case study about personality psychology
Instructions: Read the accompanying case study and answer the questions below. In order to answer the questions, you will need to apply information we have discussed throughout the semester. Make sure that your answers are fully explained and include examples from the case study to support your arguments. Answer lengths will vary. However, no answer should be longer than one paragraph.
1. Trait Theory: Choose two of the Big 5 traits and explain whether Roger would likely score high or low on the traits. For each trait you choose, give an example from the case study that supports your answer. (4 points)
2. Neo-Freudians: Adler theorized that some people may suffer from ‘organ inferiority’ and overcompensate in later life for insecurities when they were young. How could this idea be applied to Roger’s childhood vs. high school years? (4 points)
3. Humanistic: Carl Rogers measured the ‘actual self’ and ‘ideal self’ in his work with patients. Does Roger’s actual self seem close to his ideal self, given the case study? Why do you think this? (4 points)
4. Positive Psych/Humanistic: Deci and Ryan theorize that people will be happiest when they work toward three intrinsic goals: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Briefly explain why you think Roger has (or has not) focused on each of these goals throughout his life. (4 points)
5. Behaviorism: Give an example of a time in which Roger was reinforced for his behavior and how that led to him continuing that behavior into the future. (4 points)
