Answer THREE of the following four questions. Each answer requires a short essay (around 500-750 words in length). Your answers should show your understanding of relevant concepts in personality theory. They should also refer to relevant research and empirical evidence. Answers should also be written in correct English and communicate your message clearly.
Your answers should be uploaded to Blackboard by 11:59 pm, Friday, September 13.
- How do psychologists justify the use of quantitative scales to assess personality traits? Your answer should refer to both the theory of personality traits and methods for validating measures of traits. What do you think is the biggest challenge researchers may encounter when trying to obtain empirical evidence for scale validity?
- Explain why some personality psychologists have advocated for the Five Factor Model as a universal personality model. What are the major limitations and criticisms of the Five Factor Model?
- Describe what is meant by the terms situationism, behavioral consistency, behavioral signatures, and interactionism. What does the empirical evidence tell us about the importance of situational and personality trait factors in determining an individuals behavior?
- Review leading theories that address the role of the unconscious in personality, including Freuds psychoanalysis and the modern idea of implicit personality traits. Describe the use of the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to assess personality. Do you think the IAT provides valid assessment of unconscious personality?
Rubric
Shows knowledge and understanding of topic material and concepts 7
Reasons clearly from empirical evidence and principles of science 7
Writes in clear and correct English 6
Total points available 20
