1./2. SEMINARS Flashcards
What personality models are examined in Seminar 1 regarding dark personality traits?
Models: Discusses PEN, 16-PF, HEXACO, BIG FIVE.
Dark Traits: Introduces Dark Triad and Tetrad.
Inquiry: Examines if models explain malevolence.
What are the components of the Dark Triad in personality?
Psychopathy
Antisocial and disinhibited behaviour, low empathy, callousness and lack of remorse
Affective deficits
Great impulsivity
Machiavellianism
Disregard for morality, focus on self-interest, calculating and strategic behaviour
Manipulative interpersonal style
Narcissism
Vanity, exploitation, self-promotion, high self-esteem (explicit)
What characteristics are associated with the Dark Tetrad of personality?
(Everyday) Sadism:
Cruel behavior, harm pleasure, dominance assertion.
Enjoyment from others’ suffering
Psychopathy/Narcissism: Subclinical levels noted in day-to-day life.
Which additional dark personality traits are explored?
Moral Detachment
Ethical disconnection context-specific
Spitefulness
Desiring to harm or annoy others, cost notwithstanding
Selfishness
Excessive self-love overriding others needs
Danach kommt das mit den Goldfische
What research methods are used in behavioral genetics to study whether mean people are born or made?
Selective Breeding
Matches traits to observe genetic transmission
—> raises ethical concerns
Twin Studies
Compares monozygotic (100% shared genes) and dizygotic twins (50% shared genes)
What are the key research methods used in behavioral genetics to explore the origins of personality traits?
Family Studies
Analyzes personality similarity based on genetic closeness (e.g., parents 50%, grandparents 25%)
Adoption Studies
Separates genetic from environmental influences by comparing traits with adoptive and biological parents
Monozygotic Twins
Investigates genetic impact by studying twins raised apart
What are the heritability coefficients for dark personality traits as determined by Vernon et al. (2008) using twin studies?
Statistical significance found in MZ and DZ twins:
Machiavellianism: H = .22
Psychopathy: H = .20
Narcissism: H = .38
Heritability calculated using: 2*(rMZ - rDZ)
What were the findings from the correlation studies on dark personality traits among first-degree relatives?
Results: Statistically non-significant correlations.
Machiavellianism: r = .18
Psychopathy: r = .08
Narcissism: r = -.03
Sadism: r = .00
Maximum expected r for non-MZ first-degree relatives: r = .5
Heritability = r/0.5
What do the heritability studies of dark personality traits reveal about genetic influences?
Significant correlations in MZ and DZ twins:
Machiavellianism: rMZ = .68, rDZ = .57
Psychopathy: rMZ = .54, rDZ = .44
Narcissism: rMZ = .52, rDZ = .33
Heritability formula: 2*(rMZ - rDZ)
What are the additive genetic effects for dark personality traits as reported by Vernon et al. (2008) in their twin studies?
Additive genetic effects (a²) from study:
Machiavellianism: a² = .31
Psychopathy: a² = .64
Narcissism: a² = .59
Study emphasizes significant genetic contributions to these traits.
How do collectivistic and individualistic cultural values influence traits?
Collectivistic Cultures
Promote selflessness, group work, societal benefit, family/community centrality
Individualistic Cultures
Value uniqueness, self-sufficiency, autonomy, independence
How does the quality of parental care influence attachment patterns and susceptibility to dark personality traits?
Parental care quality influences attachment, affecting traits. Machiavellianism is most impacted by poor parental care. Correlation study shows significant effects on personality based on parental relationship quality.
