Question

Which of the following refers to Machiavellianism?

A. The degree to which someone is able to adjust behavior in response to external factors
B. The degree to which a person tends to defer to authority
C. The degree to which someone is curious, open to new ideas, and imaginative
D. The extent to which someone is emotionally detached and manipulative
E. The degree to which someone is relaxed, secure, and unworried

Answer 1

Machiavellianism is a term describing an emotionally detached and manipulative personality trait, often associated with strategic deception and a focus on personal gain without moral considerations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Machiavellianism refers to the extent to which someone is emotionally detached and manipulative, which is characterized by a lack of empathy, a focus on personal gain, and the use of deception to achieve one's aims.

This term is derived from the political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, known for his treatise 'The Prince', in which he advises rulers on how to govern without regard to morality if it enables them to maintain power.

In contemporary psychology, Machiavellianism is considered one of the dark triad personality traits, along with narcissism and psychopathy.