PSYC 2600- Midterm #1 Exam 2026
Questions and Answers
Personality - Correct answer-How someone is different from other people
(repeated behaviour)
Laypersons view of personality - Correct answer-o collection of traits of terms that
describe a person (shy).
o These terms pointing out what is different about them.
o Should be consistent over time not based off just once.
o You either have the trait or you do not.
o These terms explain behavior
Psychologists view of personality - Correct answer-o Organized collection of
adjectives (structure to personality) if you have one of those traits you likely have
another
o Personality traits there are dimensions to what people to differà you are on a
scale (ex. Extroversion, introvert)
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,o Relatively consistent over time and situations
o Traits are normally distributed along a continuum- people fit into different levels
(most people in middle only few in extremes)
o Explanation for personality- don't know whether personality describes behavior
or if behavior is due to personality
Personality disorders - Correct answer-extreme version of personality traits
Where does personality come from? (laypersons) - Correct answer-· You acquire
through your experience's parents had certain values or is there a biological basis,
evolution
Why do people bother trying to understand someone's personality? (Laypersons) -
Correct answer-We have likes and dislikes, determines if we will like people,
predictions of behavior and why people do things, relatable, so people don't
stereotype
Why do people bother trying to understand someone's personality? (psychologist) -
Correct answer-Predict people's behavior, personality quizzes, understand groups
of people (implications and consequences of certain personality traits), understand
human nature (what is human nature- can it be tested)
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, Larsen and Buss personality definition - Correct answer-· Larsen and Buss define
personality as a set of psychology traits and mechanisms within the individual that
are organized and relatively enduring and that influence his/her interactions with,
and adaptations to, the intrapsychic (what is in your head), physical, and social
environments
idiographic approach - Correct answer-approach to personality that focuses on
identifying the unique configuration of characteristics and life history experiences
within a person
nomothetic approach - Correct answer-approach to personality that focuses on
identifying general laws that govern the behavior of all individuals
MacAdams 3 levels of personality - Correct answer-1. Traits- try to understand
people at level of traits first
2. Personality concerns- when we get to know them more, we want to know their
goals, motives, coping styles
3. Identity- when we really know someone, we know their meaning and purpose
Science cyclic cycle - Correct answer-· observations- theory- generate predictions-
empirical tests (continues and continues)
4 types of data - Correct answer-1. Self-report: ask them directly or questionnaire
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Questions and Answers
Personality - Correct answer-How someone is different from other people
(repeated behaviour)
Laypersons view of personality - Correct answer-o collection of traits of terms that
describe a person (shy).
o These terms pointing out what is different about them.
o Should be consistent over time not based off just once.
o You either have the trait or you do not.
o These terms explain behavior
Psychologists view of personality - Correct answer-o Organized collection of
adjectives (structure to personality) if you have one of those traits you likely have
another
o Personality traits there are dimensions to what people to differà you are on a
scale (ex. Extroversion, introvert)
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,o Relatively consistent over time and situations
o Traits are normally distributed along a continuum- people fit into different levels
(most people in middle only few in extremes)
o Explanation for personality- don't know whether personality describes behavior
or if behavior is due to personality
Personality disorders - Correct answer-extreme version of personality traits
Where does personality come from? (laypersons) - Correct answer-· You acquire
through your experience's parents had certain values or is there a biological basis,
evolution
Why do people bother trying to understand someone's personality? (Laypersons) -
Correct answer-We have likes and dislikes, determines if we will like people,
predictions of behavior and why people do things, relatable, so people don't
stereotype
Why do people bother trying to understand someone's personality? (psychologist) -
Correct answer-Predict people's behavior, personality quizzes, understand groups
of people (implications and consequences of certain personality traits), understand
human nature (what is human nature- can it be tested)
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
, Larsen and Buss personality definition - Correct answer-· Larsen and Buss define
personality as a set of psychology traits and mechanisms within the individual that
are organized and relatively enduring and that influence his/her interactions with,
and adaptations to, the intrapsychic (what is in your head), physical, and social
environments
idiographic approach - Correct answer-approach to personality that focuses on
identifying the unique configuration of characteristics and life history experiences
within a person
nomothetic approach - Correct answer-approach to personality that focuses on
identifying general laws that govern the behavior of all individuals
MacAdams 3 levels of personality - Correct answer-1. Traits- try to understand
people at level of traits first
2. Personality concerns- when we get to know them more, we want to know their
goals, motives, coping styles
3. Identity- when we really know someone, we know their meaning and purpose
Science cyclic cycle - Correct answer-· observations- theory- generate predictions-
empirical tests (continues and continues)
4 types of data - Correct answer-1. Self-report: ask them directly or questionnaire
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
