Theories and Models in Occupational Psychology: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

In occupational psychology, trait theory posits that:

Accepted Answer

Traits influence an individual's behaviour in work environments.

Answer

Traits are highly malleable and can change significantly over time.

Answer

Traits can be measured with absolute precision and accuracy.

Answer

Traits are the sole determinants of an individual's job performance.

Question 2

Which of the following is a core assumption of trait theory in occupational psychology?

Accepted Answer

Traits are relatively stable over time.

Answer

Traits are heavily influenced by the environment.

Answer

Traits cannot be measured objectively.

Answer

Traits are unrelated to successful job performance.

Question 3

According to expectancy theory, which of the following factors is NOT a determinant of an individual's motivation?

Accepted Answer

Ability

Answer

Expectancy

Answer

Instrumentality

Answer

Valence

Question 4

Which dimension of the job characteristics model focuses on the extent to which a job provides opportunities for independent thought and decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Task variety

Answer

Job identity

Answer

Task significance

Question 5

Which theory of work motivation emphasizes the importance of self-efficacy and goal attainment?

Accepted Answer

Goal-setting theory

Answer

Trait theory

Answer

Expectancy theory

Answer

Job characteristics model

Question 6

Which theory predicts that individuals will seek occupations that align with their self-perceptions and values?

Accepted Answer

Holland's theory of vocational choice

Answer

Self-concept theory

Answer

Trait theory

Answer

Expectancy theory

Question 7

Which theory emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors in shaping career choices and development?

Accepted Answer

Social cognitive career theory

Answer

Trait theory

Answer

Expectancy theory

Answer

Job characteristics model

Question 8

According to expectancy theory, what is a key factor that influences an individual's behavior?

Accepted Answer

The belief that their actions will lead to desired outcomes

Answer

The need for power, affiliation, and achievement

Answer

Established personality characteristics

Answer

Social norms

Question 9

Which theory suggests that an individual's behavior is largely influenced by their enduring personality characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Trait theory

Answer

Expectancy theory

Answer

Job characteristics model

Question 10

How can the job characteristics model be used to improve employee engagement and job redesign?

Accepted Answer

Implement job rotation and enrichment to enhance task significance.

Answer

Reduce task variety and employee autonomy to promote engagement.

Answer

Focus solely on extrinsic rewards like bonuses to motivate employees.

Answer

Disregard employee feedback when designing or redesigning jobs.

Question 11

According to Trait Theory, an individual's work habits and job performance are primarily determined by their:

Accepted Answer

Personality traits

Answer

Social environment

Answer

Educational background

Answer

Childhood experiences

Question 12

Cognitive Dissonance Theory suggests that individuals seek to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce inconsistency between their attitudes and behaviors

Answer

Maximize their cognitive abilities

Answer

Enhance their self-esteem

Answer

Avoid conflicts with others

Question 13

Social Comparison Theory states that individuals evaluate their own work performance by comparing themselves to those in:

Accepted Answer

Similar roles or situations

Answer

Higher positions

Answer

Different industries

Answer

Lower positions

Question 14

According to Equity Theory, employees compare their:

Accepted Answer

Inputs and outcomes to those of others

Answer

Job responsibilities to those of others

Answer

Skills and abilities to those of others

Answer

Personal values to those of others

Question 15

Goal-Setting Theory suggests that specific, challenging, and achievable goals lead to:

Accepted Answer

Enhanced performance

Answer

Improved communication

Answer

Reduced absenteeism

Answer

Increased employee satisfaction

Question 16

Self-Determination Theory emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic motivation, autonomy, and competence

Answer

Fear of punishment, social approval, and conformity

Answer

Goal-setting, self-monitoring, and feedback

Answer

Extrinsic rewards, control, and competition

Question 17

Social Cognitive Theory explains how individuals:

Accepted Answer

Learn and adapt through observing and imitating others

Answer

React to their environment

Answer

Are influenced by their genetic makeup

Answer

Develop their own unique skills and abilities

Question 18

Self-Efficacy Theory focuses on the impact of an individual's:

Accepted Answer

Beliefs about their capabilities

Answer

Social support

Answer

Past experiences

Answer

Personality traits

Question 19

Which theory of work motivation emphasizes the interplay of valence, expectancy, and instrumentality?

Accepted Answer

Expectancy theory

Answer

Herzberg's two-factor theory

Answer

Adams' equity theory

Answer

Maslow's need theory

Question 20

The job characteristics model proposes that a job with high levels of skill variety, task identity, task significance, and autonomy leads to increased:

Accepted Answer

Job satisfaction and performance

Answer

Stress and burnout

Answer

Absenteeism and turnover

Question 21

Which of the following is a valid criticism of trait theory?

Accepted Answer

It oversimplifies the complexity of human behavior.

Answer

It is well-supported by scientific research.

Answer

It can be applied to all occupational settings.

Question 22

The 'Big Five' personality traits include:

Accepted Answer

Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism

Answer

Dominance, Submission, Affiliation, Nurturance, Achievement

Answer

Introversion, Empathy, Ambition, Creativity, Intelligence

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT considered a component of expectancy theory?

Accepted Answer

Goal setting

Answer

Expectancy

Answer

Instrumentality

Answer

Valence

Question 24

The job characteristics model identifies which of the following job dimensions as related to the degree of independent thought and decision-making allowed in a job?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Task significance

Answer

Task identity

Answer

Skill variety

Question 25

Which of the following is a potential drawback of using personality tests in occupational psychology?

Accepted Answer

They may exhibit bias against certain demographic groups.

Answer

They are always highly reliable and valid.

Answer

They provide a comprehensive overview of an individual's personality.

Question 26

Which theory of work motivation emphasizes the influence of needs and goals?

Accepted Answer

Need theory

Answer

Equity theory

Answer

Expectancy theory

Answer

Trait theory

Question 27

According to the job characteristics model, which of the following outcomes is NOT associated with high job characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Increased absenteeism

Answer

Increased job satisfaction

Answer

Reduced turnover

Answer

Increased performance

Question 28

Which of the following is a key tenet of trait theory in occupational psychology?

Accepted Answer

Personality traits are relatively stable over time.

Answer

Personality traits are unrelated to job performance.

Answer

Personality traits can change significantly over time.

Question 29

According to expectancy theory, which factor is NOT directly related to motivation?

Accepted Answer

Level of confidence in the leader.

Answer

Perceived value of the reward.

Answer

Perceived ability to achieve the goal.

Question 30

Which of the following is a core component of the job characteristics model?

Accepted Answer

Skill variety

Answer

Company culture

Answer

Leadership style

Answer

Pay and benefits

Question 31

Which theory suggests that individuals seek to maintain a balance between the effort they put in and the rewards they receive?

Accepted Answer

Equity theory

Answer

Goal-setting theory

Answer

Trait theory

Answer

Need theory

Question 32

Which of the following is an application of occupational psychology in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Job analysis

Answer

Psychotherapy

Answer

Educational assessment

Answer

Market research

Question 33

Which theory focuses on the interaction between the individual and their work environment?

Accepted Answer

Person-environment fit theory

Answer

Social cognitive career theory

Answer

Expectancy theory

Answer

Trait theory

Question 34

Which model suggests that employee motivation is influenced by intrinsic factors such as autonomy, feedback, and task significance?

Accepted Answer

Job characteristics model

Answer

Goal-setting theory

Answer

Equity theory

Question 35

Which theory emphasizes the importance of goal-setting for motivation?

Accepted Answer

Goal-setting theory

Answer

Person-environment fit theory

Answer

Expectancy theory

Answer

Social cognitive career theory

Question 36

Which of the following is a potential benefit of using theories and models in occupational psychology?

Accepted Answer

They can provide a framework for understanding complex organizational phenomena.

Answer

They can be used to predict employee behavior with absolute certainty.

Answer

They can guarantee successful interventions in every case.

Question 37

Which theory of motivation posits that individuals' motivation is influenced by their expectations of successfully achieving certain outcomes and the value they assign to those outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Expectancy theory

Answer

Job characteristics model

Answer

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory

Answer

Trait theory

Question 38

According to the job characteristics model, which of the following job characteristics contributes significantly to employee satisfaction?

Accepted Answer

Task variety

Answer

High compensation

Answer

Clear communication

Answer

Low workload

Question 39

Trait theory proposes that individuals possess inherent characteristics that shape their occupational behavior. Which of the following is NOT considered a trait under this theory?

Accepted Answer

Motivation

Answer

Extroversion

Answer

Agreeableness

Answer

Conscientiousness

Question 40

The situational perspective in occupational psychology emphasizes that:

Accepted Answer

Work behavior is influenced by the specific context of the work environment.

Answer

Behavior is primarily driven by early life experiences.

Answer

Behavior is solely determined by innate traits.

Question 41

Which statement best captures a key assumption of the social cognitive theory in occupational psychology?

Accepted Answer

Individuals learn and model work behaviors by observing and imitating others.

Answer

Unconscious motivations primarily drive behavior.

Answer

Individuals possess an unlimited capacity for learning and development.

Question 42

Organizational culture refers to:

Accepted Answer

Shared values, beliefs, and norms that shape the behavior of individuals within an organization.

Answer

The formal rules and regulations of an organization.

Answer

The physical layout and design of the workplace.

Question 43

Which of the following is a primary benefit of using theories and models in occupational psychology?

Accepted Answer

Provides a framework for comprehending and explaining work behavior.

Answer

Eliminates the need for empirical research.

Answer

Guarantees successful outcomes in all work situations.

Question 44

Work-life balance refers to:

Accepted Answer

Managing the demands of work and personal life in a way that promotes well-being.

Answer

Working as many hours as possible to achieve success.

Answer

Completely separating work and personal life.

Question 45

Which theory in occupational psychology emphasizes matching an individual's personality traits with the demands of a specific job?

Accepted Answer

Trait theory

Answer

Goal-setting theory

Answer

Expectancy theory

Answer

Job characteristics model

Question 46

According to expectancy theory, what motivates individuals to perform well in their jobs?

Accepted Answer

The belief that their effort will lead to desired outcomes.

Answer

The need to achieve, power, and affiliation.

Answer

The presence of a supportive work environment.

Answer

The opportunity for growth and development.

Question 47

Which model in occupational psychology focuses on modifying job characteristics to increase employee motivation?

Accepted Answer

Job characteristics model

Answer

Social cognitive theory

Answer

Trait theory

Answer

Expectancy theory

Question 48

A core concept of social cognitive theory, which emphasizes the belief in one's ability to successfully complete a task, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Self-efficacy

Answer

Needs hierarchy

Answer

Expectancy

Answer

Job enlargement

Question 49

When applying theories and models in occupational psychology, it is crucial to consider:

Accepted Answer

The specific context and individual factors influencing the situation.

Answer

Only the most recent and widely accepted theories.

Answer

The opinions of industry experts.

Answer

Solely the quantitative data available.

Question 50

Expectancy theory can be used to explain the relationship between:

Accepted Answer

Effort, performance, and perceived rewards and outcomes.

Answer

Different leadership styles and their effectiveness.

Answer

Job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

Answer

Individual personality traits and job performance.

Question 51

The job characteristics model suggests that jobs with high levels of skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, and feedback will lead to:

Accepted Answer

Increased employee motivation and satisfaction.

Answer

Higher productivity and efficiency.

Answer

Improved communication and teamwork.

Answer

Reduced stress and burnout.

Question 52

A criticism of social cognitive theory in occupational psychology is that it might:

Accepted Answer

Underestimate the impact of unconscious processes and external factors on behavior.

Answer

Overemphasize the role of individual factors.

Answer

Be difficult to apply in practical settings.

Answer

Reliance on quantitative research methods.

Question 53

When applying theories and models in occupational psychology, it is best to:

Accepted Answer

Utilize a combination of theories and models for a comprehensive understanding.

Answer

Rely solely on the most recent theories available.

Answer

Focus on the most complex theories available.

Answer

Ignore the practical implications of the theories and models.