SECTION A

You must answer ALL THREE (3) questions.

Question 1

a) Define personality. What are two central questions that this field of personality Does psychology attempt to answer?

b) What is the difference between an unstructured interview and a structured interview?

What might be the advantages and disadvantages of each type?

c) Formulate three related statements or questions to illustrate an example of an unstructured interview. Using the same three statements or questions you have constructed above, transform them into three related statements or questions to illustrate an example of a structured interview.

Question 2

a) List and briefly describe Erikson’s eight stages of development. Choose one stage, and describe what would happen if this crisis was not successfully negotiated.

b) Compare and contrast critically the cognitive theory with the social-learning theory on three different aspects of personality in detail: the theoretical assumptions, how personality develops such as in acquiring skills like driving, and how personality

c) Evaluate the usefulness of each of the above two major personality theories for the helping profession.

Question 3

“The trait approach to personality searches for a small number of core dimensions that can usefully summarise a person’s consistent patterns of responding. The number of such dimensions is still in dispute” (Friedman & Schustack, 2014, p.299).

One example of such an approach to personality is the so-called Big Five dimensions of personality. Most trait psychologists assume that there are biological bases to these inconsistencies. They are also willing to accept that there are cognitive, psychodynamic, and cultural influences on traits. People are shaped by their cultures. The effects of culture on personality can be dramatic. Psychologists consider these cultural issues even in personality assessment.

In the light of the above, consider the following case scenario. Suresh is a Secondary Two student who is often getting into trouble in school. His teachers say that he is constantly talking in class, asking very perceptive questions, and is fond of debating and suggesting ideas in class. He has too much energy to stay in his seat and often passes notes to his classmates. Although he often fails to turn in his homework and thus has poor marks, his teachers agree that he is creative and his jokes are witty.

As a result of his behaviour in class, Suresh is not a favourite with teachers, but he is well-liked by his classmates. They find him friendly, fun to be around and kind. Suresh himself says that he has no worries. He believes that he has a positive outlook on life and good social skills and that he will be able to accomplish his personal goals in the future.

a) Based on the description above, rate Suresh as high, average, or low on each of the Big Five dimensions of personality. Then justify your ratings with support from the case study above.

b) Identify and describe three aspects of culture that you think may have shaped the personality of Suresh.