Lecture 1

Question 1

Definition of personality

Answer 1

The consistent and enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influencing a persons interactions with the environment

Question 2

Origin of word personality

Answer 2

Greek, persona, actors play multiple roles

Question 3

Role of personality psychologists

Answer 3

• research, assess, test theories to explain behavior
• study all aspects of a persons biology, thoughts, feelings, motives, and behaviors across different contexts (family, work, and relationships)

Question 4

Three levels of personality analysis

Answer 4

1. Human nature: how we are all like OTHER people e.g. Needing human interaction)
   2.Individual differences: how we are like SOME people
   e.g. Sociability)
2. Unique life story: how he are like NO ONE ELSE (eg. Personal achievements)

Question 5

Aim of personality theories

Answer 5

To explain personality across three levels: human nature, individual differences, and unique life story of a person

Question 6

Zimbardo’S prison experiment

Answer 6

• explored The power of situations (you are in), influence behavior
• participants (guards) adopted their roles so seriously that the study was stir down due to abusive behavior.

Guards became sadistic and cruel
Prisoners became passive and compliant
Zimbardo said this is the power of the situation

Shows how situational factors lead to behavior change
The Power of Social Roles and loss of personal identity

Question 7

Aggression (the three levels, cases)

Answer 7

• Fight or flight response
  -some would respond aggressively in road rage,whereas others wont
  -Vincent Van Gogh cutting ear

Question 8

Abu ghraib prison scandal

Answer 8

• US guards abused prisoners, raising questions about whether it was due to human nature call people are capable of evil) or individual differences (some more inclined to aggression)
  -zimbardo argued that the situation made any person likely to behave aggressively

Parallel findeings tot he Standford Prison experiment by zimbardo showing situational factors and authority can lead to mistreatment and aggression

Question 9

Measuring personality

Answer 9

1. Self-reports: asking individuals about their own beliefs and behaves.
2. Observer reports: observing behavior as rated by others
3. Test data: specific testing to gather data
4. Life history data: analysis of an individuals life story

Question 10

Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI)

Answer 10

• A personality assessment using self-report on a 7-point scale, rating traits such as extroversion, agreeableness,and neuroticism.

Question 11

Scoring the TIPI

Answer 11

Each trait is scored by averaging the results of corresponding self-report items, with some items reverse-scored

Question 12

Advantages,Disadvantages of self-reported data

Answer 12

Easy to distribute to large groups & can assess difficult-to-observe behaviors and thoughts

But, respondents may not be representative (generally), and responses can be biased or untruthful

Question 13

Disadvantages of observer reports

Answer 13

Researcher interference can affect observations & some behaviors (eg. criminality) are rare, making it hard to gather data

Question 14

Pre-scientific methods of personality assessment

Answer 14

1. Astrology: personality based on birthdate
2. Physiognomy: personality based on facial features
3. Phrenology: personality based on shape of skull

Question 15

What are the personality themes in the movie “The Royal Tenenbaums”?

Answer 15

• Individual differences in personality
• Motives, goals, and emotions of characters
• Personality change and continuity over time
• Influence of childhood on adulthood
• How we come to know a person

Question 16

What are some key insights about personality from “The Royal Tenenbaums”?

Answer 16

• Different characters exhibit distinct personality traits
• Motives drive characters’ actions and emotions
• The film showcases the impact of early life experiences on adult behavior
• It explores how people change over time, yet retain certain core traits

Question 17

What are the key components of personality discussed in relation to “The Royal Tenenbaums”?

Answer 17

• Descriptive characteristics: Traits like intelligence, hard-working nature
• Motives and goals: What drives characters (e.g., achievement, relationships)
• Values: Honesty, loyalty, selfishness, etc.
• Emotional tendencies: Moodiness, anxiety, optimism
• Memories and life stories: How characters’ pasts shape who they are

Question 18

What activity was suggested to understand personality better, inspired by “The Royal Tenenbaums”?

Answer 18

• Describing your personality to someone you’ve never met
• Identifying the most important aspects to mention so that others understand you
• Discussing which traits were common across group members’ descriptions