Personality

Question 1

What is the difference between a personality and a personality theory?

Answer 1

A personality:
- A person’s unique long-term pattern of thinking, emotions, and behaviour

A personality theory:
- A personality theory is a system of concepts, assumptions, ideas, and principles proposed to explain personality

Question 2

Elaborate more on the ‘Big Five’ trait theory.

Answer 2

• Basic differences in personality can be boiled down to 5 dimensions
• A handful of characteristics can account for most individual differences in personality

1) Extroversion
2) Agreeableness
3) Conscientiousness
4) Neuroticism
5) Openness to Experience

Question 3

Elaborate more on the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) trait theory.

Answer 3

It is a 16-type model of personality that checks for:

• Source of energy
• Processing of information
• Approach to decision making
• Need for structure

Question 4

Extraversion (E) vs Intraversion (I)

Answer 4

Extroverts are energized by interacting with other people, participating in events, and are known to act quickly

Introverts are energized by ideas, reflection and working alone. They tend to analyse and reflect before taking actions.

Question 5

Sensing (S) vs Intuition (N)

Answer 5

Sensors are pragmatic realist who focus on facts and their own real-world experiences
- Facts, down to earth, practical, make, five senses, experience, past and present

Intuitives focus on patterns, future possibilities and enjoy abstract thinking
- Ideas, dreams, theory, create, imagination, vision, future

Question 6

Thinking (T) vs Feeling (F)

Answer 6

When making decisions,

Thinkers are logical, highly analytical and evaluate facts.

Feelers are careful to consider people, feelings, and various point of view.

Question 7

Judging (J) vs Perceiving (P)

Answer 7

Judgers like to make plans and lists, follow schedules and are highly like organized

Perceivers are spontaneous, flexible and highly adaptable to their outside environment

Question 8

What are the four major perspectives of personality

Answer 8

• Trait Theory
• Psychonalytic Theory
• Humanistic Theories
• Behavouristic and Social Learning Theories

Question 9

What are examples of trait theory and what the personality is caused by?

Answer 9

Examples:

• Theory: The Big Five
• Theory: MBTI

Personality is caused by:
- Genetics / Inborn that’s mediated by environment

Question 10

What are examples of psychonalytic theory and what the personality is caused by?

Answer 10

Examples:
- Psychoanalytic Theory

Cause: Unconscious desires outside of our awareness

Question 11

What are examples of humanistic theory and what the personality is caused by?

Answer 11

Examples:
- Theory of self-actualization

Cause: Need for growth and self-actualization

Question 12

What are examples of behavouristic and social learning theories and what the personality is caused by?

Answer 12

Examples:
- Social Reinforcement

Reward (e.g. praise, attention, approval from others) or Punishment (e.g. disapproval)