D564 Theories of Personality | Western
Governors University
1. According to Carl Rogers, what is the primary condition required for a person to achieve
‘congruence’ between their real self and ideal self?
A. Extrinsic motivation through rewards
B. Resolution of Oedipal conflicts
C. Strict behavioral conditioning
D. Unconditional positive regard
Answer: D
Rationale: Rogers argued that unconditional positive regard provides a non-judgmental
atmosphere where individuals feel safe to explore their true feelings. This environment
allows the self-concept to align with actual experiences, reducing the gap between the real
and ideal self. Without this acceptance, individuals often develop conditions of worth that
lead to incongruence.
2. In Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which level must be substantially satisfied before
an individual focuses on ‘esteem needs’?
A. Self-actualization
B. Belongingness and love needs
,C. Cognitive needs
D. Aesthetic needs
Answer: B
Rationale: Maslow’s hierarchy is structured so that lower-level deficiency needs must be
met before higher-level growth needs become motivating. Belongingness and love needs
involve social connections and intimacy, which precede the need for self-esteem and
respect from others. Only after these social needs are fulfilled can a person focus on their
own status and competence.
3. Which concept in Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory describes the belief in one’s
ability to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments?
A. Self-efficacy
B. Locus of control
C. Reciprocal determinism
D. Self-actualization
Answer: A
Rationale: Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s confidence in their own capability to
complete a task. This perception significantly influences how people approach challenges
and how much effort they expend in the face of obstacles. It is distinct from self-esteem, as
it focuses specifically on competence and task performance.
, 4. Julian Rotter’s theory suggests that people who believe their successes are the result of
their own efforts possess:
A. An internal locus of control
B. An external locus of control
C. High self-monitoring
D. Low self-efficacy
Answer: A
Rationale: An internal locus of control is the belief that one’s life outcomes are
predominantly under their own control. Individuals with this mindset tend to take more
responsibility for their actions and are often more motivated to improve their
circumstances. Conversely, an external locus of control attributes outcomes to luck, fate, or
powerful others.
5. B.F. Skinner’s ‘Operant Conditioning’ posits that behavior is primarily influenced by its:
A. Unconscious drivers
B. Consequences
C. Internal mental states
D. Early childhood memories
Answer: B