicate anxiety or defensiveness. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly compare and contrast the MMPI and the CPI in terms of their primary focus.

Both the MMPI and CPI are personality inventories, but the MMPI primarily focuses on psychopathology and clinical disorders, while the CPI measures more normal personality traits and interpersonal behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Q-Sort Technique, and how does it differ from traditional questionnaires?

The Q-Sort Technique focuses on ranking statements relative to each other to describe an individual's characteristics, rather than absolute ratings, providing a more nuanced, comparative understanding of personality. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what the Strong Vocational Interest Blank is designed to assess and for what purpose the results are typically used.

The Strong Vocational Interest Blank assesses an individual's interests and compares them to the interests of people in various occupations, providing information about potential career paths. Signup and view all the answers

What types of information are typically gathered in biographical data questionnaires, and how is this information used in employment settings?

Biographical data questionnaires gather information about an individual's past experiences, accomplishments, and personal history. This information is used to predict future job performance and fit within an organization. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what the Wonderlic Personnel Test measures and why it is used in personnel selection.

The Wonderlic Personnel Test measures cognitive ability or general mental aptitude. It is used in personnel selection to assess an individual's capacity to learn, understand instructions, and solve problems, which are important for job performance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Tinker-Toy Test, and what types of cognitive or behavioral skills does it assess?

The Tinker-Toy Test assesses planning, problem-solving, and creativity by asking individuals to construct something with Tinker-Toy parts. It evaluates skills like visual-spatial reasoning, motor coordination, and ingenuity. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe what the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) measures, and differentiate between 'state' and 'trait' anxiety.

The STAI measures both state anxiety (temporary feelings of anxiety in a specific situation) and trait anxiety (a general tendency to experience anxiety). 'State' anxiety is situational, while 'trait' anxiety is a more stable personality characteristic. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Behavioral Approach

An approach focusing on observable behaviors and environmental factors in psychological assessment.

Traditional Approach

An approach focusing on internal mental processes, traits, and states in psychological assessment.

Holland's Occupational Model

A theory that people and work environments can be classified into six categories: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

An introspective self-report questionnaire indicating differing psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions.