CHAPTER 14 Flashcards
Individual differences in people’s personalities were biological, and not merely psychological aspects of personality.
Biologically Based Factor Theory
The biologically based tendency to behave in particular ways from very
early in life.
Temperament
The scientific study of the role of heredity in behavior. The extent to which a characteristic is influenced by genetics is known as heritability.
Behavioral genetics
Research into hereditary influence on twins, who were raised apart and those who were raised together.
Twin-adoption studies
Allows researchers to assess how genetic differences interact with the environment to produce certain behavior in some people but not in others.
Gene-by-environment interaction research
Biological aspects of personality are assessed using brain imaging
techniques.
Brain measure research
Used to record electrical activity of the brain by placing electrodes in a person’s scalp. It is superior to other brain imaging techniques in showing when brain activity occurs.
Electroencephalography
Images from fMRI tells us where activity in the brain is occurring during particular tasks by tracking blood oxygen use in brain tissue.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging
EYSECNK’S FACTOR THEORY
Psychometric sophistication alone is not sufficient to measure the structure of human personality.
Factors must be established. The factor must be reliable and replicable.
Psychometric evidence
Factor must fit an established genetic model.
Heritability
Gathering data that are logically consistent with that theory.
Make sense in a theoretical view
Mathematically derived factors should have a relationship with socially relevant variables.
Social relevance
Individual behaviors or thoughts that may or may not
be characteristic of a person
Specific acts or cognitions
Responses that recur under similar conditions.
Habitual acts or cognitions
