QUESTIONS ON ROGERS’ THEORY
QUESTION 1
In terms of Rogers’ theory, the self concept
(1) is that part of the structure of personality which makes it possible for the individual to exercise
freedom of choice.
(2) is fixed which allows an individual to experience a sense of continuity throughout the lifespan.
(3) develops as the individual interacts with his or her social environment.
(4) includes the total phenomenal field of the individual.
FEEDBACK ON QUESTION 1
Alternative 4 is the correct answer. According to Rogers the self concept is part of the
phenomenological field and it forms an important part of the structure of personality. Rogers
describes a psychologically adjusted person as someone whose individual experiences are or can be
assimilated at a symbolic level in relation to the self concept. According to Rogers, freedom of choice
is one of the characteristics of an optimally functioning individual. The self concept does not
necessarily make it possible for one to exercise freedom of choice. It is only when an individual’s self
concept is in accordance with his actual potential that he will become an optimally functioning
individual, which includes the ability to exercise one’s freedom of choice. Rogers states clearly that
the self concept is a fluid and changing gestalt.
Furthermore, although it consists of relatively stable pattern of integrated perceptions, it is flexible
and changeable. Although it is true that the self concept develops as the individual interacts with the
environment, this statement is partially true because the self concept also develops as a
consequence of the evaluation of others. Unconditional positive regard and conditional positive
regard are also regarded as key factors in the development of the self concept. (Refer to page 380,
MMV for more details). Alternatives 1 and 2 are therefore incorrect. Alternative 3 is considered
incorrect due to its partial representation of facts in terms of the development of the self concept.
Read the following story carefully, and then answer Questions 49 and 50 in terms of Rogers’
theory.
Samuel sees himself as a good son who could not possibly be attracted to the activities of some of
his peers, such as smoking dagga. Samuel has included the value of his father of “if you are a good
son you will not be attracted to socially unacceptable activities” in his view of what a good son
should be. When Samuel enters high school, he experiences the intense wish to “break loose” and to
experiment with dagga with his peers.
QUESTION 2
According to Rogers’ theory, Samuel
(a) received unconditional positive regard from his father.
(b) received conditional positive regard from his father.
(c) incorporated a condition of worth into his self concept.
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,(d) is likely to become a fully functioning person.
The correct answer is:
(1) (b)
(2) (b) & (c)
(3) (a) & (c)
(4) (a) & (d)
FEEDBACK ON QUESTION 2
It is evident in the scenario that Samuel’s father set conditions for him in terms of what a good son
“looks like”. Samuel has then incorporated his father’s condition of acceptance of him as a good son
into how he sees himself. Samuel therefore received conditional regard from his father and he has
incorporated this condition of worth into his self concept. When engaging with his peers he
experienced an intense need to break loose and experiment with dagga, which is incongruent with
his self concept. If he continues to function in this incongruent state, it is unlikely that he will
become a fully functioning individual. Alternatives (b) and (c) are correct; which means option (2) is
the correct answer.
QUESTION 3
In terms of Rogers’ theory, Samuel is likely to function
(1) congruently because he will tend to behave in accordance with his self concept.
(2) incongruently because his self concept differs from his organismic experiences.
(3) congruently because his self concept and true organismic potential are in accordance with one
another.
(4) incongruently because his wish to experiment with dagga is in line with his self concept.
FEEDBACK ON QUESTION 3
Alternative (2) is the correct answer. See above feedback on question 2.
QUESTION 4
According to Rogers, the individual's phenomenal field consists of
(a) his subjective interpretation of external objects and events
(b) his emotional experiences
(c) events imagined even if not physically present
(d) events in his environment which he does not attend to
The correct answer is:
(1) (b)
(2) (a) & (c)
(3) (a), (b) & (c)
2
,(4) (a), (b), (c) & (d)
FEEDBACK ON QUESTION 4
Rogers described the phenomenal field as “a representation of the totality of a person’s perceptions
and experiences” and these include objects and events outside the person and the person’s inner
experiences as well as the meanings attached to them. The phenomenal field would therefore not
include events which he does not attend to perceive and experience. Alternative (d) is therefore
incorrect. The correct answer is option 4.
QUESTION 5
According to Rogers, the self-actualisation tendency is the need to behave and develop according
to one's (a)______ whereas the actualising tendency is the need to behave and develop according
to one's (b)______ .
(1) (a) true potential (b) self-concept
(2) (a) innate self-concept (b) acquired abilities
(3) (a) unconscious view of oneself (b) conscious view of oneself
(4) (a) conscious view of oneself (b) innate abilities.
FEEDBACK ON QUESTION 5
Alternatives 2, 3 and 4 are not in line with Rogers’ explanation of the self-actualisation and the
actualising tendencies. He stressed that the self actualising tendency is a subsidiary of the actualising
tendency. The actualising tendency is regarded as the overriding motive where organisms grow and
maintain themselves in order to become what they can be. Alternative 1 is therefore the correct
answer.
QUESTIONS ON FRANKL’S THEORY
QUESTION 6
Frankl believed that youngsters often do not reach optimal levels of development because they
(a) are given responsibilities at a time when they need to have fun.
(b) want to live only for today, without any goals or visions for the future.
(c) so easily capitulate to peer and other outside pressures.
(d) live in an existential vacuum, with too few challenges and goals.
The correct answer is:
(1) (a) and (c)
(2) (b), (c) and (d)
(3) (c) and (d)
(4) (a), (b), (c) and (d)
FEEDBACK ON QUESTION 6
3
, Frankl mentioned that people’s lack of courage to respond to their challenges of life and to exercise
their freedom responsibly is one of the reasons why people may not reach optimal development. For
youngsters to reach optimal development, they need to handle their freedom (including having fun)
more responsibly. Option (a) is therefore incorrect as a descriptor for optimally functioning
individuals. Optimally functioning people are characterised by their ability to plan, to have future
goals, not falling into the trap of conformism and to rise above the challenges of life. Their lives are
purposeful and meaningful. The correct answer therefore is alternative (2) which includes options
(b), (c) and (d).
Read the following story carefully and answer Questions 7 to 10.
When Anna received the devastating news that she had cancer, she immediately phoned those close
to her and in this way, mobilized her social network. When she went for treatment at the clinic, she
also connected with other sufferers and created a community of sufferers which gave those who
were suffering, the feeling that they were not alone. In reaching out to them, she found meaning in
her own suffering. She was also able to focus on her ‘blessings’. When she looked at other sufferers
who were having a far worse time than her. She sought knowledge through reading about cancer
and healing, and followed a healthy diet plan. She also sought to know why she became ill. She
believed that it was due to issues in the past that she had not dealt with properly. She now took the
opportunity she was given to deal with those issues and believed her cancer would not return. She
now lives her life as a cancer survivor and has made many plans for her future.
QUESTION 7
In terms of Frankl’s theory regarding the freedom to be responsible, which of the following
statements is/are true of Anna?
(a) As a human being, she constantly faced choices in terms of her attitude towards her diagnosis of
cancer and her experience of it.
(b) She felt compelled to behave positively when she found out that she had cancer.
(c) She would have to bear the consequences of the choices that she made towards her diagnosis of
cancer and her experience of it.
(d) Although she is primarily a spiritual being, her freedom of choice is nonetheless curtailed by her
environment and heredity.
The correct answer is:
(1) (a), (c) & (d)
(2) (a)
(3) (b) & (c)
(4) All of the above
FEEDBACK ON QUESTION 7
According to existentialist philosophers, human beings have freedom and responsibility. Whichever
circumstances we face, we have the freedom to be responsible, freedom of choice, we are not
compelled to behave in any particular way and we can be held responsible for our choices because
we have a free will. Over and above that, we cannot ascribe our actions to the influences of the
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QUESTION 1
In terms of Rogers’ theory, the self concept
(1) is that part of the structure of personality which makes it possible for the individual to exercise
freedom of choice.
(2) is fixed which allows an individual to experience a sense of continuity throughout the lifespan.
(3) develops as the individual interacts with his or her social environment.
(4) includes the total phenomenal field of the individual.
FEEDBACK ON QUESTION 1
Alternative 4 is the correct answer. According to Rogers the self concept is part of the
phenomenological field and it forms an important part of the structure of personality. Rogers
describes a psychologically adjusted person as someone whose individual experiences are or can be
assimilated at a symbolic level in relation to the self concept. According to Rogers, freedom of choice
is one of the characteristics of an optimally functioning individual. The self concept does not
necessarily make it possible for one to exercise freedom of choice. It is only when an individual’s self
concept is in accordance with his actual potential that he will become an optimally functioning
individual, which includes the ability to exercise one’s freedom of choice. Rogers states clearly that
the self concept is a fluid and changing gestalt.
Furthermore, although it consists of relatively stable pattern of integrated perceptions, it is flexible
and changeable. Although it is true that the self concept develops as the individual interacts with the
environment, this statement is partially true because the self concept also develops as a
consequence of the evaluation of others. Unconditional positive regard and conditional positive
regard are also regarded as key factors in the development of the self concept. (Refer to page 380,
MMV for more details). Alternatives 1 and 2 are therefore incorrect. Alternative 3 is considered
incorrect due to its partial representation of facts in terms of the development of the self concept.
Read the following story carefully, and then answer Questions 49 and 50 in terms of Rogers’
theory.
Samuel sees himself as a good son who could not possibly be attracted to the activities of some of
his peers, such as smoking dagga. Samuel has included the value of his father of “if you are a good
son you will not be attracted to socially unacceptable activities” in his view of what a good son
should be. When Samuel enters high school, he experiences the intense wish to “break loose” and to
experiment with dagga with his peers.
QUESTION 2
According to Rogers’ theory, Samuel
(a) received unconditional positive regard from his father.
(b) received conditional positive regard from his father.
(c) incorporated a condition of worth into his self concept.
1
,(d) is likely to become a fully functioning person.
The correct answer is:
(1) (b)
(2) (b) & (c)
(3) (a) & (c)
(4) (a) & (d)
FEEDBACK ON QUESTION 2
It is evident in the scenario that Samuel’s father set conditions for him in terms of what a good son
“looks like”. Samuel has then incorporated his father’s condition of acceptance of him as a good son
into how he sees himself. Samuel therefore received conditional regard from his father and he has
incorporated this condition of worth into his self concept. When engaging with his peers he
experienced an intense need to break loose and experiment with dagga, which is incongruent with
his self concept. If he continues to function in this incongruent state, it is unlikely that he will
become a fully functioning individual. Alternatives (b) and (c) are correct; which means option (2) is
the correct answer.
QUESTION 3
In terms of Rogers’ theory, Samuel is likely to function
(1) congruently because he will tend to behave in accordance with his self concept.
(2) incongruently because his self concept differs from his organismic experiences.
(3) congruently because his self concept and true organismic potential are in accordance with one
another.
(4) incongruently because his wish to experiment with dagga is in line with his self concept.
FEEDBACK ON QUESTION 3
Alternative (2) is the correct answer. See above feedback on question 2.
QUESTION 4
According to Rogers, the individual's phenomenal field consists of
(a) his subjective interpretation of external objects and events
(b) his emotional experiences
(c) events imagined even if not physically present
(d) events in his environment which he does not attend to
The correct answer is:
(1) (b)
(2) (a) & (c)
(3) (a), (b) & (c)
2
,(4) (a), (b), (c) & (d)
FEEDBACK ON QUESTION 4
Rogers described the phenomenal field as “a representation of the totality of a person’s perceptions
and experiences” and these include objects and events outside the person and the person’s inner
experiences as well as the meanings attached to them. The phenomenal field would therefore not
include events which he does not attend to perceive and experience. Alternative (d) is therefore
incorrect. The correct answer is option 4.
QUESTION 5
According to Rogers, the self-actualisation tendency is the need to behave and develop according
to one's (a)______ whereas the actualising tendency is the need to behave and develop according
to one's (b)______ .
(1) (a) true potential (b) self-concept
(2) (a) innate self-concept (b) acquired abilities
(3) (a) unconscious view of oneself (b) conscious view of oneself
(4) (a) conscious view of oneself (b) innate abilities.
FEEDBACK ON QUESTION 5
Alternatives 2, 3 and 4 are not in line with Rogers’ explanation of the self-actualisation and the
actualising tendencies. He stressed that the self actualising tendency is a subsidiary of the actualising
tendency. The actualising tendency is regarded as the overriding motive where organisms grow and
maintain themselves in order to become what they can be. Alternative 1 is therefore the correct
answer.
QUESTIONS ON FRANKL’S THEORY
QUESTION 6
Frankl believed that youngsters often do not reach optimal levels of development because they
(a) are given responsibilities at a time when they need to have fun.
(b) want to live only for today, without any goals or visions for the future.
(c) so easily capitulate to peer and other outside pressures.
(d) live in an existential vacuum, with too few challenges and goals.
The correct answer is:
(1) (a) and (c)
(2) (b), (c) and (d)
(3) (c) and (d)
(4) (a), (b), (c) and (d)
FEEDBACK ON QUESTION 6
3
, Frankl mentioned that people’s lack of courage to respond to their challenges of life and to exercise
their freedom responsibly is one of the reasons why people may not reach optimal development. For
youngsters to reach optimal development, they need to handle their freedom (including having fun)
more responsibly. Option (a) is therefore incorrect as a descriptor for optimally functioning
individuals. Optimally functioning people are characterised by their ability to plan, to have future
goals, not falling into the trap of conformism and to rise above the challenges of life. Their lives are
purposeful and meaningful. The correct answer therefore is alternative (2) which includes options
(b), (c) and (d).
Read the following story carefully and answer Questions 7 to 10.
When Anna received the devastating news that she had cancer, she immediately phoned those close
to her and in this way, mobilized her social network. When she went for treatment at the clinic, she
also connected with other sufferers and created a community of sufferers which gave those who
were suffering, the feeling that they were not alone. In reaching out to them, she found meaning in
her own suffering. She was also able to focus on her ‘blessings’. When she looked at other sufferers
who were having a far worse time than her. She sought knowledge through reading about cancer
and healing, and followed a healthy diet plan. She also sought to know why she became ill. She
believed that it was due to issues in the past that she had not dealt with properly. She now took the
opportunity she was given to deal with those issues and believed her cancer would not return. She
now lives her life as a cancer survivor and has made many plans for her future.
QUESTION 7
In terms of Frankl’s theory regarding the freedom to be responsible, which of the following
statements is/are true of Anna?
(a) As a human being, she constantly faced choices in terms of her attitude towards her diagnosis of
cancer and her experience of it.
(b) She felt compelled to behave positively when she found out that she had cancer.
(c) She would have to bear the consequences of the choices that she made towards her diagnosis of
cancer and her experience of it.
(d) Although she is primarily a spiritual being, her freedom of choice is nonetheless curtailed by her
environment and heredity.
The correct answer is:
(1) (a), (c) & (d)
(2) (a)
(3) (b) & (c)
(4) All of the above
FEEDBACK ON QUESTION 7
According to existentialist philosophers, human beings have freedom and responsibility. Whichever
circumstances we face, we have the freedom to be responsible, freedom of choice, we are not
compelled to behave in any particular way and we can be held responsible for our choices because
we have a free will. Over and above that, we cannot ascribe our actions to the influences of the
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