Prelim Reviewer Understanding The Self
Prelim Reviewer Understanding The Self
51. Sociocultural theory emphasizes the role of which of the following in the development of the self?
o A) Genetic inheritance
o B) Social interactions and culture
o C) Biological drives
o D) Individual cognition
o Answer: B
o Rationale: Sociocultural theory posits that social interactions and cultural contexts are crucial in shaping the
self (Vygotsky, 1978).
52. According to Vygotsky, the development of the self is largely influenced by:
o A) Classical conditioning
o B) Social interactions with more knowledgeable others
o C) Innate biological factors
o D) Reinforcement and punishment
o Answer: B
o Rationale: Vygotsky emphasized the role of social interactions with more knowledgeable others, such as
parents and teachers, in the development of the self (Vygotsky, 1978).
53. Which concept refers to the internalization of cultural norms and values as part of the self?
o A) Enculturation
o B) Assimilation
o C) Acculturation
o D) Socialization
o Answer: D
o Rationale: Socialization is the process by which individuals internalize the norms, values, and beliefs of their
culture, shaping their sense of self (Mead, 1934).
54. In the Sociocultural theory, which of the following is considered a primary tool for cognitive development and self-
construction?
o A) Language
o B) Punishment
o C) Operant conditioning
o D) Reflexes
o Answer: A
o Rationale: Language is a primary tool in Vygotsky's Sociocultural theory, facilitating cognitive development
and the construction of the self (Vygotsky, 1978).
55. Which psychologist is most closely associated with the Sociocultural theory?
o A) Jean Piaget
o B) Lev Vygotsky
o C) Sigmund Freud
o D) Albert Bandura
o Answer: B
o Rationale: Lev Vygotsky is the key figure behind Sociocultural theory, which highlights the role of social
interaction in cognitive and self-development (Vygotsky, 1978).
56. Which of the following statements best reflects the Sociocultural theory of self?
o A) The self is a product of biological instincts.
o B) The self emerges from social interactions and cultural context.
o C) The self is determined by unconscious processes.
o D) The self is shaped by reinforcement and punishment.
o Answer: B
o Rationale: Sociocultural theory asserts that the self is constructed through social interactions and the
influence of cultural context (Vygotsky, 1978).
57. According to Sociocultural theory, which of the following plays a crucial role in the formation of identity?
o A) Biological maturation
o B) Social institutions and cultural practices
o C) Cognitive development stages
o D) Defense mechanisms
o Answer: B
o Rationale: Sociocultural theory emphasizes the influence of social institutions and cultural practices in
shaping one's identity (Mead, 1934; Vygotsky, 1978).
58. In Sociocultural theory, the concept of the "Zone of Proximal Development" (ZPD) refers to:
o A) The range of tasks that a person can perform independently
o B) The difference between what a learner can do without help and what they can achieve with guidance
o C) The level of moral development
o D) The stage of cognitive development
o Answer: B
o Rationale: The ZPD is a key concept in Vygotsky's theory, describing the gap between what a learner can do
on their own and what they can do with assistance (Vygotsky, 1978).
59. Which of the following best describes "cultural tools" in Vygotsky's theory?
o A) Inherited traits that influence behavior
o B) Symbols, language, and artifacts that shape cognitive development and self-concept
o C) Genetic predispositions to certain behaviors
o D) Biological factors that determine personality
o Answer: B
o Rationale: Cultural tools, such as language and symbols, are integral to cognitive development and the
construction of the self in Vygotsky's theory (Vygotsky, 1978).
60. In Sociocultural theory, which process involves adopting the values and norms of one's cultural group as part of the
self?
o A) Social identification
o B) Self-actualization
o C) Cognitive dissonance
o D) Individuation
o Answer: A
o Rationale: Social identification is the process through which individuals adopt the values and norms of their
cultural group, shaping their sense of self (Tajfel & Turner, 1986).
61. Which of the following is most closely associated with the biological view of self?
o A) Cultural traditions
o B) Genetic inheritance
o C) Social interactions
o D) Cognitive development
o Answer: B
o Rationale: The biological view emphasizes the role of genetic inheritance in shaping the self, including
personality traits and behaviors (Plomin et al., 2001).
62. The role of neurotransmitters in personality is an example of which perspective?
o A) Cognitive
o B) Biological
o C) Behavioral
o D) Humanistic
o Answer: B
o Rationale: Neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine are biological factors that influence mood and
behavior, supporting the biological perspective of self (Nussbaum, 2017).
63. Which of the following best explains the concept of heritability in the biological view of self?
o A) The environment's influence on behavior
o B) The degree to which genetic factors explain individual differences in a trait
o C) The role of culture in shaping identity
o D) The impact of reinforcement on learning
o Answer: B
o Rationale: Heritability refers to the extent to which genetic differences account for variations in traits
among individuals within a population (Plomin et al., 2001).
64. Twin studies are often used in which type of research related to the self?
o A) Sociocultural
o B) Behavioral
o C) Biological
o D) Humanistic
o Answer: C
o Rationale: Twin studies help researchers understand the influence of genetics versus environment on
personality and other traits, aligning with the biological view (Bouchard, 2004).
65. Which of the following biological factors is most likely to influence an individual's temperament?
o A) Parenting style
o B) Cultural background
o C) Genetic predispositions
o D) Educational level
o Answer: C
o Rationale: Temperament is largely influenced by genetic factors, reflecting the biological view of self
(Rothbart & Bates, 2006).
66. The study of epigenetics explores how:
o A) Environmental factors can affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence
o B) Social interactions influence self-identity
o C) Cultural values shape behavior
o D) Cognitive processes determine personality
o Answer: A
o Rationale: Epigenetics examines how environmental influences can alter gene expression, illustrating the
dynamic interplay between biology and environment (Meaney, 2010).
67. Which brain structure is primarily associated with the regulation of emotions and is relevant to the biological view
of self?
o A) Hippocampus
o B) Amygdala
o C) Cerebellum
o D) Medulla
o Answer: B
o Rationale: The amygdala plays a crucial role in emotion regulation and is central to understanding the
biological basis of emotional aspects of the self (LeDoux, 2000).
68. Which of the following statements best represents a biological view of the self?
o A) Personality is shaped solely by cultural influences.
o B) The self is a product of genetic and neurological factors.
o C) Social interactions are the primary determinants of behavior.
o D) The self is constructed through cognitive development.
o Answer: B
o Rationale: The biological view emphasizes the role of genetic and neurological factors in shaping the self
(Plomin et al., 2001).
69. The concept of "nature" in the "nature vs. nurture" debate refers to:
o A) Environmental influences
o B) Genetic inheritance and biological factors
o C) Cultural norms and values
o D) Learning experiences
o Answer: B
o Rationale: "Nature" refers to the genetic and biological factors that influence the development of the self,
in contrast to "nurture," which involves environmental influences (Plomin et al., 2001).
70. In the biological view, personality traits are often linked to:
o A) Social expectations
o B) Genetic predispositions and brain chemistry
o C) Cultural traditions
o D) Educational background
o Answer: B
o Rationale: Personality traits are believed to be influenced by genetic predispositions and brain chemistry, as
proposed by the biological view (Nussbaum, 2017).
Sociocultural View of Self
71. Which of the following best describes the sociocultural view of self?
o A) The self is determined by unconscious drives.
o B) The self is shaped by social interactions and cultural contexts.
o C) The self is purely a result of genetic inheritance.
o D) The self develops independently of environmental influences.
o Answer: B
o Rationale: The sociocultural view emphasizes the role of social interactions and cultural contexts in shaping
the self (Vygotsky, 1978).
72. According to the sociocultural view, which of the following is crucial for self-development?
o A) Genetic factors
o B) Language and communication within a cultural context
o C) Innate biological drives
o D) Unconscious processes
o Answer: B
o Rationale: Language and communication within a cultural context are key elements in the sociocultural
view, facilitating the development of the self (Vygotsky, 1978).
73. In sociocultural theory, the concept of "cultural tools" refers to:
o A) Genetic traits passed down through generations
o B) Artifacts, symbols, and language that shape cognitive and self-development
o C) Biological mechanisms that influence behavior
o D) Innate cognitive abilities
o Answer: B
o Rationale: "Cultural tools" include artifacts, symbols, and language that are used within a society to shape
cognitive development and the formation of self (Vygotsky, 1978).
74. The process by which individuals learn and adopt the values, norms, and behaviors of their culture is known as:
o A) Enculturation
o B) Genetic inheritance
o C) Operant conditioning
o D) Self-actualization
o Answer: A
o Rationale: Enculturation is the process through which individuals learn and adopt the values, norms, and
behaviors of their culture, shaping their sense of self (Mead, 1934).
75. Which of the following statements reflects the sociocultural view of identity?
o A) Identity is a fixed and unchangeable trait.
o B) Identity is shaped by social roles and cultural norms.
o C) Identity is solely determined by biological factors.
o D) Identity is independent of social influences.
o Answer: B
o Rationale: The sociocultural view asserts that identity is shaped by the social roles and cultural norms one is
exposed to (Mead, 1934; Vygotsky, 1978).
76. The concept of the "Zone of Proximal Development" (ZPD) in Vygotsky's theory is best described as:
o A) The gap between genetic potential and actual performance
o B) The range of tasks that a person can perform with the help of a more knowledgeable other
o C) The inherent abilities determined by genetics
o D) The role of reinforcement in learning
o Answer: B
o Rationale: The ZPD refers to the difference between what a learner can do independently and what they
can achieve with guidance, highlighting the importance of social interaction in learning (Vygotsky, 1978).
77. Which theory posits that identity is formed through the internalization of cultural norms and social roles?
o A) Psychoanalytic theory
o B) Behaviorist theory
o C) Sociocultural theory
o D) Biological theory
o Answer: C
o Rationale: Sociocultural theory suggests that identity is formed through the internalization of cultural
norms and social roles (Vygotsky, 1978).
78. According to sociocultural theory, which factor is most influential in the development of self-concept?
o A) Genetic predispositions
o B) Social interactions and cultural context
o C) Unconscious motives
o D) Innate intelligence
o Answer: B
o Rationale: Social interactions and cultural context are central to the development of self-concept in
sociocultural theory (Vygotsky, 1978).
79. The sociocultural perspective emphasizes the role of "context" in understanding behavior. What does "context"
refer to?
o A) Genetic makeup
o B) The environment, including social and cultural factors
o C) Biological processes
o D) Unconscious desires
o Answer: B
o Rationale: In the sociocultural perspective, "context" refers to the environmental factors, including social
and cultural influences, that shape behavior and self-concept (Vygotsky, 1978).
80. Which of the following best illustrates the sociocultural view of self-development? - A) An individual's personality is
solely determined by their genes. –
B) A child's self-concept evolves through interactions with family and community.
C) A person's identity is entirely fixed at birth.
D) Behavior is driven purely by unconscious forces.
Answer: B
Rationale: The sociocultural view emphasizes that self-concept and identity are shaped through interactions with
family, community, and cultural institutions (Mead, 1934).