D564 Exam 3 Actual Exam Style V1 | WGU
D564 Theories of Personality | Western
Governors University
1. According to Gordon Allport, which type of trait is so pervasive and dominant that it
influences almost every aspect of an individual’s life?
A. Central traits
B. Cardinal traits
C. Secondary traits
D. Source traits
Answer: B
Rationale: Cardinal traits are rare and encompass the person’s entire character to the
point that they become synonymous with that trait. For example, the term ‘Machiavellian’
describes a cardinal trait of cunning and manipulation. Most people do not possess a single
cardinal trait but rather a collection of central traits.
2. Which of the Big Five personality traits is most strongly associated with job performance
across a wide variety of occupations?
A. Extraversion
B. Openness to Experience
C. Conscientiousness
,D. Agreeableness
Answer: C
Rationale: Conscientiousness is the most consistent predictor of job performance among
the five factors. It includes qualities like being organized, dependable, and disciplined,
which are valued in almost any workplace. Research consistently shows that high scores in
this trait correlate with better productivity and reliability.
3. Hans Eysenck proposed that introverts have a higher level of baseline arousal in which part
of the brain?
A. Prefrontal cortex
B. Amygdala
C. Ascending Reticular Activating System (ARAS)
D. Hippocampus
Answer: C
Rationale: Eysenck’s theory suggests that the ARAS regulates cortical arousal and that
introverts have a naturally higher baseline. Because they are already close to their optimal
level of stimulation, they seek to avoid external overstimulation. In contrast, extraverts
have lower baseline arousal and seek stimulation to reach their optimal level.
4. In the context of behavioral genetics, what does a heritability coefficient of 0.50 indicate
for a specific trait?
A. Exactly 50% of an individual’s personality is determined by their parents.
, B. Environmental factors have no influence on the trait in 50% of people.
C. The trait has a 50% chance of being passed down to the next generation.
D. 50% of the variance in that trait within a population is attributable to genetic
differences.
Answer: D
Rationale: Heritability refers to the proportion of observed variance in a group of
individuals that can be explained by genetic variance. It does not apply to a single
individual, but rather to differences across a population. This measure helps researchers
understand the relative contribution of nature versus nurture for specific characteristics.
5. Which of Jeffrey Gray’s systems is responsible for an individual’s sensitivity to cues of
punishment and frustration?
A. Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS)
B. Behavioral Activation System (BAS)
C. Fight-Flight-Freeze System (FFFS)
D. Reticular Activation System (RAS)
Answer: A
Rationale: The BIS is associated with sensitivity to punishment and regulates avoidant
behavior. A highly active BIS often leads to increased levels of anxiety and cautiousness in
D564 Theories of Personality | Western
Governors University
1. According to Gordon Allport, which type of trait is so pervasive and dominant that it
influences almost every aspect of an individual’s life?
A. Central traits
B. Cardinal traits
C. Secondary traits
D. Source traits
Answer: B
Rationale: Cardinal traits are rare and encompass the person’s entire character to the
point that they become synonymous with that trait. For example, the term ‘Machiavellian’
describes a cardinal trait of cunning and manipulation. Most people do not possess a single
cardinal trait but rather a collection of central traits.
2. Which of the Big Five personality traits is most strongly associated with job performance
across a wide variety of occupations?
A. Extraversion
B. Openness to Experience
C. Conscientiousness
,D. Agreeableness
Answer: C
Rationale: Conscientiousness is the most consistent predictor of job performance among
the five factors. It includes qualities like being organized, dependable, and disciplined,
which are valued in almost any workplace. Research consistently shows that high scores in
this trait correlate with better productivity and reliability.
3. Hans Eysenck proposed that introverts have a higher level of baseline arousal in which part
of the brain?
A. Prefrontal cortex
B. Amygdala
C. Ascending Reticular Activating System (ARAS)
D. Hippocampus
Answer: C
Rationale: Eysenck’s theory suggests that the ARAS regulates cortical arousal and that
introverts have a naturally higher baseline. Because they are already close to their optimal
level of stimulation, they seek to avoid external overstimulation. In contrast, extraverts
have lower baseline arousal and seek stimulation to reach their optimal level.
4. In the context of behavioral genetics, what does a heritability coefficient of 0.50 indicate
for a specific trait?
A. Exactly 50% of an individual’s personality is determined by their parents.
, B. Environmental factors have no influence on the trait in 50% of people.
C. The trait has a 50% chance of being passed down to the next generation.
D. 50% of the variance in that trait within a population is attributable to genetic
differences.
Answer: D
Rationale: Heritability refers to the proportion of observed variance in a group of
individuals that can be explained by genetic variance. It does not apply to a single
individual, but rather to differences across a population. This measure helps researchers
understand the relative contribution of nature versus nurture for specific characteristics.
5. Which of Jeffrey Gray’s systems is responsible for an individual’s sensitivity to cues of
punishment and frustration?
A. Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS)
B. Behavioral Activation System (BAS)
C. Fight-Flight-Freeze System (FFFS)
D. Reticular Activation System (RAS)
Answer: A
Rationale: The BIS is associated with sensitivity to punishment and regulates avoidant
behavior. A highly active BIS often leads to increased levels of anxiety and cautiousness in
