WGU D564 Theories of Personality |
Western Governors University
1. According to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, which component of personality operates on
the ‘pleasure principle’ and seeks immediate gratification?
A. Ego
B. Id
C. Superego
D. Ideal Self
Answer: B
Rationale: The Id is the primitive and instinctive component of personality that demands
immediate satisfaction of all urges. It operates entirely within the unconscious mind and
does not consider social realities or consequences. This concept is fundamental to
understanding Freud’s structural model of the psyche.
2. In Alfred Adler’s theory, what term describes the process of overcoming feelings of
inadequacy and striving for improvement?
A. Archetypal fulfillment
B. Compensation
C. Self-actualization
,D. Reaction formation
Answer: B
Rationale: Compensation is the effort to overcome real or imagined inferiorities by
developing one’s abilities. Adler believed that this drive for superiority is the primary
motivating force in human life. This perspective shifts the focus from sexual drives to social
and goal-oriented motivations.
3. Which of the following best describes the ‘Big Five’ trait of Conscientiousness?
A. The tendency to seek out new experiences and intellectual pursuits.
B. The propensity to be compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious.
C. The level of emotional stability and reactivity to stress.
D. The degree to which a person is organized, dependable, and disciplined.
Answer: D
Rationale: Conscientiousness involves self-discipline, dutifulness, and striving for
achievement against measures or outside expectations. It is one of the strongest predictors
of job performance and academic success across various cultures. This trait reflects how a
person controls, regulates, and directs their impulses.
4. Carl Rogers emphasized the importance of ‘Unconditional Positive Regard’ in personality
development. What does this concept entail?
A. Providing praise only when a child meets specific behavioral standards.
, B. The process of reaching one’s full potential through external validation.
C. Ignoring negative behaviors to focus exclusively on positive outcomes.
D. Accepting and valuing a person regardless of their behavior at the moment.
Answer: D
Rationale: Unconditional positive regard involves showing complete support and
acceptance of a person no matter what they say or do. Rogers argued that this is essential
for healthy development and the realization of the ‘fully functioning person.’ Without it,
individuals may develop ‘conditions of worth’ that hinder self-actualization.
5. Which assessment method requires participants to respond to ambiguous stimuli, such as
inkblots or pictures, to reveal unconscious motives?
A. Objective tests
B. Projective tests
C. Self-report inventories
D. Behavioral observations
Answer: B
Rationale: Projective tests, like the Rorschach or TAT, are based on the idea that people
will project their hidden emotions and internal conflicts onto ambiguous images. These
methods are often used in psychodynamic clinical settings to bypass conscious defenses.