personality

Question 1

define: personality

Answer 1

the sum of an individuals characteristics which make him unique

Question 2

what are the three theories of personality?

Answer 2

• trait theory
• social learning theory
• interactionist theory

Question 3

according to the trait theory of personality, what is personality determined by?

what does this mean?

Answer 3

determined by: inherited or genetically predetermined qualities

so traits are consistent in all situations

and personality / behaviour is generalised and predictable

e.g. some people are always aggressive

Question 4

strengths of the trait theory of personality

Answer 4

• (if the theory is correct) personality / behaviour can be predicted
• there is some evidence that personality is influenced by genetics

Question 5

weaknesses of the trait theory of personality

Answer 5

• doesnt account for how personality seems to change in different environments if it is just based on traits
• identical twins who are brought up in different environments do not demonstrate the same personality therefore suggesting its not just traits that determine personality

Question 6

according to the social learning theory of personality, what is personality determined by?

what does this mean?

Answer 6

determined by: copying the behaviour of others and being reinforced for copying it

copying is more likely if the model is significant

behaviour is learned from the environment

so personality / behaviour is predictable if the same situation occurs

e.g. a person might adapt a positive attitude in certain situations only

Question 7

strengths of the social learning theory

Answer 7

• there is evidence to suggest some aspects of personality are learned by watching and copying role models

Question 8

weaknesses of the social learning theory

Answer 8

• if this theory was true then we would all have the same personality
• children brought up in the same way dont always display the same personality

Question 9

according to the interactionist theory of personality, what is personality determined by?

what does this mean?

Answer 9

determined by: a combination of genetics and the environment

personality or behaviour is unpredictable

Question 10

strengths of the interactionist theory of personality

Answer 10

• takes into account the effects of both traits and the environment
• it explains why our behaviour is often unpredictable
• explains why people in the same environment behave differently

Question 11

what are the two trait theories of personality?

Answer 11

1. the characteristics of extroversion, introversion, stable and unstable
2. the characteristics of type A and type B personalities

Question 12

extrovert personalities:

Answer 12

• tend to be outgoing; may be suited to team sports
• confident with other people
• become aroused slowly

Question 13

introvert personalities:

Answer 13

• tend to have an inward focus; may be more suited to individual sports
• prefer isolation
• may lack confidence when in social groups
• become aroused quickly

Question 14

stable personalities:

Answer 14

• moods are likely consistent
• appear calm and relaxed
• likely to be low in anxiety
• logical perception of a situation

Question 15

unstable persoanlities:

Answer 15

• moods are likely to be inconsistent
• prone to worry and high anxiety
• unrealistic perception of a situation

Question 16

type A personalities:

Answer 16

• prone to excessive anxiety
• highly competitive
• works fast and is ambitious
• impatient with themselves and others

e.g. a coach with type A personality characteristics may disagree with a referees decision

Question 17

type B personalities:

Answer 17

• able to control arousal
• cool under pressure
• less competitive than type A
• patient with themselves and others

e.g. an athlete with type B personality characteristics is able to stay relaxed before a competition