EDIUG YDUTS • 465D
✦ ✦
Western Governors University
WGU College of Health Professions · Department of Psychology
A NEW KIND OF U. · AFFORDABLE, ACCREDITED, ONLINE.
EST. 1997
D564 — Comprehensive Study Guide
M A J O R P E R S O N A L I TY T H E O R I E S · M E M O R Y T R I C K S & K E Y CO N C E PTS
INSTITUTION Western Governors University (WGU) COURSE CODE D564
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Psychology ACADEMIC YEAR
RESOURCE TYPE Comprehensive Study Guide / Practice Exam TOTAL QUESTIONS 25 Questions
COURSE TITLE Theories of Personality FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the Single Best Answer
STUDY GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS
▸ This study guide maps directly to the D564 objective assessment blueprint.
▸ Each major personality theory is summarized with its key figures, core concepts, and memory tricks.
▸ Answer the questions first, then review the correct answers and detailed rationales.
▸ Memory tricks (mnemonics) are included to help retention of high-yield content.
▸ Pay special attention to the distinctions between theories — these are frequently tested.
SECTION I — PSYCHOANALYTIC, PSYCHOSOCIAL, HUMANISTIC & TRAIT THEORIES Questions 1 – 25
1. According to psychoanalytic theory, behavior is primarily driven by which two factors?
A. Rewards and punishments in the environment
B. Unconscious thoughts and childhood experiences
C. Genetic inheritance and brain structure
D. Observational learning and modeling
CORRECT ANSWER B — Unconscious thoughts and childhood experiences
RATIONALE Psychoanalytic theory (Freud) holds that behavior is driven by unconscious thoughts, conflicts, and early childhood experiences. This contrasts with behaviorism
(rewards and punishments), biological theory (genetics and brain), and social-cognitive theory (observational learning). The psychoanalytic model is deterministic
— unconscious forces, not conscious choice, determine personality. Memory trick: "Your behavior = driven by unconscious thoughts + childhood experiences."
2. Who is the key figure associated with psychoanalytic theory?
A. Erik Erikson
B. Carl Rogers
C. Sigmund Freud
D. Albert Bandura
CORRECT ANSWER C — Sigmund Freud
RATIONALE Sigmund Freud is the founder of psychoanalytic theory. He developed the structural model of personality (id, ego, superego), the psychosexual stages, and the
concept of defense mechanisms. Erik Erikson developed psychosocial theory (8 stages). Carl Rogers is a key figure in humanistic theory. Albert Bandura developed
social-cognitive theory. Remember: Freud = psychoanalytic; the other theorists built on, modified, or reacted against his work.
3. The Freudian structure of personality that operates on the pleasure principle and seeks immediate gratification is the:
A. Ego — the reality-based decision maker
B. Superego — the moral conscience
C. Id — "I want it NOW"
D. Persona — the mask presented to the world
CORRECT ANSWER C — Id — "I want it NOW"
RATIONALE The id operates on the pleasure principle — it seeks immediate gratification of basic impulses and drives without regard for reality or consequences. Memory trick:
"I want it NOW" = Id. The ego operates on the reality principle and serves as the decision-maker, mediating between the id's demands and the superego's moral
constraints. The superego represents internalized morals and ideals ("Angel"). The persona is a Jungian concept (mask presented to the world), not Freudian. The
devil/angel metaphor is helpful: Id = Devil, Superego = Angel.
4. Which of the following is NOT one of the classic Freudian defense mechanisms?
A. Denial — refusing to accept reality
B. Repression — pushing unacceptable thoughts into the unconscious
C. Self-actualization — striving to fulfill one's potential
D. Projection — attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts to others
CORRECT ANSWER C — Self-actualization — striving to fulfill one's potential
RATIONALE Self-actualization is a concept from humanistic psychology (Maslow and Rogers), NOT a Freudian defense mechanism. The classic defense mechanisms include
denial, repression, and projection (among others like rationalization, displacement, sublimation, and reaction formation). Defense mechanisms are unconscious
strategies the ego uses to manage anxiety from id-superego conflicts. Self-actualization refers to the innate human drive to reach one's full potential — a
fundamentally different theoretical framework.
, 5. Psychosocial Development Theory proposes that personality develops through how many life stages?
A. 5 stages — corresponding to Freud's psychosexual stages
B. 8 stages — spanning the entire lifespan from birth to death
C. 3 stages — childhood, adolescence, and adulthood
D. Infinite — personality is constantly changing
CORRECT ANSWER B — 8 stages — spanning the entire lifespan from birth to death
RATIONALE Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory proposes that personality develops through 8 life stages, each characterized by a psychosocial crisis that must be
resolved. Memory trick: "Life = 8 challenges." The stages span from infancy (Trust vs. Mistrust) to late adulthood (Integrity vs. Despair). This contrasts with Freud's 5
psychosexual stages (which end in adolescence) and represents the first lifespan theory of personality. The three most tested stages are: Trust vs. Mistrust (baby),
Identity vs. Role Confusion (teen), Intimacy vs. Isolation (young adult).
6. The primary psychosocial crisis of adolescence, according to Erikson, is:
A. Trust versus Mistrust — the infant's first relationship
B. Identity versus Role Confusion — developing a sense of self
C. Intimacy versus Isolation — forming committed relationships
D. Generativity versus Stagnation — contributing to society
CORRECT ANSWER B — Identity versus Role Confusion — developing a sense of self
RATIONALE Identity versus Role Confusion is Stage 5 of Erikson's theory and occurs during adolescence (approximately ages 12–18). It is one of the three most tested stages.
Trust vs. Mistrust (Stage 1) occurs in infancy. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Stage 6) occurs in young adulthood. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Stage 7) occurs in middle
adulthood. The adolescent must integrate various roles, beliefs, and experiences into a coherent sense of identity; failure results in role confusion and uncertainty
about one's place in the world.
7. Humanistic theory views people as:
A. Basically evil — driven by unconscious aggressive and sexual impulses
B. Blank slates — shaped entirely by environmental reinforcement
C. Basically good — with an innate desire to grow and self-actualize
D. Collections of stable traits — consistent across situations
CORRECT ANSWER C — Basically good — with an innate desire to grow and self-actualize
RATIONALE Humanistic theory (Maslow and Rogers) views people as basically good and possessing an innate drive toward growth, self-actualization, and fulfillment. Memory
trick: "Be your best self." This optimistic view contrasts sharply with Freud's psychoanalytic view (driven by unconscious aggressive/sexual impulses), behaviorism
(blank slates shaped by environment), and trait theory (stable, measurable characteristics). The humanistic perspective emphasizes free will, subjective
experience, and the individual's capacity for self-directed change.
8. Carl Rogers' concept of self-concept includes which two components?
A. Id and superego — the unconscious drives and moral constraints
B. Real self and ideal self — who you are vs. who you want to be
C. Openness and conscientiousness — two of the Big Five traits
D. Efficacy and agency — belief in oneself and taking action
CORRECT ANSWER B — Real self and ideal self — who you are vs. who you want to be
RATIONALE Rogers' self-concept consists of the real self (who you actually are, including your perceptions, feelings, and beliefs about yourself) and the ideal self (who you
want to be or feel you should be). Congruence occurs when the real self and ideal self are closely aligned, leading to psychological health. Incongruence (a large
gap between real and ideal self) results from conditions of worth and leads to anxiety and defensiveness. This is a core concept in Rogers' person-centered theory.
9. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs culminates in which highest-level need?
A. Safety and security — freedom from physical and emotional harm
B. Love and belonging — intimate relationships and social connections
C. Esteem — respect, recognition, and self-worth
D. Self-actualization — realizing one's full potential
CORRECT ANSWER D — Self-actualization — realizing one's full potential
RATIONALE Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (from bottom to top): (1) Physiological needs, (2) Safety and security, (3) Love and belonging, (4) Esteem, (5) Self-actualization. Self-
actualization — the motivation to realize one's full potential and achieve personal growth — is the highest level. Maslow believed that lower needs must be at least
partially satisfied before higher needs become motivating. Memory trick: "Basic needs → Self-actualization." This is the pinnacle of humanistic psychology's view
of personality development.
10. Trait theory focuses on personality as:
A. Unconscious conflicts between the id, ego, and superego
B. Learned behaviors acquired through reinforcement and punishment
C. Consistent, stable patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion
D. An innate drive toward growth and self-fulfillment
CORRECT ANSWER C — Consistent, stable patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion
RATIONALE Trait theory conceptualizes personality as a set of relatively stable, enduring characteristics (traits) that produce consistent patterns of behavior across different
situations and over time. This contrasts with psychoanalytic theory (unconscious conflicts), behaviorism (learned behaviors), and humanistic theory (innate drive
toward growth). Key trait theorists include Gordon Allport, Raymond Cattell (16PF using factor analysis), and Hans Eysenck. The Big Five (OCEAN) represents the
current consensus model in trait psychology.
✦ ✦
Western Governors University
WGU College of Health Professions · Department of Psychology
A NEW KIND OF U. · AFFORDABLE, ACCREDITED, ONLINE.
EST. 1997
D564 — Comprehensive Study Guide
M A J O R P E R S O N A L I TY T H E O R I E S · M E M O R Y T R I C K S & K E Y CO N C E PTS
INSTITUTION Western Governors University (WGU) COURSE CODE D564
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Psychology ACADEMIC YEAR
RESOURCE TYPE Comprehensive Study Guide / Practice Exam TOTAL QUESTIONS 25 Questions
COURSE TITLE Theories of Personality FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the Single Best Answer
STUDY GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS
▸ This study guide maps directly to the D564 objective assessment blueprint.
▸ Each major personality theory is summarized with its key figures, core concepts, and memory tricks.
▸ Answer the questions first, then review the correct answers and detailed rationales.
▸ Memory tricks (mnemonics) are included to help retention of high-yield content.
▸ Pay special attention to the distinctions between theories — these are frequently tested.
SECTION I — PSYCHOANALYTIC, PSYCHOSOCIAL, HUMANISTIC & TRAIT THEORIES Questions 1 – 25
1. According to psychoanalytic theory, behavior is primarily driven by which two factors?
A. Rewards and punishments in the environment
B. Unconscious thoughts and childhood experiences
C. Genetic inheritance and brain structure
D. Observational learning and modeling
CORRECT ANSWER B — Unconscious thoughts and childhood experiences
RATIONALE Psychoanalytic theory (Freud) holds that behavior is driven by unconscious thoughts, conflicts, and early childhood experiences. This contrasts with behaviorism
(rewards and punishments), biological theory (genetics and brain), and social-cognitive theory (observational learning). The psychoanalytic model is deterministic
— unconscious forces, not conscious choice, determine personality. Memory trick: "Your behavior = driven by unconscious thoughts + childhood experiences."
2. Who is the key figure associated with psychoanalytic theory?
A. Erik Erikson
B. Carl Rogers
C. Sigmund Freud
D. Albert Bandura
CORRECT ANSWER C — Sigmund Freud
RATIONALE Sigmund Freud is the founder of psychoanalytic theory. He developed the structural model of personality (id, ego, superego), the psychosexual stages, and the
concept of defense mechanisms. Erik Erikson developed psychosocial theory (8 stages). Carl Rogers is a key figure in humanistic theory. Albert Bandura developed
social-cognitive theory. Remember: Freud = psychoanalytic; the other theorists built on, modified, or reacted against his work.
3. The Freudian structure of personality that operates on the pleasure principle and seeks immediate gratification is the:
A. Ego — the reality-based decision maker
B. Superego — the moral conscience
C. Id — "I want it NOW"
D. Persona — the mask presented to the world
CORRECT ANSWER C — Id — "I want it NOW"
RATIONALE The id operates on the pleasure principle — it seeks immediate gratification of basic impulses and drives without regard for reality or consequences. Memory trick:
"I want it NOW" = Id. The ego operates on the reality principle and serves as the decision-maker, mediating between the id's demands and the superego's moral
constraints. The superego represents internalized morals and ideals ("Angel"). The persona is a Jungian concept (mask presented to the world), not Freudian. The
devil/angel metaphor is helpful: Id = Devil, Superego = Angel.
4. Which of the following is NOT one of the classic Freudian defense mechanisms?
A. Denial — refusing to accept reality
B. Repression — pushing unacceptable thoughts into the unconscious
C. Self-actualization — striving to fulfill one's potential
D. Projection — attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts to others
CORRECT ANSWER C — Self-actualization — striving to fulfill one's potential
RATIONALE Self-actualization is a concept from humanistic psychology (Maslow and Rogers), NOT a Freudian defense mechanism. The classic defense mechanisms include
denial, repression, and projection (among others like rationalization, displacement, sublimation, and reaction formation). Defense mechanisms are unconscious
strategies the ego uses to manage anxiety from id-superego conflicts. Self-actualization refers to the innate human drive to reach one's full potential — a
fundamentally different theoretical framework.
, 5. Psychosocial Development Theory proposes that personality develops through how many life stages?
A. 5 stages — corresponding to Freud's psychosexual stages
B. 8 stages — spanning the entire lifespan from birth to death
C. 3 stages — childhood, adolescence, and adulthood
D. Infinite — personality is constantly changing
CORRECT ANSWER B — 8 stages — spanning the entire lifespan from birth to death
RATIONALE Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory proposes that personality develops through 8 life stages, each characterized by a psychosocial crisis that must be
resolved. Memory trick: "Life = 8 challenges." The stages span from infancy (Trust vs. Mistrust) to late adulthood (Integrity vs. Despair). This contrasts with Freud's 5
psychosexual stages (which end in adolescence) and represents the first lifespan theory of personality. The three most tested stages are: Trust vs. Mistrust (baby),
Identity vs. Role Confusion (teen), Intimacy vs. Isolation (young adult).
6. The primary psychosocial crisis of adolescence, according to Erikson, is:
A. Trust versus Mistrust — the infant's first relationship
B. Identity versus Role Confusion — developing a sense of self
C. Intimacy versus Isolation — forming committed relationships
D. Generativity versus Stagnation — contributing to society
CORRECT ANSWER B — Identity versus Role Confusion — developing a sense of self
RATIONALE Identity versus Role Confusion is Stage 5 of Erikson's theory and occurs during adolescence (approximately ages 12–18). It is one of the three most tested stages.
Trust vs. Mistrust (Stage 1) occurs in infancy. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Stage 6) occurs in young adulthood. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Stage 7) occurs in middle
adulthood. The adolescent must integrate various roles, beliefs, and experiences into a coherent sense of identity; failure results in role confusion and uncertainty
about one's place in the world.
7. Humanistic theory views people as:
A. Basically evil — driven by unconscious aggressive and sexual impulses
B. Blank slates — shaped entirely by environmental reinforcement
C. Basically good — with an innate desire to grow and self-actualize
D. Collections of stable traits — consistent across situations
CORRECT ANSWER C — Basically good — with an innate desire to grow and self-actualize
RATIONALE Humanistic theory (Maslow and Rogers) views people as basically good and possessing an innate drive toward growth, self-actualization, and fulfillment. Memory
trick: "Be your best self." This optimistic view contrasts sharply with Freud's psychoanalytic view (driven by unconscious aggressive/sexual impulses), behaviorism
(blank slates shaped by environment), and trait theory (stable, measurable characteristics). The humanistic perspective emphasizes free will, subjective
experience, and the individual's capacity for self-directed change.
8. Carl Rogers' concept of self-concept includes which two components?
A. Id and superego — the unconscious drives and moral constraints
B. Real self and ideal self — who you are vs. who you want to be
C. Openness and conscientiousness — two of the Big Five traits
D. Efficacy and agency — belief in oneself and taking action
CORRECT ANSWER B — Real self and ideal self — who you are vs. who you want to be
RATIONALE Rogers' self-concept consists of the real self (who you actually are, including your perceptions, feelings, and beliefs about yourself) and the ideal self (who you
want to be or feel you should be). Congruence occurs when the real self and ideal self are closely aligned, leading to psychological health. Incongruence (a large
gap between real and ideal self) results from conditions of worth and leads to anxiety and defensiveness. This is a core concept in Rogers' person-centered theory.
9. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs culminates in which highest-level need?
A. Safety and security — freedom from physical and emotional harm
B. Love and belonging — intimate relationships and social connections
C. Esteem — respect, recognition, and self-worth
D. Self-actualization — realizing one's full potential
CORRECT ANSWER D — Self-actualization — realizing one's full potential
RATIONALE Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (from bottom to top): (1) Physiological needs, (2) Safety and security, (3) Love and belonging, (4) Esteem, (5) Self-actualization. Self-
actualization — the motivation to realize one's full potential and achieve personal growth — is the highest level. Maslow believed that lower needs must be at least
partially satisfied before higher needs become motivating. Memory trick: "Basic needs → Self-actualization." This is the pinnacle of humanistic psychology's view
of personality development.
10. Trait theory focuses on personality as:
A. Unconscious conflicts between the id, ego, and superego
B. Learned behaviors acquired through reinforcement and punishment
C. Consistent, stable patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion
D. An innate drive toward growth and self-fulfillment
CORRECT ANSWER C — Consistent, stable patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion
RATIONALE Trait theory conceptualizes personality as a set of relatively stable, enduring characteristics (traits) that produce consistent patterns of behavior across different
situations and over time. This contrasts with psychoanalytic theory (unconscious conflicts), behaviorism (learned behaviors), and humanistic theory (innate drive
toward growth). Key trait theorists include Gordon Allport, Raymond Cattell (16PF using factor analysis), and Hans Eysenck. The Big Five (OCEAN) represents the
current consensus model in trait psychology.
