Individual Differences Flashcards
What do the big five factors of personality describe
the main dimensions of personality—specifically: Openness to experience Conscientiousness Extraversion Agreeableness Neuroticism (emotional instability)
Describe the genetic influences on the big five
Identical and non-identical fraternal twins measured on personality dimensions
Results suggest that personality differences in the population are approximately 25 -50% genetically determined
What is openness in the big 5 factors of personality
Appreciation for art, emotion, adventure, unusual ideas, imagination, curiosity and variety of experience
What is conscientsciousness in the big 5 factors of personality
tendency to show self-discipline, act dutifully and aim for achievement, planned
What is extraversion in the big 5 factors of personality
energy, positive emotions and tendency to seek stimulation and the company of others
What is agreeableness in the big 5 factors of personality
tendency to be compassionate and cooperate rather than suspicious and antagonistic
What is neuroticism/stability in the big 5 factors of personality
tendency to experience unpleasant emotions easily e.g. anger, anxiety, depression or vulnerability – sometimes called emotional instability
Out of the 5 big personality traits, which are most associated with positive health outcomes
Conscientsciousness most strongly
Neuroticism
Describe conscientiousness’ role in health outcomes
Longevity: adds 7.5 years to lifespan
Less likely to engage in harmful behaviours, more likely to engage in healthy behaviours
Medical engagement and adherence: more frequent contact and careful compliance
Describe neuroticism’s role in health outcomes
Increased reporting of somatic symptoms e.g. pain
Higher rates of mental health disorders
Higher mortality rates e.g. in cardiovascular disease
Health behaviour:
Higher rates of healthcare usage
Less adherence to healthy behaviours
Higher rate of health harming behaviours
What are the 2 subtypes of intelligence that Cattel and Horn (1971, 1985) broke down Spearman’s ‘g’ into
Crystallised intelligence
Fluid intelligence
What is the definition of crystallised intelligence and what are the changes with age
The ability to apply previously acquired knowledge to current problems
Commonly improves
What is the definition of fluid intelligence and what are the changes with age
The ability to deal with novel problem-solving situations for which personal experience does not provide a solution
Pattern of decline
What is empathising
being able to infer the thoughts and feelings of others and having an appropriate emotional reaction
What is systemising
the drive to analyse or construct any kind of system i.e. identifying the rules that a govern a system, in order to predict how that system will behave
