AP Psychology Unit 4: Personality, Motivation, & Emotion Test Review

Unconscious Processes

Thoughts, feelings, and desires you’re not aware of but that influence behavior.

Example: You randomly dislike someone → actually reminds you of someone from your past.

Id

Primitive part of personality; seeks immediate pleasure (pleasure principle).

Example: You want to eat cake right now even if you’re on a diet

Ego

Rational part that balances id and reality (reality principle).

Example: “I’ll eat cake later after dinner instead.”

Superego

Moral conscience; tells you right vs wrong.

Example: “I shouldn’t eat the cake because it’s unhealthy.”

Denial

Refusing to accept reality.

Example: Deny your boyfriend/girlfriend is cheating on you

Displacement

Redirecting emotions to a safer target.

Example: Yelled at by boss → you yell at your sibling.

Projection

• Attributing your own feelings to others.

• Example: You cheat but accuse your partner of cheating.

Rationalization

Offers self-justification explanations in place of the real, more threatening, unconscious reasons for one’s actions.

Example: “I drink with my friends” not “I’m an alcoholic.” “I’m a social smoker”)

Reaction Formation

• Acting opposite of true feelings.

• Example: Being extra nice to someone you secretly dislike.

Regression

• Reverting to childlike behavior.

• Example: Crying or throwing a tantrum when stressed.

Repression

• Pushing painful memories out of awareness.

• Example: Forgetting a traumatic event.

Sublimation

• Channeling impulses into positive actions.

• Example: Angry → go to the gym instead of fighting.

Rorschach Inkblot Test

• Interpreting inkblots to reveal unconscious thoughts.

• Example: Seeing aggressive images → may suggest internal conflict.

TAT (Thematic Apperception Test)

• Creating stories about images.

• Example: Your story reflects your own fears or desires.

Criticisms

• Lack reliability/validity; subjective scoring.

• Example: Two psychologists give different interpretations.

Self-Actualization

• Reaching full potential.

• Example: Becoming the best version of yourself (career, goals).

Unconditional Positive Regard

• Acceptance without conditions.

• Example: A parent loves their child no matter what.

Self-Concept (Real vs Ideal Self)

• How you see yourself vs how you want to be.

• Example: Real: “I’m shy” | Ideal: “I want to be confident”

Trait

• Stable characteristic.

• Example: Being consistently outgoing.

Factor Analysis

• Statistical method to group traits.

• Example: Grouping talkative + social → “extraversion”

Big Five (OCEAN/CANOE)

• Openness: creative, imaginative → loves art

• Conscientiousness: organized → keeps planner

• Extraversion: social → loves parties

• Agreeableness: kind → helps others

• Neuroticism: emotional → easily stressed

MMPI

• Clinical test for mental disorders.

• Example: Used in diagnosing depression.

Myers-Briggs (MBTI)

• Personality type test (e.g., introvert/extrovert).

• Example: Getting “INFJ”

Self-Efficacy

• Belief in your ability.

• Example: “I can pass this test if I study.”

Reciprocal Determinism

• Behavior, environment, and personal factors influence each other.

• Example: You study (behavior) → good grade → boosts confidence.

Locus of Control

• Internal: You control outcomes

  • Example: “I passed because I studied”

• External: Outside forces control outcomes

  • Example: “I failed because the test was unfair”

Attributional Style

• Optimistic: Temporary setbacks

  • Example: “I failed once, I’ll improve”

• Pessimistic: Permanent failure

  • Example: “I always fail”

Spotlight Effect

• Overestimating how much others notice you.

• Example: Thinking everyone noticed your bad hair day.

Self-Serving Bias

• Credit success to self, blame failure on outside factors.

• Example: A → “I’m smart” | F → “test was unfair”

Instinct Theory

• Behavior driven by instincts.

• Example: Babies sucking for food.

Drive Reduction Theory

• We act to reduce discomfort.

• Example: Eat when hungry.

Optimal Arousal Theory

• We seek ideal level of excitement.

• Example: Watching a movie for stimulation.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

• Moderate stress = best performance.

• Example: Too nervous → fail test; slightly nervous → perform best.

Sensation-Seeking Theory

• Seeking thrilling experiences.

• Example: Skydiving.

Self-Determination Theory

• Motivation comes from autonomy, competence, relatedness.

• Example: Studying because you want to succeed (not forced).

Incentive Theory

• Behavior driven by rewards.

• Example: Studying to get good grades.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Self Actualization Theory)

• Needs must be met in order.

• Example:

  1. Food → 2. Safety → 3. Love → 4. Esteem → 5. Self-actualization

Approach-Approach

• Choosing between 2 good options.

• Example: Two colleges you like.

Avoidance-Avoidance

• Choosing between 2 bad options.

• Example: Homework vs chores.

Approach-Avoidance

• One thing has pros & cons.

• Example: High-paying job you dislike.

Ghrelin

• Hunger hormone (makes you hungry).

• Example: Stomach growling before eating.

Leptin

• Fullness hormone.

• Example: Feeling full after a big meal.

Physiological Experiences

• Body reactions.

• Example: Heart racing when scared.

Cognitive Appraisal

• Interpreting a situation.

• Example: “This is dangerous” → fear.

Broaden-and-Build Theory

• Positive emotions expand thinking.

• Example: Happiness → more creativity.

Facial Feedback Hypothesis

• Facial expressions influence emotions.

• Example: Smiling → feel happier.

Universal Emotions

• Core feelings

• Example: Happiness, fear, anger, sadness.

Culture and Emotions

• Culture influences expression.

• Example: American culture values high-arousal positive emotions like excitement, while Chinese culture often prioritizes low-arousal, calm emotions

Display Rules

• Cultural or social norms that dictate how, when, and to whom individuals express emotions, often requiring them to mask or alter their true feelings to fit the situation

• Example: Hiding sadness in public, smiling when receiving a bad gift