6.1 Aspects Of Personality

Question 1

Personality

Answer 1

Comprises the unique, psychological, temperamental features of an individual

Some psychologists argue that personality characteristics are innate and others believe that they are learned

Question 2

What are the 3 perspectives of personality

Answer 2

• trait perspective
• social learning perspective
• interactionist perspective

Question 3

Trait perspective

Answer 3

Suggests that a performer is born with there personality - is genetically determined. Extroverts with show their personality both on and off the field of play whereas introverts will stay reserved.

Trait theorists suggest that characteristics will most likely be shown in all situations, so personality + behaviour can be predicted. Also suggest personality is stable + enduring. I.e. does not change + is permanent
This approach doesn’t not consider any effects that environmental learning may have on the performer, that personality cannot always be predicted, or that individuals may consciously decide structure of own personality

Question 4

Social learning perspective

Answer 4

Approach associated with psychologists such as bandura. Suggests that personality is not innate but is learned from our experiences.
It changes according to the situation and cannot be predicted
Socialisation also plays an important part. If behaviour is successful or is praised by a coach, it is highly likely that we will imitate it.
A performer is more likely to copy the behaviour / personality of those who have similar characteristics such as gender, age + ability levels as well as those who are significant

Question 5

Interactionist perspective

Answer 5

Suggests personality is made up of traits + the influence of what you have learned from you environmental experiences. Both trait and social learning approaches are relevant
Suggests individuals personality is produced when both their natural predisposition + the experience they have combine in a specific situation.
Performer will adapt to the situation they find themselves in even behaving differently to how they normally would.
Interactionist suggests we can predict personality + behaviour in a specific situation.
Hollander suggested their are 3 aspects to an individuals personality
1. Core = the real you + what your true beliefs + values are
2. Typical response = how individuals usually respond
3. Role-related behaviour = how an individual responds in a specific environment

Question 6

How knowledge of the interactionist perspective can help improve performance

Answer 6

If a coach understands their players’ innate personalities + how they would normally respond in specific situations, they can use this to their advantage.
Substitute her if they observe that her level of aggression is increasing due to the centre back continually sliding in late. Coach can try to adapt the responses of this player by offering cognitive + somatic strategies to reduce stress