Meera, a Class 12 student in Pune, has been the quiet girl of her class since Class 6. Her teachers, parents and friends say she has never told a lie, whether in a test, at home or on a school trip. At her cousin's crowded wedding last month, though, Meera laughed, danced and talked with every guest. Her younger brother Rohan, aged nine, refuses whenever he is told what to do. Their mother has stopped telling him. She now puts two or three plans she is happy with before him and lets him pick one.
Which of the following best explains Meera's behaviour at the wedding?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Situational variations in behaviour occur, as they help a person adapt to the surroundings
Option (1) Situational variations in behaviour occur, as they help a person adapt to the surroundings — Correct. Meera is usually quiet, yet at the crowded wedding she laughs and talks with everyone. Such situational variations in behaviour occur because they help a person adapt to the surroundings. Her usual nature stays the same.
Option (2) Her personality has changed, as the main features of personality change easily with time — Incorrect. The main features of personality do not easily change with time. One lively evening does not mean her personality has changed; she is still the quiet, honest girl at school.
Option (3) Her quietness was a superficial impression, as others judged her from her outward looks — Incorrect. Judging someone by outward looks is the layperson's idea of personality, based on superficial impressions. People have known Meera's quiet behaviour for years; they did not judge it from her looks.
NCERT (2026-27): “CONCEPT OF PERSONALITY … “In brief, personality is characterised by the following features:” “1. It has both physical and psychological components.” “2. Its expression in terms of behaviour is fairly unique in a given individual. 3. Its main features do not easily change with time.” |