WGU D564 FINAL EXAM: THEORIES OF
PERSONALITY, (LATEST 2026/2027 UPDATE)
WITH CORRECT/ACCURATE ANSWERS
WGU D564 FINAL EXAM: THEORIES OF
PERSONALITY
WGU D564 – Theories of Personality
Final Exam (Latest Update 2026/2027)
Question 1
Which theory of personality focuses on unconscious fears, desires, and the influence of
the collective unconscious?
a) Behaviorism
b) Humanistic psychology
c) Psychoanalytic theory
d) Trait theory
Correct Answer: c) Psychoanalytic theory
Rationale:
Psychoanalytic theory, originally developed by Sigmund Freud and later expanded by
Carl Jung, emphasizes unconscious motivations that influence behavior. Jung
introduced the concept of the collective unconscious, which contains shared ancestral
memories and archetypes. This theory explains personality as the result of unresolved
inner conflicts and unconscious drives. Other theories focus on observable behavior,
conscious growth, or measurable traits rather than unconscious processes.
,Question 2
Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy refers to an individual’s:
a) Genetic predisposition toward success
b) Belief in their ability to perform specific tasks
c) Level of motivation determined by reinforcement
d) Degree of emotional intelligence
Correct Answer: b) Belief in their ability to perform specific tasks
Rationale:
Self-efficacy is a central concept in Albert Bandura’s social-cognitive theory. It reflects
how confident individuals feel about their ability to achieve goals or handle challenges.
High self-efficacy leads to greater persistence and resilience, while low self-efficacy
can result in avoidance and self-doubt. This belief system strongly influences
motivation and behavior.
Question 3
Trait theory suggests that personality is best described as:
a) A set of learned behaviors shaped by reinforcement
b) A series of unconscious conflicts
c) Stable patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
d) A response to environmental stressors
Correct Answer: c) Stable patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Rationale:
Trait theory views personality as composed of consistent characteristics that vary
across individuals. These traits remain relatively stable over time and across
situations. Models such as the Big Five emphasize measurable dimensions like
openness and conscientiousness. This approach allows psychologists to predict
behavior based on identifiable personality traits.
,Question 4
According to B.F. Skinner, positive reinforcement occurs when:
a) A stimulus is added to reduce behavior
b) A stimulus is removed to reduce behavior
c) A stimulus is added to increase behavior
d) A stimulus is removed to increase behavior
Correct Answer: c) A stimulus is added to increase behavior
Rationale:
Positive reinforcement strengthens behavior by introducing a rewarding stimulus after
the behavior occurs. Skinner believed behavior is shaped by its consequences rather
than internal thoughts. When behaviors are rewarded, they are more likely to be
repeated. This concept is foundational to operant conditioning within behaviorism.
Question 5
Behaviors reinforced on a ______ schedule are most resistant to extinction.
a) Fixed ratio
b) Fixed interval
c) Variable ratio
d) Continuous
Correct Answer: c) Variable ratio
Rationale:
Variable ratio schedules deliver reinforcement after an unpredictable number of
responses. This unpredictability makes behaviors highly resistant to extinction, as
seen in gambling behaviors. Individuals continue responding because reinforcement
could occur at any time. Skinner demonstrated that this schedule produces the
highest and most consistent response rates.
, Question 6
Carl Rogers believed that personality development is best fostered through:
a) Punishment and reinforcement
b) Genetic inheritance
c) Unconditional positive regard
d) Social comparison
Correct Answer: c) Unconditional positive regard
Rationale:
Rogers emphasized the importance of acceptance and empathy in promoting healthy
personality development. Unconditional positive regard allows individuals to develop a
positive self-concept without fear of rejection. This supportive environment
encourages self-actualization and personal growth. Rogers’ approach is central to
humanistic psychology.
Question 7
In cognitive personality theories, a self-schema refers to:
a) Genetic personality traits
b) Cultural identity norms
c) Organized beliefs about oneself
d) Learned behavioral responses
Correct Answer: c) Organized beliefs about oneself
Rationale:
Self-schemas are mental frameworks that help individuals organize information about
themselves. They influence how people process experiences and interpret events.
Cognitive theories argue that these schemas shape personality by guiding perceptions
and expectations. This approach highlights the role of thought patterns rather than
unconscious drives.
PERSONALITY, (LATEST 2026/2027 UPDATE)
WITH CORRECT/ACCURATE ANSWERS
WGU D564 FINAL EXAM: THEORIES OF
PERSONALITY
WGU D564 – Theories of Personality
Final Exam (Latest Update 2026/2027)
Question 1
Which theory of personality focuses on unconscious fears, desires, and the influence of
the collective unconscious?
a) Behaviorism
b) Humanistic psychology
c) Psychoanalytic theory
d) Trait theory
Correct Answer: c) Psychoanalytic theory
Rationale:
Psychoanalytic theory, originally developed by Sigmund Freud and later expanded by
Carl Jung, emphasizes unconscious motivations that influence behavior. Jung
introduced the concept of the collective unconscious, which contains shared ancestral
memories and archetypes. This theory explains personality as the result of unresolved
inner conflicts and unconscious drives. Other theories focus on observable behavior,
conscious growth, or measurable traits rather than unconscious processes.
,Question 2
Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy refers to an individual’s:
a) Genetic predisposition toward success
b) Belief in their ability to perform specific tasks
c) Level of motivation determined by reinforcement
d) Degree of emotional intelligence
Correct Answer: b) Belief in their ability to perform specific tasks
Rationale:
Self-efficacy is a central concept in Albert Bandura’s social-cognitive theory. It reflects
how confident individuals feel about their ability to achieve goals or handle challenges.
High self-efficacy leads to greater persistence and resilience, while low self-efficacy
can result in avoidance and self-doubt. This belief system strongly influences
motivation and behavior.
Question 3
Trait theory suggests that personality is best described as:
a) A set of learned behaviors shaped by reinforcement
b) A series of unconscious conflicts
c) Stable patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
d) A response to environmental stressors
Correct Answer: c) Stable patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Rationale:
Trait theory views personality as composed of consistent characteristics that vary
across individuals. These traits remain relatively stable over time and across
situations. Models such as the Big Five emphasize measurable dimensions like
openness and conscientiousness. This approach allows psychologists to predict
behavior based on identifiable personality traits.
,Question 4
According to B.F. Skinner, positive reinforcement occurs when:
a) A stimulus is added to reduce behavior
b) A stimulus is removed to reduce behavior
c) A stimulus is added to increase behavior
d) A stimulus is removed to increase behavior
Correct Answer: c) A stimulus is added to increase behavior
Rationale:
Positive reinforcement strengthens behavior by introducing a rewarding stimulus after
the behavior occurs. Skinner believed behavior is shaped by its consequences rather
than internal thoughts. When behaviors are rewarded, they are more likely to be
repeated. This concept is foundational to operant conditioning within behaviorism.
Question 5
Behaviors reinforced on a ______ schedule are most resistant to extinction.
a) Fixed ratio
b) Fixed interval
c) Variable ratio
d) Continuous
Correct Answer: c) Variable ratio
Rationale:
Variable ratio schedules deliver reinforcement after an unpredictable number of
responses. This unpredictability makes behaviors highly resistant to extinction, as
seen in gambling behaviors. Individuals continue responding because reinforcement
could occur at any time. Skinner demonstrated that this schedule produces the
highest and most consistent response rates.
, Question 6
Carl Rogers believed that personality development is best fostered through:
a) Punishment and reinforcement
b) Genetic inheritance
c) Unconditional positive regard
d) Social comparison
Correct Answer: c) Unconditional positive regard
Rationale:
Rogers emphasized the importance of acceptance and empathy in promoting healthy
personality development. Unconditional positive regard allows individuals to develop a
positive self-concept without fear of rejection. This supportive environment
encourages self-actualization and personal growth. Rogers’ approach is central to
humanistic psychology.
Question 7
In cognitive personality theories, a self-schema refers to:
a) Genetic personality traits
b) Cultural identity norms
c) Organized beliefs about oneself
d) Learned behavioral responses
Correct Answer: c) Organized beliefs about oneself
Rationale:
Self-schemas are mental frameworks that help individuals organize information about
themselves. They influence how people process experiences and interpret events.
Cognitive theories argue that these schemas shape personality by guiding perceptions
and expectations. This approach highlights the role of thought patterns rather than
unconscious drives.
