D564 Exam 3 Actual Exam Style V3 | WGU
D564 Theories of Personality | Western
Governors University
1. According to Eysenck’s theory, the physiological basis for extraversion is related to the
activity of which brain structure?
A. The Amygdala
B. The Prefrontal Cortex
C. The Ascending Reticular Activating System (ARAS)
D. The Hippocampus
Answer: C
Rationale: Eysenck proposed that the ARAS regulates the balance between excitatory and
inhibitory cortical processes. Extraverts are believed to have lower levels of cortical
arousal, leading them to seek external stimulation. Conversely, introverts have higher
baseline arousal and avoid overstimulation to maintain comfort.
2. In Jeffrey Gray’s Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory, which system is responsible for
responding to signals of punishment and frustration?
A. Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS)
B. Behavioral Activation System (BAS)
C. Fight-Flight-Freeze System (FFFS)
,D. The Limbic Reward Circuit
Answer: A
Rationale: The Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) is sensitive to signals of punishment
and novelty, leading to avoidance behavior. High BIS activity is clinically associated with
higher levels of anxiety and neuroticism. This system helps organisms avoid potential
threats by pausing behavior to assess the environment.
3. Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with the Behavioral Activation System
(BAS) and the pursuit of rewards?
A. Dopamine
B. GABA
C. Serotonin
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: A
Rationale: Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in the brain’s reward and
pleasure centers. It drives the motivation to seek out positive incentives, which aligns with
the functions of the BAS. Research indicates that individual differences in dopamine
response correlate with extraversion and novelty-seeking.
4. Jerome Kagan’s research on temperament categorized infants into which two primary
groups based on their reactions to novelty?
A. Inhibited and Uninhibited
, B. Easy and Difficult
C. Secure and Insecure
D. Reactive and Passive
Answer: A
Rationale: Kagan focused on the biological basis of temperament, specifically how children
react to unfamiliar people or objects. Inhibited children show physiological distress and
withdrawal when encountering novelty, while uninhibited children remain calm and
exploratory. These temperamental patterns often show moderate stability from infancy
into later childhood.
5. Which brain region is primarily associated with executive functions, such as impulse control
and emotional regulation?
A. The Prefrontal Cortex
B. The Occipital Lobe
C. The Thalamus
D. The Cerebellum
Answer: A
Rationale: The prefrontal cortex is the ‘manager’ of the brain, overseeing high-level
cognitive processes. It plays a critical role in inhibiting impulsive behaviors and planning
D564 Theories of Personality | Western
Governors University
1. According to Eysenck’s theory, the physiological basis for extraversion is related to the
activity of which brain structure?
A. The Amygdala
B. The Prefrontal Cortex
C. The Ascending Reticular Activating System (ARAS)
D. The Hippocampus
Answer: C
Rationale: Eysenck proposed that the ARAS regulates the balance between excitatory and
inhibitory cortical processes. Extraverts are believed to have lower levels of cortical
arousal, leading them to seek external stimulation. Conversely, introverts have higher
baseline arousal and avoid overstimulation to maintain comfort.
2. In Jeffrey Gray’s Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory, which system is responsible for
responding to signals of punishment and frustration?
A. Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS)
B. Behavioral Activation System (BAS)
C. Fight-Flight-Freeze System (FFFS)
,D. The Limbic Reward Circuit
Answer: A
Rationale: The Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) is sensitive to signals of punishment
and novelty, leading to avoidance behavior. High BIS activity is clinically associated with
higher levels of anxiety and neuroticism. This system helps organisms avoid potential
threats by pausing behavior to assess the environment.
3. Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with the Behavioral Activation System
(BAS) and the pursuit of rewards?
A. Dopamine
B. GABA
C. Serotonin
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: A
Rationale: Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in the brain’s reward and
pleasure centers. It drives the motivation to seek out positive incentives, which aligns with
the functions of the BAS. Research indicates that individual differences in dopamine
response correlate with extraversion and novelty-seeking.
4. Jerome Kagan’s research on temperament categorized infants into which two primary
groups based on their reactions to novelty?
A. Inhibited and Uninhibited
, B. Easy and Difficult
C. Secure and Insecure
D. Reactive and Passive
Answer: A
Rationale: Kagan focused on the biological basis of temperament, specifically how children
react to unfamiliar people or objects. Inhibited children show physiological distress and
withdrawal when encountering novelty, while uninhibited children remain calm and
exploratory. These temperamental patterns often show moderate stability from infancy
into later childhood.
5. Which brain region is primarily associated with executive functions, such as impulse control
and emotional regulation?
A. The Prefrontal Cortex
B. The Occipital Lobe
C. The Thalamus
D. The Cerebellum
Answer: A
Rationale: The prefrontal cortex is the ‘manager’ of the brain, overseeing high-level
cognitive processes. It plays a critical role in inhibiting impulsive behaviors and planning
