Question 1

According to the ethological perspective, we are born with the ability to hate because

Accepted Answer

The ethological perspective suggests that certain behaviors, including aggression, have evolved because they were advantageous for survival and reproduction. This perspective posits that aggression, which can manifest as hate, was selected for through evolution because it could help individuals compete for resources, defend themselves, and ensure the survival of their genes.

Question 2

Mass murderers are usually

Accepted Answer

Mass murderers are predominantly men of prime mating age. This demographic trend is observed across various studies and reports on mass murder incidents, indicating that younger to middle-aged men are more frequently involved in these types of crimes compared to women or older individuals.

Question 3

What do ethologists believe might cause a buildup of aggression and hatred in individuals?

Accepted Answer

The restraints of society and overly strict parents can lead to a buildup of aggression and hatred in individuals.

Question 4

The ethologist Konrad Lorenz suggests which of the following as a way for people to vent their aggression safely?

Accepted Answer

Playing sports is suggested by Konrad Lorenz as a safe outlet for aggression, as it involves physical exertion and competition, which can help in channeling aggressive impulses in a controlled and socially acceptable manner.

Question 5

You are at the grocery store, and suddenly, the person in line behind you goes into a fit of rage. He is yelling, turning red, and his eyes are bulging. His rage seems to be unprovoked. If you were told he suffers from a brain abnormality, the area of the brain most likely affected is

Accepted Answer

The amygdala is involved in processing emotions, including fear and aggression. An abnormality in this area could lead to unprovoked fits of rage, as it plays a key role in emotional regulation.

Question 6

In psychoanalytic theory, thanatos is a(n)

Accepted Answer

Thanatos, in psychoanalytic theory, is considered a self-destructive drive, often contrasted with Eros, the life drive. It represents an unconscious wish for death and destruction.

Question 7

As children, individuals who have antisocial personality disorder often

Accepted Answer

Individuals who develop antisocial personality disorder often exhibit behaviors in childhood such as cruelty to classmates, torturing animals, destroying property, and violating rules. These behaviors are indicative of the disregard for the rights of others that characterizes the disorder.

Question 8

Freudian theory predicts that we might do which of the following with our death instinct?

Accepted Answer

Freudian theory suggests that the death instinct (Thanatos) can be managed through various defense mechanisms, including repression (pushing the instincts out of conscious awareness), displacement (shifting the instinctual impulses from one object or idea to another), and projection (attributing one's own unacceptable urges to others). Therefore, all of these options are ways in which the death instinct might be handled according to Freudian theory.

Question 9

According to Jung, aggression rests in the archetype of the

Accepted Answer

According to Carl Jung, aggression is primarily associated with the "shadow" archetype. The shadow represents the darker, unconscious aspects of the personality, including primitive, negative human emotions and impulses like rage and aggression.

Question 10

Which Jungian combination would be most likely to characterize an aggressive dictator?

Accepted Answer

Thinking-extroverted types are often characterized by their logical, objective decision-making processes and their orientation towards the external world, which can align with the assertive and often aggressive leadership style associated with dictators.

Question 11

Which child would Adler predict is most likely to become a criminal in adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Adler's theory suggests that feelings of neglect or rejection in childhood can lead to feelings of inferiority and compensatory criminal behavior in adulthood. Brent's experience of feeling unwanted and rejected aligns with this prediction.

Question 12

Erikson believed that the unsuccessful resolution of childhood conflicts could result in a hostile and hateful adult. Which of the following conflicts did he believe had to be successfully resolved to avoid developing hostility and hate?

Accepted Answer

Erikson believed that the first three ego crises (trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, and initiative vs. guilt) needed to be successfully resolved during childhood to prevent the development of a hostile and hateful adult. These stages occur in early childhood and are foundational for developing a healthy personality.

Question 13

Rogers believed that a lack of __________ was particularly harmful to children.

Accepted Answer

Rogers emphasized the importance of unconditional positive regard, which means accepting and supporting someone regardless of what they say or do. He believed that lacking this unconditional positive regard is particularly harmful to children, as it affects their self-esteem and potential for personal growth.

Question 14

Maslow argued that for optimal development children must

Accepted Answer

Maslow's hierarchy of needs suggests that for optimal development, individuals (including children) need to have their basic needs met before they can achieve higher levels of self-actualization. This includes feeling safe (security), feeling loved (belongingness and love), having structure (which can be related to safety and security), and having adequate levels of regulation (which can pertain to physiological and safety needs). Therefore, all of these elements are important for a child's optimal development according to Maslow's theory.

Question 15

Which of the following is most likely to be a "cardinal trait" of a serial killer?

Accepted Answer

Cardinal traits are those that dominate an individual's personality so profoundly that the person becomes known for them. In the context of a serial killer, aggression is the most likely trait to be dominant and pervasive throughout their actions and behaviors, influencing their criminal activities.

Question 16

Which of the following characteristics help to make up the trait "psychoticism" as described by Eysenck?

Accepted Answer

Psychoticism, a personality trait identified by Hans Eysenck, is characterized by attributes such as tough-mindedness and impulsivity. Eysenck's theory suggests that individuals high in psychoticism are more prone to aggressive, antisocial, and impulsive behaviors.

Question 17

Lisa is an ill-behaved little girl. She pulls people's hair, shouts and stomps her feet, and refuses to share her toys. Skinner would argue that in order to understand her aggression, we must

Accepted Answer

Skinner, a behaviorist, believed that behavior is determined by its consequences, such as rewards and punishments in the environment, rather than by internal psychological processes. Therefore, to understand Lisa's aggression, Skinner would suggest examining her environment to see what triggers her aggression and how it is reinforced or rewarded.

Question 18

Freud believed that love was closely linked to

Accepted Answer

Freud believed that love was closely linked to sex, as he saw sexual desire as a primary motivating force in human behavior.

Question 19

Erikson posits that love becomes a most important issue during the stage of

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development identifies the stage of intimacy versus isolation as the period during which love becomes a central issue. This stage typically occurs in young adulthood, where individuals seek to form intimate, loving relationships with others.

Question 20

Anxious-ambivalent lovers

Accepted Answer

Anxious-ambivalent lovers are characterized by a desire for intimacy and closeness but also experience significant anxiety and insecurity within relationships. This can lead to behaviors that appear desperate or overly needy, as they fear abandonment or rejection by their partners.

Quiz 14: Love and Hate