Biological theories II

Question 1

Eysenck’s biological model of personality and arousal

Answer 1

excitatory and inhibitory neural mechanisms regulated by ARAS. Extroversion and neuroticism are connected with arousal

Question 2

excitatory mechanism

Answer 2

keep the individual alert, awake and aroused

Question 3

inhibitory mechanism

Answer 3

keep the individual sleepy, drowsy and sluggish

Question 4

ARAS

Answer 4

ascending reticular activating system - ARAS - balance between the inhibitory and excitatory mechanisms produced level of physiological arousal at any given moment

Function of ARAS is to regulate the amount of information or stimulation that goes into the brain. It activates and deactivates higher parts of the brain - cerebral cortex- and is involved in maintaining alertness, concentration and controlling the sleep wake cycle

Question 5

Eysencks biological model of personality

Answer 5

cortical arousal - Eysenck states that each individuals ARAS functions differently

ARAS that lets in lots of stimulation = introvert
ARAS that cuts brain off from stimulation = extrovert

Emotional arousal
High levels of emotional arousal = greater emotional lability = more neurotic
Lower levels of arousal = greater emotional stability = less neurotic

No evidence supporting this model, not conclusive

Question 6

Gray’s BAS/BIS theory

Answer 6

Behavioural Approach System (BAS) - the approach motivation or the go. Sensitive to potential rewards and motivated to seek those rewards

Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS) - the avoidance motivation or STOP system, this is the systems that cause one to be sensitive to potential punishment and motivated to avoid those punishments nets

Question 7

BAS

Answer 7

seeking reward and connection with positive emotions, anticipation of good events

High BAS - individual is impulsive
Low BAS - individual is not impulsive

Positive feelings involve activity in the LEFT frontal lobe of the cortex

Question 8

BIS

Answer 8

Behavioural inhibition system inhibits movement towards goals and is responsive to cues of punishment or danger

High BIS - high trait anxiety
Low BIS - low trait anxiety

Research on cortical activity shows an increase in activity in the RIGHT frontal areas of the cortex when people are anxious, fearful or disgusted

Question 9

Grays model and eysencks model of personality

Answer 9

eysencks extraversion and neuroticism dimensions can be mapped on BIA-BAS model

The two models are at a 45 degree angle to one another rather than aligned

High in extraversion and high in neuroticism = high in BAS

Someone high in BAS = high in extraversion but neither high nor low in neuroticism

Question 10

Cloninger’s biological model of personality

Answer 10

4 temperament domains
1. Novelty seeking - impulsive behaviour and high activation level, high dopamine
2. Harm avoidance - cautious, careful, fearful and tense, inhibition, serotonin
3. Reward dependence- friendliness and seek social approval, behaviour maintenance and noreprinephrine
4. Persistence - persevere in behaviour despite obstacles, tiredness and frustration

3 character domains
1. Self-directedness - beliefs about independence, self-esteem, self-reliance and adapt behaviour in accord with goals
2. Cooperativeness - empathy, compassion, helpfulness and morality
3. Self-transcendence - connected with mystical experiences, faith and spirituality

Question 11

Biological theories of personality weaknesses

Answer 11

no consistent evidence

Oversimplification of the brain