Psychology: Personality Assessment and Theories

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to personality assessment and psychological theories.

Objective Assessment Technique

A standardized method of evaluating personality using structured, scored tests like multiple-choice or true/false.

Projective Assessment Technique

A method using ambiguous stimuli to uncover unconscious thoughts or feelings, such as the Rorschach or TAT.

Id

The unconscious part of personality driven by basic urges and the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification.

Ego

The rational part of the mind that mediates between the id, reality, and the superego; operates on the reality principle.

Superego

The moral component of personality, representing internalized societal and parental standards.

Defense Mechanism

Unconscious psychological strategies used to cope with anxiety and maintain self-image.

Denial

Refusing to accept reality or facts that are too painful.

Displacement

Shifting emotional impulses to a less threatening object or person.

Projection

Attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others.

Rationalization

Justifying behaviors or outcomes with seemingly logical reasons, avoiding the true explanation.

Reaction Formation

Acting in the opposite way of one’s true, unacceptable feelings.

Regression

Reverting to behavior characteristic of an earlier stage of development.

Repression

Unconsciously blocking distressing thoughts or memories from awareness.

Sublimation

Channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable or productive activities.

Social Cognitive Theory

A theory that behavior is influenced by observing others, personal beliefs, and the environment.

Self-Efficacy

Belief in one’s ability to perform tasks and achieve goals.

Humanism

A psychological approach that emphasizes personal growth, free will, and the drive toward self-fulfillment.

Carl Rogers

A humanistic psychologist known for client-centered therapy and the idea of unconditional positive regard.

Conditions of Worth

Standards imposed by others that influence how we see ourselves and affect self-acceptance.

Positive Self-Regard

Valuing and accepting oneself.

Self-Actualization

The process of realizing and fulfilling one’s potential and capabilities.

Personality Trait

A consistent pattern in thoughts, feelings, or behavior across time and situations.

Factor Analysis

A statistical technique that identifies clusters of related traits or variables.

The Big Five

Five major personality traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.