Test Bank - Chapter 12.2 - 1.docx PDF

**What does the term WEIRD refer to in cross-cultural psychology?** - A\) A psychological disorder caused by culture shock - B\) Populations that are Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic - C\) A phenomenon where cultural norms deviate from biological influences - D...

**What does the term WEIRD refer to in cross-cultural psychology?** - A\) A psychological disorder caused by culture shock - B\) Populations that are Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic - C\) A phenomenon where cultural norms deviate from biological influences - D\) Traits unique to non-Western cultures\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* WEIRD populations are disproportionately studied in psychology, leading to potential cultural biases in findings. **What does research suggest about the universality of the Five Factor Model?** - A\) It applies only to WEIRD populations. - B\) It is not relevant to non-human animals. - C\) It is found across cultures, though certain cultures may exhibit additional traits. - D\) It has no genetic basis.\ **Answer:** C\ *Explanation:* The Five Factor Model has been observed globally but may miss culture-specific traits. **Which culture-specific personality trait was identified in indigenous Chinese populations?** - A\) Individualism - B\) Social potency - C\) Interpersonal relatedness - D\) Conscientiousness\ **Answer:** C\ *Explanation:* Interpersonal relatedness emphasizes social harmony and traditions unique to the Chinese psyche. **2. Comparing Personality Across and Within Cultures** 4. **What do findings about national character suggest?** - A\) National stereotypes are scientifically validated. - B\) Cultural differences in personality are significant and universal. - C\) Personality differences between nations are minor and should not reinforce stereotypes. - D\) People in WEIRD cultures lack consistent personality traits.\ **Answer:** C\ *Explanation:* Researchers concluded that average differences across cultures are minor and should not overemphasize stereotypes. 5. **Why might people in South Asian cultures report lower scores on traits like agreeableness?** - A\) They tend to lack these traits. - B\) Cultural norms discourage self-promotion and emphasize modesty. - C\) Environmental stress suppresses personality expression. - D\) Their languages lack descriptors for such traits.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Modesty and humility norms may lead to lower self-reported trait scores in some cultures. 6. **What does geographical psychology investigate?** - A\) Differences in personality traits between urban and rural regions globally. - B\) The influence of genetics on personality development. - C\) Regional variations in personality within a single nation. - D\) The impact of climate on cultural norms.\ **Answer:** C\ *Explanation:* Geographical psychology focuses on regional variations within nations and their connections to personality. **3. Biological Influences on Personality** 7. **What did twin studies reveal about the heritability of personality traits?** - A\) Shared environments completely explain personality similarities. - B\) Identical twins raised apart are often as similar as those raised together. - C\) Fraternal twins raised apart are more similar than identical twins raised together. - D\) Environmental factors play a greater role than genetics.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* This finding highlights the strong genetic basis of personality. 8. **Which research method examines the entire genome to identify genetic influences on personality?** - A\) Candidate gene approach - B\) Genome-wide association study (GWAS) - C\) Twin studies - D\) Behavioral experiments\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* GWAS scans the entire genome to correlate genetic variants with personality traits. 9. **Which of the following is true about the serotonin transporter gene?** - A\) It directly predicts all aspects of personality. - B\) It is the only gene linked to neuroticism. - C\) It influences mood and anxiety but has limited replicable findings in personality studies. - D\) It is unrelated to emotional regulation.\ **Answer:** C\ *Explanation:* Although initially promising, findings about this gene\'s role in personality have been inconsistent. **4. Evolutionary Perspectives on Personality** 10. **What do evolutionary psychologists argue about personality traits like extraversion and neuroticism?** - A\) They are exclusively shaped by modern environments. - B\) They evolved to serve specific adaptive functions in different contexts. - C\) They are maladaptive in complex societies. - D\) They have no connection to reproductive success.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Personality traits are thought to have evolved due to their adaptive advantages in social and environmental contexts. 11. **Why might variation in personality traits persist within populations?** - A\) Uniform traits would reduce survival flexibility in changing environments. - B\) Personality traits are solely cultural constructs. - C\) All traits result from environmental pressures alone. - D\) Variation is a result of modern societal complexity.\ **Answer:** A\ *Explanation:* Diversity in traits provides adaptability to varying environmental and social challenges. 12. **Which trait is associated with higher reproductive success in resource-scarce years for Parus major birds?** - A\) Slow-exploring females - B\) Fast-exploring males - C\) Fast-exploring females - D\) High conscientiousness\ **Answer:** C\ *Explanation:* Resource-scarce years favor aggressive, fast-exploring female birds for reproductive success. **5. Brain and Personality** 13. **What does the arousal theory of extraversion suggest about introverts?** - A\) They seek more stimulation due to lower baseline arousal. - B\) They avoid excessive stimulation due to a higher baseline arousal. - C\) Their arousal is unrelated to external stimuli. - D\) They exhibit higher dopamine responses to rewards.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Introverts have a lower threshold for arousal and avoid overstimulation. 14. **Which brain system is primarily linked to approach motivation and reward sensitivity?** - A\) Behavioral inhibition system (BIS) - B\) Behavioral activation system (BAS) - C\) Amygdala system - D\) Hippocampus system\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* The BAS is responsive to rewards and motivates goal-directed behavior. 15. **How do extraverts differ neurologically from introverts?** - A\) Extraverts exhibit greater activity in the amygdala. - B\) Extraverts show stronger dopamine responses to rewards. - C\) Extraverts rely heavily on the hippocampus for decision-making. - D\) Extraverts lack prefrontal cortex activity.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Extraverts' heightened dopamine responses contribute to their reward-seeking behavior. 16. **Why might individuals from collectivist cultures report lower scores on traits like extraversion and agreeableness compared to individuals from individualistic cultures?** - A\) They genuinely lack these traits. - B\) Cultural norms discourage self-promotion and encourage modesty. - C\) They lack access to accurate personality assessments. - D\) Individualistic cultures reward competitive behavior.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Cultural modesty norms lead individuals from collectivist cultures to underreport traits that could be perceived as self-centered or boastful. **Urban vs. Rural Personality Differences** 17. **Research on urban versus rural environments reveals that individuals in rural areas tend to score higher on which trait?** - A\) Openness to experience - B\) Agreeableness - C\) Extraversion - D\) Neuroticism\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Rural environments often emphasize close-knit, supportive relationships, fostering higher agreeableness compared to urban settings. 1. **A psychologist observes that individuals in collectivist cultures often describe themselves as less dominant and more cooperative compared to those in individualistic cultures. Which cultural trait might explain this behavior?** - A\) High individualism - B\) High interpersonal relatedness - C\) Low conscientiousness - D\) High neuroticism\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Interpersonal relatedness emphasizes cooperation, harmony, and maintaining social relationships, which are valued in collectivist cultures. 2. **In a multinational workplace, employees from an individualistic culture prioritize personal achievements, while those from a collectivist culture emphasize team success. What is the best way for a manager to address this cultural difference?** - A\) Encourage only team-based rewards to promote collaboration. - B\) Use a mix of individual and team recognition to satisfy both groups. - C\) Implement strict guidelines that discourage competition. - D\) Focus on personal achievements to drive productivity.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* A balanced approach respects cultural differences by rewarding both individual accomplishments and team efforts. **2. Comparing Personality Across and Within Cultures** 3. **A researcher compares personality traits between people living in urban and rural regions of a country. They find that urban residents score higher on openness. Which environmental factor might explain this result?** - A\) Urban areas provide greater exposure to diverse ideas and cultures. - B\) Urban areas discourage creative thinking. - C\) Rural areas foster independence and innovation. - D\) Rural residents lack access to formal education.\ **Answer:** A\ *Explanation:* Urban areas often expose residents to diverse perspectives, fostering curiosity and openness. 4. **A study finds that within a single country, people in colder regions report higher conscientiousness. Which explanation aligns with this finding?** - A\) Colder climates promote more careful planning and preparation. - B\) Warm climates encourage social cooperation. - C\) Colder climates suppress neurotic tendencies. - D\) Warm climates foster greater independence.\ **Answer:** A\ *Explanation:* In colder regions, survival often depends on planning and disciplined behavior, traits associated with conscientiousness. **3. Biological Influences on Personality** 5. **A set of twins is raised in different households but exhibits remarkably similar personality traits. What does this observation suggest about the role of genetics in personality?** - A\) Environmental factors are the primary influence on personality. - B\) Genetics play a significant role in shaping personality traits. - C\) Shared environments completely determine personality. - D\) Personality is random and unpredictable.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Twin studies highlight the heritability of personality, demonstrating that genetics strongly influence personality traits. 6. **A researcher using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) identifies several genetic variants associated with extraversion. What is the significance of this finding?** - A\) Extraversion is determined by a single gene. - B\) Multiple genetic factors contribute to personality traits like extraversion. - C\) The environment plays no role in shaping extraversion. - D\) Extraversion is unrelated to genetic influences.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* GWAS findings support the idea that personality traits like extraversion are influenced by a combination of genetic factors. **4. Evolutionary Perspectives on Personality** 7. **A community facing frequent environmental threats values individuals who are cautious and sensitive to danger. Which personality trait is likely adaptive in this context?** - A\) High extraversion - B\) Low conscientiousness - C\) High neuroticism - D\) Low agreeableness\ **Answer:** C\ *Explanation:* Neuroticism, which involves heightened sensitivity to threats, may be adaptive in environments where vigilance enhances survival. 8. **Why might variation in personality traits like extraversion and agreeableness persist in human populations?** - A\) Uniform traits across populations reduce evolutionary fitness. - B\) Variation ensures adaptability to diverse social and environmental challenges. - C\) Personality traits are entirely determined by culture. - D\) Evolution favors unpredictable behavioral patterns.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Diverse traits allow populations to adapt to different social and environmental contexts, enhancing group survival. **5. Brain and Personality** 9. **A neuroscientist finds that extraverts show higher dopamine activity when anticipating rewards compared to introverts. What does this suggest about the biological basis of extraversion?** - A\) Extraverts are less responsive to external rewards. - B\) Extraverts' reward systems are more active, encouraging social and goal-directed behaviors. - C\) Dopamine levels are unrelated to extraversion. - D\) Introverts have more active behavioral activation systems (BAS).\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Extraverts' increased dopamine activity drives their social and reward-seeking behaviors. 10. **A person with an overactive Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) is most likely to:** - A\) Seek out high-risk activities. - B\) Be sensitive to punishment and avoid potential dangers. - C\) Exhibit a strong reward sensitivity. - D\) Demonstrate low levels of anxiety.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* An overactive BIS makes individuals more cautious and sensitive to negative outcomes, leading to avoidance behaviors.