Short Answer Questions
- Explain how the scientific method and its processes/steps are used in personality research. Outline
the steps. A psychologist is interested in studying aggression in children. Describe how the
researcher might study the trait of aggression using one of the following research designs as
discussed in your readings: case study, natural observation or survey design. Be sure to fully explain
the model you choose to include behaviors you are measuring or recording. (25 points) - The study of personality relies heavily on the use of personality tests and assessments. Read the
following scenario and respond to the questions that follow it. (25 points)
Dr. Durwood is interested in the relationship of creativity to academic performance. To that end, he
hoped to be able to predict academic performance in his psychology course on the basis of this
trait. Dr. Durwood decided to develop a personality test to measure creativity and administer it to
his students in his research methods class.
Dr. Durwood’s brief test of creativity consists of 5 items requiring responses of True or False. After
generating the 5-item scale, Dr. Durwood administers it to his class on Monday and repeats the
administration again to the same class on the following Monday. Reviewing the results (r=.2), he
notes a significant drop in test scores from the first Monday to the following Monday. Unconcerned
and believing that students did not take the time to fully read the test items on the second testing,
he proceeds to correlate the students’ first test scores with final course grades. He is dismayed to
find that there is no significant relationship between creativity and final course grades. Below are
the 5 items used by Dr. Durwood: - I enjoy learning new things. (T/F)
- I prefer realistic art over modern art. (T/F)
- I am optimistic today about my performance in this course. (T/F)
- Early morning classes provide the best learning opportunities. (T/F)
- I feel creative today. (T/F)
Using principles from the course readings, assess the reliability and validity of Dr. Durwood’s
measure of creativity. Apply the same principles to his research design and critique it; do not simply
provide definitions of reliability and validity. - Twin studies have provided increased insights into genetic components of personality. Explain the
nature, function and structure (models) of twin studies. What specific ethical constraints as defined
by the APA Code of Ethics face a psychologist studying behavioral genetics? According to the
research, what specific findings have been observed in twin studies? Please provide specific
evidence from your course readings. (25 points) - Freud and Erikson proposed different models of personality development. These models also have
similarities. Explain the similarities and differences between the two models along the following
dimensions. Use the framework below to answer this question. Be sure to cite your sources. (25
points)
Sample Solution
