PSY-255 Quiz 2 Study Guide Questions
and Correct Answers 2025-2026 Edition.
What is the definition of the primary characteristics of trait theory? - Answer 1. traits are
stable over time
2. stable across situations
What are the differences between nomothetic and idiographic approaches to trait theory? -
Answer Nomothetic - identifying certain traits and checking to see if someone else has it
Idiographic - examines trait thoroughly and tries to understands individuals and what they are
driven by. (opposite of nomothetic)
What are the differences in common, central, and cardinal traits? - Answer Common traits -
traits that everyone has
Central traits - 5-10 traits that best describe the individual
Cardinal traits - single trait dominates personality
What is the Thematic aptitude test? - Answer the TAT (designed by Henry Murray) is widely
used and consists of a series of ambiguous pictures
What is factor analysis? - Answer many ideas slimmed down by smaller more defined ideas
What are the Big Five and provide examples of behaviors consistent with these strategies? -
Answer Fiske (1949) performed a factor analysis on personality and identified 5 factors
- openness
- extraversion
- neuroticism
- agreeableness
- consciousness
What is faking good and faking bad on tests, consider who might use these strategies? - Answer
Faking good - people will try to present themselves as better than they are
and Correct Answers 2025-2026 Edition.
What is the definition of the primary characteristics of trait theory? - Answer 1. traits are
stable over time
2. stable across situations
What are the differences between nomothetic and idiographic approaches to trait theory? -
Answer Nomothetic - identifying certain traits and checking to see if someone else has it
Idiographic - examines trait thoroughly and tries to understands individuals and what they are
driven by. (opposite of nomothetic)
What are the differences in common, central, and cardinal traits? - Answer Common traits -
traits that everyone has
Central traits - 5-10 traits that best describe the individual
Cardinal traits - single trait dominates personality
What is the Thematic aptitude test? - Answer the TAT (designed by Henry Murray) is widely
used and consists of a series of ambiguous pictures
What is factor analysis? - Answer many ideas slimmed down by smaller more defined ideas
What are the Big Five and provide examples of behaviors consistent with these strategies? -
Answer Fiske (1949) performed a factor analysis on personality and identified 5 factors
- openness
- extraversion
- neuroticism
- agreeableness
- consciousness
What is faking good and faking bad on tests, consider who might use these strategies? - Answer
Faking good - people will try to present themselves as better than they are
