Chapter 1 - Personality Flashcards
What is Hollander’s definition of personality? (1971)
The sum total of an individuals characteristics which make him unique
Define the term personality
An individipual’s predisposition to behave in a certain way
How does Gross (1992) define personality?
Those relatively stable and enduring traits, which make a person unique but allow them to be compared to others
What is the inner core of Hollander’s called and what does it represent?
Psychological core of beliefs, values and attitudes. Unlikely to change (the real and private you)
What is Hollander’s theory called?
The concentric ring theory (interactionist theory)
What is the middle layer called in the concentric ring theory?
Typical responses - more or less permanent characteristics that we show (friends and family). How we would typically behave!
What is meant by role related behaviours
How we behave in different situations. Our behaviour may be affected by new situations or we may behave differently in certain situations.
What conclusions can be drawn from the concentric ring theory?
Our behaviour will remain fairly consistent due to our psychological core, however, this may vary, depending on the situation we are in.
What are the general assumptions of Trait theories of personality?
B = f (P x E)
Personality is genetic/innate/inherited/nature
Personality is consistent/stable/enduring
Behaviour is predictable
Name the 2 main Trait theorists
Cattell and Eysenck
Explain Cattell’s theory of personality
16pf questionnaire
16 primary traits - everyone displays these traits in varying levels.
Explain Eysenck’s model of personality
Personality Matrix - dimensions
Introvert - extrovert
Neurotic (unstable) - stable.
3rd dimension later added (psychoticism)
Name characteristics of the Type A personality in the Narrow Band approach
Highly competitive Desire for success Works fast Likes to be in control Prone to suffer stress
Name a type A sportspersons and identify their personality characteristics
Roy Keane Aggressive Psyched up Cocky Irritable
What a the main assumptions of the social Learning perspective of personality?
B = f (E)
Behaviours are learned through interaction with others
Behaviour can change depending on the situation ( not predictable)
Behaviour is shaped by MODELLING and IMITATING
Identify the 4 parts to the Social Learning Process
Observe
Identify
Reinforce
Copy
Name the 3 ways in hitch we can measure personality
Observation
Questionnaires
Interviews
Name the advantages of questionnaires
Self-report
Cheap and easy to produce and administer
Fairly reliable and produce large amounts of data
What are the disadvantages of questionnaires?
Social desirability
Demand characteristics
Lack of validity - difficult to define personality
What are the advantages of interviews?
Greater validity
More detailed answers
What are the disadvantages of interviews?
Less reliability - difficult to repeat
Time-consuming
Researcher bias - misinterpretation
What are the advantages of observations as a method of assessing personality?
People can be observed in their natural environment - high validity
What are the disadvantages of observations?
Expensive and time-consuming
Problems with interpretation of behaviour
Participant’s being watched - social desirability/demand characteristics
