Psych 2000 – Personality Psychology - Exam 1 – Study Questions
Theoretical Bases & Biological Aspects of Personality
1. Define the term personality. Be sure to be concise and complete.
2. Define the term theory. Be sure to be concise and complete.
3. What is the difference between validity and reliability in terms of a psychological test? You can even
use an example if that is helpful.
4. What is taxonomy? Be specific in your answer and consider using an example of one.
5. Name three things identified in class that make a theory useful.
6. What does the term parsimonious mean in terms of a theory?
7. Define the term personality disorder.
8. What does the term teleology mean?
9. What is one of several problems associated with doing behavioral observations during an assessment of
personality?
10. Give two differences between a structured and an unstructured interview?
11. What does the term standardization mean when referring to a standardized test?
12. When doing a psychological evaluation, the examiner needs to get something from the referring party.
What is that? (Hint: This “something” helps to focus this evaluation.)
13. What is one major advantage or disadvantage of an objective personality test and please identify one?
14. What is a major advantage or disadvantage of a subjective personality test and please identify one?
15. Matching – Match the correct DSM disorder with the key symptom for that disorder.
Histrionic Personality Disorder ____________
a. No close personal relationships
Borderline Personality Disorder ___________
b. Can’t make big decisions
Narcissistic Personality Disorder __________
c. Doesn’t want to be embarrassed
Paranoid Personality Disorder ____________
d. Doesn’t trust many people
Schizoid Personality Disorder ____________
e. Extremely angry & often suicidal
Schizotypal Personality Disorder __________
f. Has to have everything perfect
Dependent Personality Disorder ___________
g. No guilt or remorse- a crook!
Avoidant Personality Disorder ____________
h. Forgets, procrastinates & dawdles
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder _________
i. Has to be the center of attention
Antisocial Personality Disorder ___________
j. Really hung up on themselves
Passive Aggressive Personality Disorder __________
k. This person is really, really odd!!!
16. The text suggests that personality theories differ in their assumptions about humanity or what we might
think of as “issues”. They identified six of them. How many can you identify and, of course, explain? Use the
back of the page for your answer. Good luck!