Personality

Question 1

what is trait theory?

Answer 1

it proposes that people have enduring characteristics which aren’t affected by the environment an are relatively stable in all situations.

Question 2

type a trait characteristics

Answer 2

• highly extroverted
• requires control
• competitive
• high need to achieve
• easily stressed
• fast worker
• frustrated/angry at times

Question 3

type b trait characteristics

Answer 3

• highly introverted
• likes to be lead
• less competitive
• low need to achieve
• lower levels of stress
• works methodically and slowly
• remains calm

Question 4

whats a stable personality?

Answer 4

displays a calm persona and unfazed by stressful situations

Question 5

whats an unstable personality?

Answer 5

displays high levels of stress and anxiety and becomes stressed easily

Question 6

whats social learning theory?

Answer 6

proposes that our characteristics are learnt by watching others act in a particular way and our personality can change in different situations and environments

Question 7

example of social learning theory:

Answer 7

a kids sports idol; they copy their behaviour in game play as they look up to them

Question 8

what is interactionist perspective by lewin?

Answer 8

combines trait and social theory by proposing an individuals characteristics are originally inherited and then shaped based on personal experience

behaviour = function of personality x environment
(if the environment changes so does behaviour)

Question 9

what is interactionist perspective theory by hollander?

Answer 9

a circle consisting of 4 stages:
1. (inner) psychological core - where inherited character is
2. (middle 1) typical response - how you normally respond to a situation
3. (middle 2) role related behaviour - response when in a different situation, e.g. being fouled in a game
4. (outer) social environment - characteristics of environment

Question 10

experiments from interactionist perspective theory

Answer 10

• studying twins and making the grow up in different environments
• both twins have the same DNA which suggests their inherited characteristics are the same (according to trait theory)
• if one twin is exposed to a more aggressive sporting environment, they are most likely will act more aggressive than the other (according to interactionist perspective)

Question 11

how can interactionist perspective improve performance?

Answer 11

• preventing aggression
• prevent social loafing
• prevent high anxiety levels and over arousal