D564 Final Exam V2 | WGU D564 Theories
of Personality | Western Governors
University
1. Which component of Freud’s structural model of personality operates according to the
reality principle?
A. Id
B. Superego
C. Ego
D. Libido
Answer: C
Rationale: The ego is the decision-making component of personality that works to satisfy
the id’s demands in a realistic way. It operates on the reality principle, which seeks to delay
gratification until a suitable outlet is found. This component mediates between the
unrealistic id and the external real world.
2. In Carl Jung’s theory, the mask that people wear to present themselves to the social world
is known as the:
A. Shadow
B. Anima
C. Self
,D. Persona
Answer: D
Rationale: The persona is a social mask that hides the true nature of the individual to meet
the expectations of society. It represents the different roles we play in various social
situations and groups. While necessary for social interaction, over-identification with the
persona can lead to a loss of self.
3. Alfred Adler suggested that the primary motivation for human behavior is not sexual urges,
but rather:
A. Striving for superiority
B. Self-actualization
C. Basic anxiety
D. Reciprocal determinism
Answer: A
Rationale: Adler believed that every person is born with feelings of inferiority and spends
their life trying to overcome them. This striving for superiority is a drive toward perfection
and completeness rather than just being better than others. It is the fundamental motive
behind the development of personality and behavior.
4. According to Karen Horney, individuals who cope with basic anxiety by ‘moving toward’
people are displaying a need for:
A. Power and prestige
, B. Independence and self-sufficiency
C. Affection and approval
D. Perfection and unassailability
Answer: C
Rationale: Moving toward people is a compliant personality style where the individual
seeks safety through the protection of others. These individuals have an intense need to be
liked, wanted, and approved of by everyone. They often become dependent on others and
suppress their own feelings of aggression or selfishness.
5. In Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which stage occurs during
adolescence?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Answer: C
Rationale: Identity vs. Role Confusion is the fifth stage of development where teenagers
explore their independence and develop a sense of self. During this period, adolescents
may experiment with different roles, activities, and behaviors. Success leads to an ability to
stay true to oneself, while failure leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self.
of Personality | Western Governors
University
1. Which component of Freud’s structural model of personality operates according to the
reality principle?
A. Id
B. Superego
C. Ego
D. Libido
Answer: C
Rationale: The ego is the decision-making component of personality that works to satisfy
the id’s demands in a realistic way. It operates on the reality principle, which seeks to delay
gratification until a suitable outlet is found. This component mediates between the
unrealistic id and the external real world.
2. In Carl Jung’s theory, the mask that people wear to present themselves to the social world
is known as the:
A. Shadow
B. Anima
C. Self
,D. Persona
Answer: D
Rationale: The persona is a social mask that hides the true nature of the individual to meet
the expectations of society. It represents the different roles we play in various social
situations and groups. While necessary for social interaction, over-identification with the
persona can lead to a loss of self.
3. Alfred Adler suggested that the primary motivation for human behavior is not sexual urges,
but rather:
A. Striving for superiority
B. Self-actualization
C. Basic anxiety
D. Reciprocal determinism
Answer: A
Rationale: Adler believed that every person is born with feelings of inferiority and spends
their life trying to overcome them. This striving for superiority is a drive toward perfection
and completeness rather than just being better than others. It is the fundamental motive
behind the development of personality and behavior.
4. According to Karen Horney, individuals who cope with basic anxiety by ‘moving toward’
people are displaying a need for:
A. Power and prestige
, B. Independence and self-sufficiency
C. Affection and approval
D. Perfection and unassailability
Answer: C
Rationale: Moving toward people is a compliant personality style where the individual
seeks safety through the protection of others. These individuals have an intense need to be
liked, wanted, and approved of by everyone. They often become dependent on others and
suppress their own feelings of aggression or selfishness.
5. In Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which stage occurs during
adolescence?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Answer: C
Rationale: Identity vs. Role Confusion is the fifth stage of development where teenagers
explore their independence and develop a sense of self. During this period, adolescents
may experiment with different roles, activities, and behaviors. Success leads to an ability to
stay true to oneself, while failure leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self.
