Gordon Allport

Question 1

Why is personality a dynamic organization for Allport?

Answer 1

It is the integration of interrelatedness of the various aspects of personality. Personality is organized and patterned but also always subject to change

Question 2

True or False: Allport believed there is continuity in one’s personality during childhood to adulthood

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Explain the concept of conscious motivation

Answer 3

Healthy adults are generally aware of what they are doing and their reasons for doing it. Compulsive behaviors are just automatic repetitions from one’s childhood

Question 3

What are the 4 characteristics of a healthy person by Allport?

Answer 3

• Proactive behaviors
• Operate on conscious motivation, where their actions are intentional and they’re aware
• Had a trauma-free childhood
• Become more mature as they grow older

Question 3

What are the 6 criteria for a mature personality by Allport?

Answer 3

• Warm relating of the self to others
• Extension of the self
• Emotional security or self-acceptance
• Realistic perception of the environment
• Has insight and non hostile humor
• Has a unifying philosophy in life

Question 3

These are structures within a person that influence behavior, they are consistent and enduring.

Answer 3

Traits

Question 3

True or False: because traits are stable, they do not change in different situations and cannot overlap

Answer 3

False

Question 4

These are predispositions to respond in a similar manner to different stimuli. These are hypothetical constructs that permit us to compare individuals within a given culture

Answer 4

Common Traits

Question 5

These are individual traits unique to an individual. This is a general determining characteristic but is unique to its possessor.

Answer 5

Personal Disposition

Question 6

More specific, focused tendencies that are often situational

Answer 6

Secondary Traits

Question 7

Most pervasive and powerful human traits

Answer 7

Cardinal Dispositions

Question 8

Highly characteristic tendencies of an individual, 5-10 outstanding characteristics that form the basic foundations of personality

Answer 8

Central Dispositions

Question 9

What is the difference between motivational and stylistic dispositions?

Answer 9

Motivational dispositions are more intensely experienced and initiates action, while stylistic dispositions are less intense and simply guides how an action is done

Question 10

This is Allport’s concept of the self or ego which contains all the behavior and characteristics one considers central and important in their lives

Answer 10

Proprium

Question 11

True or False: Proprium does not include habitual behavior and basic drives

Answer 11

True

Question 12

What are the 2 types of motivation according to Allport?

Answer 12

Peripheral motives - to reduce a need
Proprium strivings - to seek to maintain tension and disequilibrium

Question 13

What are the 4 requirements for a good motivation theory by Allport?

Answer 13

• Will acknowledge the contemporaneity of motivation
• Will be a pluralistic theory
• Will attribute dynamic force to cognitive processes
• Will allow for concrete uniqueness of motives

Question 14

Explain Functional Autonomy

Question 15

What are some processes that are NOT functionally autonomous?

Answer 15

• Biological drives and actions to reduce these drives
• Reflex actions
• Constitutional equipment (temperament, IQ, physique)
• Habits in the process of being formed
• Actions needing primary enforcement
• Sublimation tied to childhood desires
• Some neurotic or pathological symptoms

Question 16

What are the 2 levels of functional autonomy?

Answer 16

Perseverative - low-level and routine behaviors, including addiction and repetitive physical actions
Propriate - Relates to our lifestyle, values and self-image. Includes proprium

Question 17

Name 1 strength and criticism for Allport’s theory