Individual Differences: Personality

Question 1

Define personality (3 different views)

Answer 1

(Hollander)-the sum of an individuals characteristics which make them unique
(Eysenck)-the stable organisation of character, temperament, intellect and physique which determines an individuals unique adjustment to the environment
(Gill)-the pattern of psychological characteristics that make a person unique

Question 2

What do all 3 definitions of personality agree on?

Answer 2

That an individuals personality is unique
That personality is stable and enduring but can be modified to adapt to different situations
The quality of performance and type of sport chosen by an individual may be determined by personality

Question 3

What are the 3 theories of personality?

Answer 3

Trait theory
Social learning theory
Interactionist theory

Question 4

What is the Trait theory and what does it involve?

Answer 4

That personality is determined by inherited or genetically predetermined qualities
So…
Traits are stable, enduring and consistent in all situations
Personality/behaviour is therefore generalised and predictable

Question 5

What is the mini equation for trait theory?

Answer 5

B=P

Question 6

What is the Social learning theory and what does it involve?

Answer 6

That personality is determined by copying the behaviour of others+being reinforced for copying it
Copying is more likely if the model is significant and/or if their behaviour is reinforced (VICARIOUS REINFORCEMENT)
So…
Behaviour is learned from environment
Personality/behaviour is therefore predictable if same situation occurs

Question 7

What is the mini equation for social learning theory?

Answer 7

B=E

Question 8

What is the Interactionist theory and what does it involve?

Answer 8

That personality is determined by interaction/relationship between personality traits and the situation/environment
-behaviour changing to the demands of the situation/environment
-a combination of trait and social learning factors
So…
Typical responses emerge from the combination of personality traits and environment
Personality/behaviour is unpredictable

Question 9

What is the mini equation for interactionist theory?

Answer 9

B=F(P,E)

Question 10

What are the 2 trait theories of personality?

Answer 10

No.1-the characteristics of extroversion, introversion, stable and unstable (neurotic) personalities-(Eysenck)
No.2-the characteristics of type A and type B personalities-(Girdano’s narrow band approach)

Question 11

What is the main concept in Eysenck’s trait theory (No.1)?

Answer 11

That you can have introverts, extroverts, stable and unstable personalities

Question 12

What does an extrovert personality include?

Answer 12

Tend to be outgoing-suited to team sports
Confident
Have a reticular activating system (RAS) which is low in sensitivity-RAS is part of brain that alters alertness-becomes aroused slowly

Question 13

What does an introvert personality include?

Answer 13

Tend to have an inward focus-suited to individual sports
Prefer isolation
May lack confidence in social groups
Have a reticular activating system (RAS) which is high in sensitivity-becomes aroused quickly

Question 14

What does a stable personality include?

Answer 14

Tend to have a predictable temperament-suited to sports needing high performance
Consistent moods
Appear calm/relaxed
Likely low anxiety
Realistic/logical perception of situations

Question 15

What does an unstable personality include?

Answer 15

Tend to be unpredictable in temperament-not ideal for sports participation
Inconsistent moods (mood swings)
Prone to worry+high anxiety
Unrealistic/illogical perception of situations

Question 16

What is the main concept in Girdano’s narrow band approach (No.2)?

Answer 16

That you can have only a type A and a type B personality

Question 17

What characteristics do type A personalities have?

Answer 17

Tend to become highly aroused
Prone to excessive anxiety 
Impatient with themselves+others 
Works fast/ambitious 
Tends to become aggressive 
Highly competitive+likes control of situations

Question 18

Give an example of a type A personality

Answer 18

A coach with type A may dispute a referee’s judgement/decision

Question 19

What characteristics do type B personalities have?

Answer 19

Able to control arousal/keep it low 
Can relax+subdue anxiety 
Patient with themselves+others 
Cool under pressure 
Passive 
Less competitive than type A

Question 20

Give an example of a type B personality

Answer 20

An athlete with type B is able to stay relaxed before a major event