12.2 Cultural and Biological Approaches to Personality

Question 1

Candidate gene approach

Answer 1

a single gene of interest is identified, then studied in relation to a trait

Question 2

Genome-wide association study

Answer 2

Involves examining the DNA of the entire genome of individuals and determining which genetic variants are associated with a particular trait

Question 3

Humourism

Answer 3

explains both physical illnesses and disorders of personality as resulting from imbalances in key fluids in the body

Question 4

Phrenology

Answer 4

the theory that personality characteristics could be assessed by carefully measuring the shape of the skull

Question 5

Arousal theory of extraversion

Answer 5

arguing that extraversion is determined by people’s threshold for arousal

Question 6

Ascending reticular activating system

Answer 6

plays a central role in controlling this arousal response

Question 7

Behavioural activation system

Answer 7

a “GO” system, arousing the person to action in the pursuit of desired goals

Question 8

Behavioural inhibition system

Answer 8

more of a “danger” system, motivating the person to action in order to avoid punishments or other negative outcomes