Unit 1 of 5

Unit 1: Individual Behavior and Perception

Study guide for DSST DSST Organizational BehaviorUnit 1: Individual Behavior and Perception. Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.

20

Practice Questions

16

Flashcards

6

Key Topics

Key Concepts to Study

personality traits
perception and attribution
attitudes
job satisfaction
Big Five model
self-efficacy

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 5 questions from this unit. Sign up for full access to all 20.

Q1MEDIUM

Emily, a marketing manager at a large corporation, has been experiencing a lack of motivation at work lately. She feels undervalued and unappreciated by her superiors, and her salary has not increased in over two years. According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which level of needs is Emily currently struggling with?

A) Physiological needs
B) Esteem needs
C) Love and belonging needs
D) Self-actualization needs
Show Answer

Answer: AEmily is struggling with esteem needs because she feels undervalued and unappreciated, which is related to the need for recognition and respect. This is a key aspect of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, where esteem needs come after love and belonging needs and before self-actualization needs. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because Emily's physiological needs are likely being met (she has a job and a salary), her love and belonging needs may be met through her relationships outside of work, and self-actualization needs are more related to personal growth and development, which is not the primary issue Emily is facing.

Q2MEDIUM

A company is looking to hire a new team member for a project that requires a high level of innovation and risk-taking. The hiring manager has narrowed down the candidates to two individuals: one who scores high on conscientiousness and another who scores high on openness to experience. Which candidate would be the best fit for the project?

A) The candidate who scores high on openness to experience
B) The candidate who scores high on conscientiousness
C) The candidate with a mix of both traits
D) Neither candidate is suitable for the project
Show Answer

Answer: AThe correct answer is A because openness to experience is a personality trait associated with creativity, innovation, and a willingness to take risks. This trait is well-suited for a project that requires novel solutions and a high level of risk-taking. In contrast, conscientiousness is associated with organization, planning, and caution, which may not be the best fit for a project that requires innovation and risk-taking. Options B and C are incorrect because while conscientiousness is an important trait, it is not the best fit for this specific project. Option D is incorrect because one of the candidates is indeed suitable for the project.

Q3HARD

A company is looking to hire a new team leader for a high-pressure project. They have narrowed it down to two candidates: one who is highly conscientious and agreeable, but low in openness to experience, and another who is high in openness to experience and extraversion, but low in conscientiousness. Which candidate would be the most suitable for the role, based on the Big Five personality traits?

A) The candidate who is high in openness to experience and extraversion, but low in conscientiousness, because they would bring a creative and outgoing approach to the team.
B) The candidate who is highly conscientious and agreeable, but low in openness to experience, because they would be organized, reliable, and able to get along with team members, even if they are not highly innovative.
C) The candidate who is high in neuroticism, because they would be more driven to succeed in a high-pressure environment.
D) The candidate who is low in all five traits, because they would be more of a blank slate and able to adapt to the team's needs.
Show Answer

Answer: BThe correct answer is B) because a team leader in a high-pressure project needs to be organized, reliable, and able to get along with team members. Conscientiousness is a key trait for this role, as it predicts task-oriented behavior and attention to detail. Agreeableness is also important, as it facilitates teamwork and collaboration. While openness to experience can be beneficial, it is not as crucial for this role as conscientiousness and agreeableness. Option A is incorrect because a lack of conscientiousness could lead to disorganization and unreliability, which would be detrimental to the team's success. Option C is incorrect because neuroticism is not a desirable trait in a team leader, as it can lead to stress and conflict. Option D is incorrect because being low in all five traits would not provide any particular strengths or advantages for the role.

Q4HARD

A company is looking to hire a new team leader for a project that requires high levels of creativity and adaptability. The hiring manager has narrowed down the candidates to two individuals: one who scores high on conscientiousness and low on openness to experience, and another who scores low on conscientiousness but high on openness to experience. Which candidate would be the most suitable for the role?

A) The candidate who scores high on conscientiousness and low on openness to experience
B) The candidate who scores low on conscientiousness but high on openness to experience
C) Either candidate would be equally suitable for the role
D) The company should look for a different set of personality traits altogether
Show Answer

Answer: BThe correct answer is B because the candidate who scores high on openness to experience is more likely to be creative and adaptable, which are essential traits for the project. The candidate who scores high on conscientiousness may be more organized and responsible, but may lack the creativity and flexibility required for the role. Options A and C are incorrect because they do not take into account the specific requirements of the project. Option D is incorrect because openness to experience and conscientiousness are relevant personality traits for this role.

Q5MEDIUM

Emily, a marketing manager at a large corporation, has been feeling unfulfilled in her role lately. She has been considering a career change to pursue her passion for environmental conservation. According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, what is the primary motivator driving Emily's desire for a career change?

A) Physiological needs
B) Safety needs
C) Love and belonging needs
D) Self-actualization needs
Show Answer

Answer: DThe correct answer is D) Self-actualization needs because Emily is seeking a career change that aligns with her personal values and passions, which is a key aspect of self-actualization. The other options are incorrect because Emily's physiological needs (A) are likely being met in her current role, her safety needs (B) are also being met, and while love and belonging needs (C) may be a factor, they are not the primary motivator in this scenario.

Ready to master Unit 1: Individual Behavior and Perception?

Get unlimited practice questions, AI tutoring, flashcards, and a personalized study plan. Start free — no credit card required.

Study Tips for Unit 1: Individual Behavior and Perception

  • Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing facts — DSST tests application
  • Practice with timed questions to build exam-day speed
  • Review explanations for wrong answers — they reveal common misconceptions
  • Use flashcards for key terms, practice questions for deeper understanding

DSST® is a trademark owned by Prometric, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product.