Psych 2000 – Personality Psychology - Exam 1

Theoretical Bases & Biological Aspects of Personality

(50 Points)

1.  Define the term personality. Be sure to be concise and complete. (4 pts.)

2.  Define the term theory. Be sure to be concise and complete. (4 pts.)

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. (3 pts.)

4.  What is a taxonomy? Be specific in your answer and consider using an example of one. (3 pts.)

5.  Name three things identified in class that make a theory useful. (3 pts.)

6.  What does the term parsimonious mean in terms of a theory? (2 pts.)

7.  Define the term personality disorder. (3 pts)

9.  What does the term teleology mean? (2 pts)

10.  What is one of several problems associated with doing behavioral observations during an assessment of personality? (2 pts)

11. Give two differences between an structured and an unstructured interview? (2 pts)

12. What does the term standardization mean when referring to a standardized test? (3pts)

13.  When doing a psychological evaluation, the examiner needs to get something from the referring party.

What is that? (2 pts)

14.  What is one major advantage or disadvantage of an objective personality test and please identify one? (3 pts)

15.  What is a major advantage or disadvantage of a subjective personality test and please identify one? (3 pts)

16.  Matching (11 pts.) – 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!!!