Question 1: Personality psychology is interested in answering a number of fascinating questions about human behaviour. "Personality psychologists tend to avoid abstract philosophical musings or religious musings and focus instead on thoughts, feelings and behaviours of real people" (Friedman & Schustack, 2014, p.14). Different types of personality measures have been used to study behaviour.
a) Define personality psychology. Present TWO (2) key questions personality psychology attempts to answer.
b) Explain why it is difficult to determine the validity of an assessment interview. Identify ONE (1) difference and ONE (1) similarity between an unstructured interview and a structured interview.
c) Formulate THREE (3) related statements or questions to illustrate an example of an unstructured interview for assessing memory loss in dementia patients. Using the same THREE (3) statements or questions you have constructed above, transform them into THREE (3) related statements or questions to illustrate an example of a structured interview for assessing an aspect of memory loss caused by dementia.
Question 2: The study of personality often focuses on the major theories of Freud, Skinner, Bandura, Kelly, Rogers, Maslow and several others. In recent decades however, the study of personality has shifted towards biological theory which has provided many insights through medical science researches into what it means to be a person and the limits of human responding. This trend is reflected in the biological, cognitive, cultural and other contemporary approaches to personality.
a) Identify and discuss ONE (1) of the mediated effects of biology that can result in dramatic changes in personality. Illustrate how the mediated effects affect personality dramatically by describing a relevant example.
b) Compare and contrast critically the behaviourist theory with the cognitive theory on the following:
i. Key ideas of the theorists
ii. The processes in personality development, and
iii. Roots of maladaptive behaviour.
c) Evaluate the usefulness of EITHER the behaviourist theory OR the cognitive theory for the helping profession.
Question 3:
a) On 16 May 2022, Singapore authorities barred an Indonesian preacher, Abdul Somad Batubara, from entering the country. His extremist and segregationist teachings appeared to be unacceptable in Singapore's multiracial and multi- religious society (The Straits Times, 2022). According to Friedman & Schustack (2014), "cultural and religious expectations can be contradictory, and people find themselves in situations where there are two or more sets of rules to follow" (p.438). ?Explain the influence of culture on religious beliefs and implications for a pluralistic society like Singapore. Evaluate the influence of EITHER religion (if you belong to a religious faith) OR moral beliefs (if you are a free thinker) on your own personality, supporting your answer with a specific example of influence.
b) Maslow believes that self-actualised individuals have a natural tendency to strive for growth and development. As a result, peak experiences of self-fulfilment and joy are common to fully self-actualised people who are "comfortable with themselves and others, loving and creative, realistic and productive" (Friedman & Schustack, 2014, p.318). Family, peers and societal institutions - one's personal environment - ultimately shape one's life experiences. ?Evaluate your own life experiences as to whether you DO or DO NOT meet Maslow's descriptions as stated above. Defend your evaluation with reasonable justifications, making references to your relationships, competitions in the workplace, happenings in your life and the purpose of your life.