Henry Murray Flashcards
This projective test measures how a subject interprets ambiguous pictures to reveal their thoughts, emotions, and interpersonal dynamics.
Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
You meet someone who has suffered a brain injury, and afterward, they display significant personality changes. According to Murray’s principles, what does this indicate about the role of the brain in personality?
FIRST PRINCIPLE: Personality is rooted in the brain, and changes in cerebral physiology can alter personality.
A person feels anxious about a difficult task, but after completing it, they experience relief and satisfaction. What concept in Murray’s personology explains this fluctuation in emotions?
THIRD PRINCIPLE: The concept of tension and reduction, where tension drives behavior and is reduced upon fulfilling needs or resolving stress.
You reconnect with an old friend after several years and notice they’ve undergone substantial personal growth and changes in behavior. Which principle of Murray’s theory explains this transformation?
FOURTH PRINCIPLE: Personality is not fixed or static and continues to change throughout life.
You observe that a person’s personality has evolved significantly from childhood to adulthood, shaped by life events such as their career and relationships. Which principle of personology explains this?
SECOND PRINCIPLE: Personality develops over time, influenced by all events in a person’s life.
You observe two people who have been through the same life experiences, yet they have very different personalities. What principle of Murray’s theory addresses this?
FIFTH PRINCIPLE: Murray emphasized the uniqueness of each person, even when recognizing similarities among people.
A person avoids making unethical decisions because they have a strong sense of cultural values and moral norms. What part of their personality, according to Murray, is guiding their behavior?
The SUPEREGO, which internalizes cultural values and evaluates behavior based on these standards.
You notice that a person is constantly trying to balance their impulsive desires with societal expectations, sometimes successfully mediating between the two. Which part of their personality is mediating these conflicts?
The EGO, which mediates between the id (impulses) and the superego (moral norms).
You meet someone who shows empathy and love easily, but also struggles with strong desires for pleasure. According to Murray, which part of their personality is responsible for these conflicting impulses?
The ID, which contains both socially acceptable impulses (like empathy and love) and less acceptable desires.
A person often feels a strong desire to lead others and assert control, even when no specific event triggers it. What kind of need is this?
A PROACTIVE NEED, which arises spontaneously without needing specific external stimuli.
Someone works tirelessly to succeed at their job, aiming for recognition and personal achievement. Which type of need is motivating this behavior?
SECONDARY (PSYCHOGENIC) NEEDS, specifically the need for achievement.
A person feels an intense need to defend themselves only after being criticized by their boss. What type of need is being activated?
A REACTIVE NEED, which is triggered by specific environmental stimuli.
A person becomes extremely focused on finding food and water after a long day of hiking without supplies. Which category of needs is driving their behavior?
PRIMARY (VISCEROGENIC) NEEDS, which are biological demands like food and water.
After hearing about a colleague’s success, you feel the pressure to work harder and achieve more in your career. What characteristic of needs explains this feeling?
PRESS, which refers to environmental pressures or stimuli that activate certain needs.
You notice that a person’s behavior is consistently shaped by their need for affiliation combined with their experience of social rejection. Which concept from Murray’s theory explains this?
THEMA, which is the combination of press and need that brings order to behavior.
A student works hard in their studies not only to learn but also to please their parents and gain approval. What characteristic of needs is involved?
SUBSIDIATION, where one need (achievement in studies) is activated to help satisfy another need (gaining approval).
A person takes up a leadership role in a volunteer organization, which satisfies both their need for achievement and need for affiliation. What characteristic of needs is at play here?
FUSION, where multiple needs are satisfied by one behavior or set of behaviors.
A person who is starving will prioritize finding food over any other need, such as social interaction or career goals. Which characteristic of needs explains this behavior?
PREPOTENCY, which refers to the urgency with which a dominant need drives behavior.
A person dedicates themselves to overcoming challenges and being the best in their field, constantly striving for excellence. Which ambition need is driving this behavior?
Ambition Needs, specifically the need for achievement
After being criticized, a person feels an overwhelming desire to retaliate and harm the person who wronged them. Which need is being expressed here?
Needs Related to Social Power, specifically the need for aggression
