PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS (Answers: 1b; 2a, 3d, 4b, 5b)

1. We learned a bunch of different “needs” theories in the classes we spent on motivation. Although these
theories are somewhat boring and the distinctions between them may seem insignificant, they have been
very influential in organizations. Why?
a. They are all scientifically valid theories that have been confirmed by empirical research
b. They have spurred organizations to develop programs like job rotation and employee development
c. They emphasize the importance of programs that limit employee involvement
d. They have made managers recognize that employees cannot solve problems without the help of
supervisors

2. In the retail sales job that he currently has, Carson is sick of listening to customers whine and pretending
to care. In fact, he is starting to really dislike people in general. This describes:
a. Depersonalization
b. Diminished personal accomplishment
c. Role ambiguity
d. Lack of appreciation

3. A highly-paid quarterback, widely regarded as the best quarterback in the league, turns down a $10
million/year contract after another quarterback was offered a $12 million/year contract. “It’s about
respect,” he says. You think he’s a jerk. What does this example tell us about compensation?
a. the better quarterback wants more money so he can have a higher standard of living
b. the better quarterback has a bad attitude about pay
c. expectancy is really important to motivation
d. compensation is valuable not only as a form of pay, but also as a sign of status

4. Katie reports directly to the CEO of the company, who is mean and a bad person. He yells at Katie all
day on Tuesday. What is she likely to do in response?
a. consistent with social exchange theory, she we will yell back at her boss, as he is the source of her
frustration
b. she will yell at her kids when she gets home, even though the kids didn’t do anything wrong
c. she will light the office building on fire to retaliate
d. she will tell herself over and over again that she is a bad employee
e. she will call up Laurie, who is bored, and they will “knock over” (rob) a liquor store just for kicks

5. Alex and Andrew are identical twins separated at birth. Thirty years later, although they have never met,
they live in the same neighborhood, drive the same car, vacation in the same area, and inexplicably enjoy
Luke Bryant’s “music”. This shows that _______ is an important determinant of personality.
a. Situation
b. Heredity
c. Environment
d. Self-perception