Biological Aspects

Question 1

Describe Naumann et al.’s (2010) study on judgements based on physical appearance

Answer 1

Observers looked at photos of strangers (zero-acquaintance): Posed vs. spontaneous full-body photos

Observers rated 10 personality traits which were compared to criterion measures of the people in the photos (self and peer ratings)

Observers were able to guess (better than chance) extraversion, self-esteem, religiosity in posed photographs, able to guess (better than chance) many more traits with nonverbal components (candid shots)

Question 2

What are typical judgements someone might make of an attractive person?

Answer 2

More attractive = more extraverted, less neurotic, more conscientious (women only)

Question 3

Describe the reinforcement sensitivity theory

Answer 3

Behavioural inhibition system (“STOP”), behavioural approach system (“GO”)

Which system is more active is associated with differences in behaviour

Question 4

Biologically primed to seek arousal from the environment

Answer 4

Sensation seekers

Question 5

What are three examples of transient states of mental health impacting personality?

Answer 5

Certain pathologies with cyclical or changing natures (e.g. bipolar disorder)

Postpartum depression & psychosis

Medication for mental health