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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Psychology & Mental Health

How Well Do You Know Humanistic Personality Theories?

Think you can ace the personality theories humanism test? Start now and prove your psychology expertise!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
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Are you fascinated by the journey toward self-discovery? Take our free Humanistic Psychology Quiz and immerse yourself in the heart of humanism personality theories. Whether you're a psychology major, a lifelong learner, or simply curious about what drives human behavior, you'll test your mastery of Rogers, Maslow, Cattell & Allport and uncover new insights into personality development. See how your answers stack up in a dynamic personality theories humanism test, enjoy instant feedback, and compare scores with peers. Explore interactive questions like in our theories of personality quiz or brush up using a psychology quiz personality exercise. Ready to level up your psychology humanism trivia and ace the Rogers Maslow Cattell Allport quiz? Dive in now!

Easy
Who is considered the founder of humanistic psychology?
Carl Jung
Carl Rogers
B.F. Skinner
Sigmund Freud
Carl Rogers is widely regarded as the founder of humanistic psychology due to his emphasis on self-concept and the therapeutic relationship. He developed the person-centered approach, which highlights empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard. Rogers’ work shifted focus from pathology to human potential, laying foundational principles for the humanistic movement. Britannica – Carl Rogers
What is the highest level in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
Safety
Esteem
Self-actualization
Belonging
Self-actualization is at the top of Maslow’s original five-tier hierarchy and represents the realization of one’s fullest potential. This level involves creativity, problem-solving, authenticity, and peak experiences. Maslow viewed self-actualization as the drive to become everything one is capable of being. Simply Psychology – Maslow’s Hierarchy
Which of the following best describes Rogers’ concept of unconditional positive regard?
Valuing oneself based on achievements
Exploring repressed memories
Accepting others only when they meet certain conditions
Accepting and valuing a person without judgment
Unconditional positive regard refers to accepting and valuing a person without conditions or judgments. Rogers believed it fosters self-worth and encourages clients to explore their true feelings. This concept is central to person-centered therapy, creating a safe therapeutic environment. Britannica – Person-Centered Therapy
What does Cattell’s 16PF questionnaire measure?
Psychopathology
Intelligence quotient
Sixteen primary personality traits
Moral development
The 16PF questionnaire, developed by Raymond Cattell, assesses sixteen primary personality traits through factor analysis. It provides a comprehensive trait profile used in clinical, counseling, and occupational settings. The tool is empirically derived and widely validated. 16PF.com – What is the 16PF?
According to Allport, which trait dominates and shapes an individual's entire personality?
Secondary trait
Central trait
Cardinal trait
Surface trait
A cardinal trait is so pervasive that it influences almost every behavior of an individual, according to Gordon Allport. These are rare and usually recognized as defining characteristics. Most people instead exhibit central and secondary traits. Britannica – Trait Theory
Which of the following is NOT a level in Maslow’s hierarchy?
Belongingness
Safety
Plasticity
Transcendence
Plasticity is not one of Maslow’s defined need levels. Maslow’s hierarchy includes physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization, with transcendence added later. Plasticity is unrelated to Maslow’s framework. Simply Psychology – Maslow’s Hierarchy
Rogers believed that a key component of therapy is:
Dream analysis
Unconditional positive regard
Behavior modification
Hypnosis
Unconditional positive regard is fundamental in person-centered therapy, fostering a trusting and open therapist-client relationship. Rogers argued that clients need acceptance without judgment to explore feelings. This non-directive stance differentiates his approach from psychoanalysis and behavioral therapies. Britannica – Person-Centered Therapy
According to Maslow, which need directly precedes self-actualization?
Physiological
Esteem
Safety
Love/belonging
Esteem needs come just before self-actualization in Maslow’s hierarchy, encompassing respect, recognition, and status. Fulfilling esteem needs bolsters confidence and facilitates pursuit of one’s full potential. Without adequate esteem, growth toward self-actualization is impeded. Simply Psychology – Maslow’s Hierarchy
Cattell’s trait theory uses which of the following statistical methods?
Regression analysis
Factor analysis
T-test
Ethnography
Raymond Cattell employed factor analysis to reduce hundreds of trait-descriptive terms into a smaller set of underlying factors. This method identifies clusters of related behaviors, leading to his 16 primary trait factors. Factor analysis remains central in contemporary personality research. Verywell Mind – Raymond Cattell
Allport’s approach to personality is primarily:
Nomothetic
Psychoanalytic
Idiographic
Behaviorist
Allport favored an idiographic approach, focusing on the unique aspects of individuals rather than universal laws. He used case studies and personal documents to capture the individuality of each person’s trait structure. This contrasts with nomothetic traditions seeking general principles. Britannica – Trait Theory
Which concept refers to the discrepancy between real self and ideal self?
Self-actualization
Congruence
Incongruence
Self-efficacy
In Rogers’ theory, incongruence arises when there is a gap between an individual’s real self and ideal self. This mismatch can lead to anxiety and defensive behavior. Therapy aims to reduce incongruence by fostering self-acceptance. Britannica – Person-Centered Therapy
In Rogers' theory, the process of striving toward fulfillment is called:
Organismic valuing
Self-actualization
Transcendence
Deficiency motivation
Rogers described self-actualization as the innate drive toward growth and fulfillment. It parallels Maslow’s concept but emphasizes personal perceptions and experiences. The organismic valuing process helps guide individuals toward experiences that support this growth. Britannica – Person-Centered Therapy
Allport classified traits that are less apparent and inconsistent as:
Cardinal traits
Central traits
Secondary traits
Functional traits
Secondary traits are situation-specific and less obvious, according to Allport. They include preferences or attitudes that appear under particular circumstances. This contrasts with central and cardinal traits which are more pervasive. Britannica – Trait Theory
The term 'functional autonomy' was introduced by:
Abraham Maslow
Gordon Allport
Raymond Cattell
Carl Rogers
Gordon Allport coined the term functional autonomy to describe how motives can become independent from their original drives. He distinguished between perseverative and propriate functional autonomy. This concept highlights how past experiences shape current motivations. Britannica – Trait Theory
Which humanistic psychologist emphasized peak experiences?
Carl Rogers
Raymond Cattell
Abraham Maslow
Gordon Allport
Abraham Maslow identified peak experiences as transcendent moments of love, understanding, and happiness. He studied individuals he considered self-actualizers to document these rare, profound events. Peak experiences represent fulfillment beyond basic needs. Simply Psychology – Maslow’s Hierarchy
The 16PF questionnaire is primarily used in:
Clinical diagnosis
Selection and placement
Neuroimaging studies
Behavioral observation
The 16PF is widely used for personnel selection, career counseling, and leadership development. It provides a quantitative profile of personality traits relevant to job performance. Its empirical basis ensures reliability in applied settings. 16PF.com – What is the 16PF?
Medium
Which need did Maslow later add above self-actualization?
Transcendence
Nonconformity
Authenticity
Growth orientation
Maslow introduced transcendence above self-actualization to capture spiritual and altruistic motivations. Transcendence involves helping others achieve self-actualization. This later addition reflects deeper levels of human motivation. PositivePsychology.com – Maslow’s Hierarchy
In Rogers’ theory, self-image refers to:
One’s visual appearance
A person’s perceived attributes and beliefs about themselves
Societal expectations
Unconscious impulses
Self-image in Rogers’ framework is the set of beliefs one holds about oneself, including attributes and attitudes. It differs from ideal self, which represents who one wishes to be. Therapy seeks to align these for congruence. Britannica – Person-Centered Therapy
Cattell’s basic dispositional units that underlie behavior are known as:
Surface traits
Source traits
Cardinal traits
Central traits
Source traits are the fundamental underlying traits identified by Cattell through factor analysis. They account for and explain the correlations among observed surface traits. Surface traits are more superficial behaviors. Verywell Mind – Raymond Cattell
Which research method exemplifies Allport’s idiographic approach?
Laboratory experiment
Case study
Survey
Meta-analysis
Allport used case studies and personal records to explore individual personalities in depth. The idiographic approach focuses on uniqueness rather than general laws. This method contrasts with nomothetic approaches. Britannica – Trait Theory
According to humanistic psychology, what primarily motivates behavior?
Drive reduction
Instinctual urges
Growth motives
Unconscious conflicts
Humanistic theorists emphasize growth motives, or the desire to achieve one’s potential. This contrasts with behaviorist or psychodynamic focuses on drives or conflicts. Growth motives shape proactive behavior. Britannica – Humanistic Psychology
Which is NOT associated with Carl Rogers’ therapy?
Empathy
Unconditional positive regard
Transference analysis
Genuineness (congruence)
Rogers did not emphasize transference analysis; that is a psychoanalytic technique. Instead, he focused on empathy, congruence (genuineness), and unconditional positive regard. He believed these core conditions facilitated client growth. Britannica – Person-Centered Therapy
In Maslow’s theory, a deficiency need is one that:
Is never fully satisfied
Arises from deprivation and motivates to reduce tension
Relates to self-fulfillment
Leads to transcendence
Deficiency needs (physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem) stem from lack and create tension that motivates behavior to fulfill them. Once satisfied, these needs no longer drive behavior strongly. Meta-needs are motivators beyond deficiencies. Simply Psychology – Maslow’s Hierarchy
In Cattell’s 16PF model, S-data refers to:
Observer ratings
Self-report data
Situational tests
Life record data
S-data stands for self-report data, collected directly from individuals about their own behaviors and feelings. Cattell also used L-data (life records) and T-data (objective tests) for a comprehensive assessment. Combining data types enhances validity. Verywell Mind – Raymond Cattell
Which concept emphasizes an individual's subjective perception of events?
Phenomenology
Behaviorism
Psychoanalysis
Cognitive psychology
Phenomenology focuses on how individuals interpret their experiences subjectively. Rogers and Maslow stressed the phenomenological perspective to understand human behavior from the person’s point of view. This contrasts with more objective or deterministic approaches. Britannica – Phenomenology
Allport argued that motives could become independent of their original purpose. This idea is called:
Functional autonomy
Self-actualization
Cognitive dissonance
Behavioral conditioning
Functional autonomy describes how drives or motives can become self-rewarding and detached from initial biological bases. Allport distinguished between perseverative and propriate forms, highlighting evolved personal motives. This concept underscores the dynamic nature of motivation. Britannica – Trait Theory
According to Rogers, incongruence leads to:
Enhanced self-esteem
Anxiety
Self-actualization
Increased creativity
Incongruence—when the self-concept and experience conflict—creates psychological tension or anxiety. Rogers saw this as the root of defensiveness and maladjustment. Therapy aims to foster congruence to reduce anxiety. Britannica – Person-Centered Therapy
What did Maslow describe as motivations beyond basic needs?
Deficiency motivations
Meta-motivations
Instincts
Conditioned responses
Meta-motivations, or being (B) motivations, drive individuals toward growth, truth, and self-actualization. They stand apart from deficiency (D) motivations, which address lack. Meta-motivations include values like beauty and justice. PositivePsychology.com – Maslow’s Hierarchy
The term "person-centered" in therapy emphasizes:
Therapist authority
Client expertise in their own experience
Symptom reduction above all
Interpretation of unconscious drives
Person-centered therapy centers on the client’s perspective and innate capacity for self-growth. The therapist offers support rather than direction, trusting the client’s expertise about their own experience. This approach fosters autonomy and empowerment. Britannica – Person-Centered Therapy
In Cattell’s model, traits are conceptualized as:
Manifest variables
Latent variables
Surface manifestations
Overt behaviors
Cattell treated traits as latent variables that underlie observable behaviors, or surface traits. Latent variables cannot be directly observed but are inferred from multiple indicators. Factor analysis uncovers these latent structures. Verywell Mind – Raymond Cattell
Maslow studied self-actualizers and found they often experience:
Peak experiences
Dream symbolism
Conditioned reflexes
Psychosexual conflicts
Peak experiences are profound moments of love, understanding, happiness, and ecstasy noted by Maslow in self-actualizers. He used qualitative interviews to document these occurrences. Peak experiences illustrate the heights of human potential. Simply Psychology – Maslow’s Hierarchy
According to Rogers, when real self aligns with ideal self, the person experiences:
Maladjustment
Congruence
Incongruence
Deficiency
Congruence occurs when an individual’s real self and ideal self overlap significantly. Rogers saw this alignment as key to psychological health and authenticity. High congruence reduces defensiveness and anxiety. Britannica – Person-Centered Therapy
Hard
Allport considered which of the following an unconscious motive?
Primary trait
Secondary motive
There are no unconscious motives in personality
Functional autonomy
Allport rejected the notion of unconscious motives driving personality, unlike psychoanalytic views. He emphasized conscious motives and the propriate striving of the self. His focus was on present conscious intentions. Britannica – Trait Theory
Which of these is a secondary trait according to Allport?
Honesty
Anxiety when speaking in public
Optimism
Introversion
Secondary traits are situational and less central to personality structure. Examples include preferences or attitudes, such as stage fright in specific contexts. Central traits like honesty are more pervasive. Britannica – Trait Theory
What concept did Rogers propose as the drive towards personal growth?
Actualizing tendency
Survival instinct
Self-defense
Pleasure principle
The actualizing tendency is the innate drive to maintain and enhance the self, a core idea in Rogers’ person-centered theory. It propels individuals toward fulfillment of potential and psychological growth. This tendency underlies behavior in a positive humanistic framework. Britannica – Person-Centered Therapy
Maslow’s concept of B-values refers to:
Basic needs
Being values associated with self-actualization
Behavioral values
Biological imperatives
B-values, or being values, are qualities like truth, beauty, and justice that self-actualizers seek. They contrast with D-values (deficiency values) which stem from unmet needs. B-values guide growth beyond mere survival. PositivePsychology.com – Maslow’s Hierarchy
Which statement best captures Maslow’s notion of "meta-pathology"?
A deficit in basic needs
Frustration of growth needs
Neurosis caused by self-actualization
A return to psychoanalysis
Meta-pathology refers to the frustration or neglect of B-needs, leading to a lack of growth and potential dystonias. It differs from pathology caused by deficiency needs. Maslow saw it as hindrance to self-actualization. PositivePsychology.com – Maslow’s Hierarchy
Allport’s trait consistency requires considering:
Dream content
Trait levels across different situations
Reflex responses
Behavior under hypnosis
Allport maintained that traits should predict consistent behavior across varied contexts. Trait consistency examines stability of behavior over time and situations. This idea challenges strong situationalist views. Britannica – Trait Theory
Cattell’s 16PF was derived from:
Psychoanalytic theory
Ethnographic study
Factor-analyzed lexical data
Genetic lineage studies
Cattell used the lexical hypothesis and factor analysis on trait-descriptive terms from language to identify 16 primary factors. This empirical approach grounded his model in observable correlations. It moved personality research toward quantitative methods. Verywell Mind – Raymond Cattell
Rogers suggested that defensive behaviors arise when:
Perceived self aligns with experience
Actualizing tendency is strong
Self-concept is threatened by experience
Unconscious conflicts surface
Defenses emerge when experiences conflict with an individual’s self-concept, threatening psychological integrity. Rogers argued that this incongruence prompts denial or distortion. Reducing incongruence is a primary therapeutic goal. Britannica – Person-Centered Therapy
According to Maslow, which characteristic is NOT typical of self-actualizers?
Secure ethical standards
Creative problem-solving
Conformity to social norms
Spontaneity
Self-actualizers are known for independence and nonconformity rather than conformity to social norms. They exhibit spontaneity, creativity, and strong ethical values. Conformity contradicts their autonomous nature. Simply Psychology – Maslow’s Hierarchy
Allport’s concept of 'proprium' refers to:
The unconscious id
The core of personality
An observational data source
The superego
The proprium, in Allport’s theory, is the essential core of the self that unifies experiences. It encompasses one’s self-identity, attitudes, and personal values. Allport believed understanding the proprium is key to personality study. Britannica – Trait Theory
In Cattell’s taxonomy, L-data is derived from:
Self-report questionnaires
Laboratory tests
Life records and real-life observations
Projective tests
L-data refers to life record data, such as school grades or criminal records, reflecting real-life behavior. Cattell combined L-data with S-data and T-data for a multi-source assessment. This triangulation enhances construct validity. Verywell Mind – Raymond Cattell
Rogers’ notion of 'empathy' in therapy emphasizes understanding:
Intellectual interpretation
The client’s subjective experience
Behavioral reinforcement
Dream symbolism
Empathy in person-centered therapy involves deeply understanding the client’s internal frame of reference. Rogers believed accurate empathic understanding fosters self-exploration and healing. It differs from mere sympathy or analysis. Britannica – Person-Centered Therapy
Which of the following best describes Maslow’s concept of 'peak experience'?
Routine daily events
Moments of intense joy and transcendence
Traumatic memories
Conditioned responses
Peak experiences are brief moments of self-fulfillment, joy, and unity noted by Maslow in self-actualizers. They often involve a sense of wonder and transcendence. These experiences illustrate optimal human functioning. Simply Psychology – Maslow’s Hierarchy
Allport differentiated between traits and:
Types of therapies
Roles and habits
Performance tests
Defense mechanisms
Allport distinguished internal traits from external roles and habits that people adopt. Traits are enduring dispositions, while roles and habits reflect situational behaviors. This separation clarifies trait stability versus contextual variation. Britannica – Trait Theory
Cattell’s research distinguished between personality and:
Temperament
Psychoanalytic stages
Cognitive schemas
Behavioral distinctions
Cattell distinguished temperament (emotional style) from ability and dynamic traits, categorizing traits by source and surface factors. Temperament factors reflect emotional reactions, while personality traits encompass broader behavior patterns. This taxonomy improved trait clarity. Verywell Mind – Raymond Cattell
Rogers contrasted 'awareness' with:
Unconscious processing
Behavioral conditioning
Social learning
Genetic determinism
Rogers emphasized conscious awareness of experience over unconscious processing. He believed awareness allows individuals to make authentic choices aligned with their true selves. This contrasts psychoanalytic focus on unconscious drives. Britannica – Person-Centered Therapy
Expert
Maslow’s research primarily used which method?
Surveys
Interviews with high achievers
Laboratory experiments
Meta-analyses
Maslow interviewed individuals he identified as self-actualizers, such as poets and scientists, to understand peak experiences and B-values. His qualitative approach highlighted personal narratives over quantitative data. This method was innovative for personality research at the time. Simply Psychology – Maslow’s Hierarchy
Cattell’s culture fair intelligence test was designed to:
Measure verbal skills
Minimize cultural bias
Assess emotional traits
Illustrate factor analysis
Cattell developed the Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFIT) to reduce cultural and language biases in IQ assessment. It uses nonverbal tasks such as puzzles to measure fluid intelligence. The CFIT is recognized for its cross-cultural applicability. Verywell Mind – Raymond Cattell
Which term refers to functional autonomy involving repetitive habits?
Perseverative functional autonomy
Propriate functional autonomy
Secondary autonomy
Independent functioning
Perseverative functional autonomy describes how previously rewarded behaviors continue independently of original motives. Allport contrasted this with propriate functional autonomy, which relates to personal values and self. This distinction refines understanding of motivation. Britannica – Trait Theory
Rogers’ concept of the organismic valuing process refers to:
External rewards
Innate evaluation of experiences
Conditioned reinforcements
Superego values
The organismic valuing process is an innate ability to judge experiences according to how they affect growth and well-being. Rogers saw it as guiding individuals toward fulfillment. It underscores the self-regulatory nature of human motivation. Britannica – Person-Centered Therapy
In Allport’s letters-of-reference technique, personality was assessed through:
Self-report questionnaires
Projective tests
Observations by acquaintances
Therapist interpretation
Allport’s letters-of-reference technique collected trait descriptions from people who knew the subject well. These external observations provided idiographic data on personality. The method capitalized on multiple viewpoints for a richer profile. Britannica – Trait Theory
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Rogers's Person-Centered Approach -

    Identify the core principles of Carl Rogers's theory, including unconditional positive regard and the self-concept, and explain how they foster personal growth.

  2. Explain Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs -

    Describe each level of Abraham Maslow's pyramid, from physiological needs to self-actualization, and discuss its relevance in motivation research.

  3. Compare Trait Theories of Allport and Cattell -

    Differentiate between Gordon Allport's cardinal, central, and secondary traits and Raymond Cattell's 16-factor model in understanding personality structure.

  4. Analyze Humanism Versus Other Approaches -

    Contrast humanistic psychology with behaviorism and psychoanalysis, highlighting its emphasis on free will, subjective experience, and self-fulfillment.

  5. Apply Humanistic Principles to Scenarios -

    Use key concepts from Rogers, Maslow, Allport, and Cattell to interpret and respond to hypothetical real-world situations.

  6. Evaluate Your Mastery Through Quiz Performance -

    Assess your understanding of personality theories humanism concepts by reviewing your quiz results and identifying areas for further study.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Person-Centered Approach (Rogers) -

    Carl Rogers emphasized self-concept congruence and unconditional positive regard as core to personality growth, according to the American Psychological Association. His "Q-sort" technique compares a person's perceived and ideal selves, promoting insight and self-acceptance. Use the mnemonic "RPC" (Rogers = Positive Conditions) to remember his focus on a supportive therapeutic environment.

  2. Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow) -

    Abraham Maslow's five-level pyramid - from physiological needs up to self-actualization - illustrates motivational drivers, as detailed on university psychology sites like SimplyPsychology.org. For instance, esteem needs (level four) foster confidence and respect, paving the way to self-actualization at the summit. Recall "Please Stop Lying, Esteem, Self" to track each stage easily.

  3. Trait Levels (Allport) -

    Gordon Allport categorized traits into cardinal, central, and secondary levels, clarifying how some dispositions dominate a person's identity while others are more situational. His classification, endorsed by the APA, helps predict behavior patterns across contexts. Think "CCS" (Cardinal, Central, Secondary) to lock in Allport's tiered trait system.

  4. Factor Analysis & 16PF (Cattell) -

    Raymond Cattell applied factor analysis to uncover 16 primary personality factors, forming the basis of the widely used 16PF questionnaire, referenced in research journals like the Journal of Personality. This statistical approach distills complex behaviors into core dimensions, such as warmth and vigilance. Remember "Factor16" as a shorthand for Cattell's model and its empirical rigor.

  5. Humanistic vs. Trait Perspectives -

    While humanistic psychologists (Rogers, Maslow) stress growth potential and subjective experience, trait theorists (Allport, Cattell) focus on measurable, stable personality dimensions, per sources like APA and peer-reviewed articles. Recognizing this distinction helps you choose the right framework for research or clinical practice. Use "Subjective Growth vs. Statistical Traits" as a quick contrast phrase.

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