Identity, personality and psychological disorders sample question 3

High extraversion and high neuroticism: a moody extravert

MCAT · Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior · Psychology

Identity, personality and psychological disorders

Identity, personality and psychological disorders is part of Psychology in the MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section. The questions below are written in the style of the real test, each with the answer and a worked explanation.

Question types you will see here include erikson and Kohlberg stage matching, personality theory recognition, twin and adoption data and disorder category recognition.

Common traps: confusing Erikson crises with Kohlberg levels; judging the level by the act rather than the reasoning; placing identity versus role confusion in adulthood.

Sample questions

Question 1
A 16-year-old experiments with different friend groups, styles of dress, and political views while trying to decide what she values. According to Erikson, she is working through which psychosocial stage?
- A.
  Intimacy versus isolation
- B.
  Autonomy versus shame and doubt
- C.
  Identity versus role confusion
- D.
  Industry versus inferiority
Answer: C. Identity versus role confusion
Erikson placed identity versus role confusion in adolescence, when individuals explore roles and values to form a coherent sense of self. Intimacy versus isolation follows in young adulthood and centers on forming close relationships rather than defining the self.
Question 2
A therapist emphasizes empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard to help a client move toward self-actualization. This approach reflects which perspective on personality?
- A.
  Psychodynamic
- B.
  Biological
- C.
  Humanistic
- D.
  Behaviorist
Answer: C. Humanistic
Humanistic theorists such as Rogers and Maslow emphasize personal growth and self-actualization, and unconditional positive regard is a hallmark of Rogers's client-centered therapy. The psychodynamic perspective focuses instead on unconscious conflicts and early experiences.
Question 3
In Eysenck’s model, extraversion and neuroticism are independent dimensions. A woman is sociable, seeks out parties and talks easily with strangers, yet worries intensely, has frequent mood swings and is easily upset by setbacks. Where does she fall on the two dimensions?
- A.
  High extraversion and low neuroticism: a calm extravert
- B.
  High extraversion and high neuroticism: a moody extravert
- C.
  Low extraversion and high neuroticism: an anxious introvert
- D.
  Low extraversion and low neuroticism: a calm introvert
Answer: B. High extraversion and high neuroticism: a moody extravert
Seeking company and talking easily indicate high extraversion, while intense worry, mood swings and easy upset indicate high neuroticism (emotional instability). Because the dimensions are independent, a high score on one does not predict a low score on the other, so A, C and D each misplace her on at least one axis.

Find your real gaps

A few questions show the style. The free scan shows which MCAT skills cost you the most points, then builds a plan around them.

Take the free scan