personality

Question 1

definition of personality

Answer 1

patterns of thoughts and feelings and way in which we interact with our environment and other people that make us a unique person

Question 2

describe trait perspective of personality B=F(P)

Answer 2

• inherited from parental genes and behaviour is innate, stable and enduring. it is influenced by genetics.
• it is long lasting

Question 3

positives of trait perspective of personality

Answer 3

• personality can be predicted

- is influenced by genetics

Question 4

negatives of trait perspective of personality

Answer 4

• doesn’t account for changes in personality or upbringing

- not accurate as not likely to be just genetic input

Question 5

describe social learning perspective of personality

B=F(E)

Answer 5

• all behaviour is learnt and happens through environmental experiences
• learning can only happen if socially reinforced

Question 6

positives of social learning perspective of personality

Answer 6

• bobo doll experiment supports this

Question 7

negatives of social learning perspective of personality

Answer 7

• too simplistic it doesn’t account for personality traits
• behavior in twins isn’t always the same even though they are brought up in the same way
• not everyone hit the Bobo doll

Question 8

describe interactionist approach of personality

B=F(P X E)

Answer 8

• personality has three levels that interact to form personality
• combines trait perspective and social learning
• states you have a psychological core (real you permanent), a typical response (leant behaviors changeable as environment changes) and role related behavior (at a specific time)
• can be modified by situations or environments

Question 9

positives of interactionist approach of personality

Answer 9

• explains how environment can trigger inherited traits. Takes into account both traits.
• why behavior is unpredictable
• why we may act different in a certain situation

Question 10

describe type a and type b personalities (narrow band approach)

Answer 10

type a = characterised by intolerance, impatience and high levels of stress
type b = relaxed, tolerant approach with lower personal stress

Question 11

what are the two dimensions of personality made by Eysenck and Cattell?

Answer 11

stable/unstable

introversion/extroversion

Question 12

definition of stable and unstable personality traits

Answer 12

stable = unchangeable and remain constant and predictable 
unstable = changeable and unpredictable

Question 13

three characteristics of a type a and type b personality

Answer 13

type A = competitive, high stress, easily aroused, work fast, desire to succeed
type B = non competitive, patient, relaxed, works slowly, lacks desire

Question 14

characteristics of introverts/extroverts

Answer 14

based on reticular activating system (RHS)

• introverts are shy and avoid social situations
• extroverts like excitement but lack concentration

Question 15

what type of people did Eysenck say are the best sports people

Answer 15

stable extroverts

- extroverts like team sports