Personality Flashcards
What is the definition of personality in the context of individual differences?
Individual behavioural differences that are consistent over time and across situations.
Personality encompasses temperament, coping styles, and behavioural types.
How is temperament defined in human psychology?
Differences in emotionality, or inherited tendencies demonstrated in early life.
It serves as the foundation of personality.
What is the relationship between personality and a ‘sense of self’ in animals?
Debated, as personality may suggest anthropomorphism.
The concept of a ‘sense of self’ is less clear in animal behaviour research.
What are the three increasing levels of complexity in personality?
- State
- Trait
- Type
What does ‘State’ refer to in personality?
Response to a situation, such as being afraid, excited, or curious in the moment.
What does ‘Trait’ refer to in personality?
A state observed in general, such as being fearful, excitable, or inquisitive.
What is a ‘Type’ in the context of personality?
A combination of traits that makes up an individual’s character.
What are two key traits frequently discussed in personality research?
- Extraversion
- Neuroticism
What is the significance of temperament in companion species?
It affects use and quality, such as in riding horses and service dog selection.
What are important temperament traits for pigs?
- Low aggression
- Strong maternal traits
- Ease of handling
- Low stress
Can temperament traits be influenced?
Yes, through genetic selection and management techniques.
What must be known before selecting for behaviour traits?
- Heritability of each trait
- Potential for genetic progress
- Genetic variation
- Association between traits
What are the two categories of scientific errors?
- Type one error: ‘false positive’
- Type two error: ‘false negative’
What is the Five Factor Model also known as?
The Big Five.
What are the dimensions of the Five Factor Model?
- Openness to experience
- Conscientiousness
- Extraversion
- Agreeableness
- Neuroticism
What does the Bold/Shy Continuum refer to?
An individual’s reaction to risky situations, with bold individuals taking risks and shy individuals avoiding them.
What are the two coping styles discussed?
- Active coping
- Passive coping
What is an example of an active coping trait?
Aggression.
What is an example of a passive coping trait?
Immobility and low levels of aggression.
How is personality evaluated?
It cannot be measured directly and requires multiple indirect measures.
What is ‘Qualitative Behavioural Assessment’ (QBA)?
A subjective assessment method developed to define behavioural states.
What are some examples of behavioural tests?
- Response to environmental challenges
- Aggression
- General fearfulness
- Fearfulness towards humans
What is tested in the Novel Object Test?
Willingness to approach a novel object.
What does the Open Door Test measure?
Willingness to exit a pen.
