Module 1 Flashcards
Founding figure of personality pyschology
Gordon Allport
2 functions of scientific theory and what do they do?
1) Synthesizing function (explain)
2) Heuristic function (predictive)
A falsifiable theory needs 2 things and what do they mean?
1) operational definitions- theoretical constructs need to be related to observable behavior
2) Relational statements- need to be precise (beyond analogies)
Name 2 types of theories and define
1) Descriptive- how we differ (aka trait theories)
2) Causal theories- why we differ. role of genetics, biology, environment
Who established 3 levels of analysis in personality psych
Kluckhohn & Murray
What are the 3 levels of analysis in PP by Kluckhohn and murray
Like some others, all others, none others
Nomothetic research
correlational (all others) & Experimental (some others)
idiographic
case studies (no others)
What does nomos mean?
What does thetic mean?
nomos=Law/principle
thetic = to lay down
What does idios mean
What does graphikos means
idios= own/private
graphikos= to write
3 limitations of case studies
1) Confirmatory bias
2) Sample size is small & idiosyncratic - cannot support generalisations
3) many research questions can’t be address by Case study (ie overemphasize particular periods)
2 limitations of correlations
1) Direction of causation is not always clear
2) Third variable problem
2 limitations of experimental method
1) Ecological validity
2) Experiment not possible for some issues
4 types of data used for personality
(LISS)
Self report
Life outcome
Informant report
situational test data
