You must read each slide, and complete any questions on the slide, in sequence.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Personality
Since 2000, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has been producing the documentary Child of Our Time, in which they follow 25 children from birth to the teenage years. In 2010, in two episodes titled “The Big Personality Test" researchers visited the children’s homes and schools and conducted interviews with their parents and grandparents. They also conducted a number of experiments and observations in an effort to highlight unique aspects of development, with an emphasis on personality. Personality is considered a stable facet of an individual’s identity, and this longitudinal research helps confirm not only the stability of diverse personality types but also the predictive utility of personality features.
For this exercise, watch Episode 1, “The Big Personality Test,” on YouTube. (When you search for the episode by title, you will find that it is divided into six approximately 10-minute segments. Click on each of the six segments to view an entire episode.)
As you watch Episode 1, answer the following questions:
1 of 10
List and briefly define the five basic personality traits that are the focus of the episode.
Your answer has been provisionally accepted. You'll get full credit for now, but your instructor may update your grade later after evaluating it.
2 of 10
The first experiment described in the episode was an assessment of extraversion. How did researchers assess extraversion in the children and their families?
Your answer has been provisionally accepted. You'll get full credit for now, but your instructor may update your grade later after evaluating it.
3 of 10
What difficulties did Helena face due to her prematurity? How do Helena’s parents and teacher describe her personality?
Your answer has been provisionally accepted. You'll get full credit for now, but your instructor may update your grade later after evaluating it.
4 of 10
Alex and Ivo are identical twins. This means they share 100 percent of their genetic material. Are the boys identical in personality? How do environmental factors help shape personality in children?
Your answer has been provisionally accepted. You'll get full credit for now, but your instructor may update your grade later after evaluating it.
5 of 10
According to the documentary, how do neurotic individuals respond to stressful situations? Include examples from the episode in your answer.
Your answer has been provisionally accepted. You'll get full credit for now, but your instructor may update your grade later after evaluating it.
6 of 10
In the documentary, how was creative intelligence assessed? That is, what task did researchers present to the children?
Your answer has been provisionally accepted. You'll get full credit for now, but your instructor may update your grade later after evaluating it.
7 of 10
In the research study described in the documentary, which country in the United Kingdom scored highest in extraversion?
8 of 10
According to the documentary, both blank and low conscientiousness involve areas of the brain responsible for attention and planning.
9 of 10
The narrator states that of all the Big Five personality traits, blank is the least inherited and most affected by what happens to us and what we learn.
10 of 10
In the segment focusing on Paris, the narrator points out that there is a plus side to neuroticism. Explain how it can have positive benefits.
Suggested Answer: Paris was the only child in the study to react immediately to the sound of a distressed baby. People high in neuroticism can be very emotional and passionate, as well as sensitive to the needs others.