Personality Flashcards
Define personality
Sum of individual psychological characteristics that makes a person unique
What are the 3 theories of personality
Trait, SLT, interactionist
Define anxiety
Negative emotional state where high arousal is linked to our fears and worries
Define state anxiety
Anxiety in a specific situation
Define arousal
Readiness that motivates us to behave in a certain way
What does the trait theory of personality state
Characteristics are innate, stable and enduring with no impact of the situation on behaviour
What researchers are linked to trait theory
Eysenck, Girdano
What did Eysenck propose about trait theory
4 primary personality traits - stable/unstable, introvert/extrovert
What are 3 behaviours associated with a unstable introvert of Eysenck’s model
Anxious, quiet, unsociable
What are 3 behaviours associated with a unstable extrovert of Eysenck’s model
Touchy, aggressive, impulsive
What are 3 behaviours associated with a stable introvert of Eysenck’s model
Passive, controlled, calm
What are 3 behaviours associated with a stable extrovert of Eysenck’s model
Sociable, outgoing, leadership
Define a stable personality
Someone who displays consistent behavioural traits
Define an unstable personality
Someone who is highly anxious with unpredictable emotions
Define an extrovert personality
Someone who seeks social situations and likes excitement
Define an introvert personality
Someone who prefers peace and quiet
What theory did Girdano propose in relation to trait theory
Narrow band
What is Girdano’s narrow band theory in relation to trait theory
Type A - Highly competitive, desire to succeed, impatient
Type B - Non competitive, lack in desire to succeed, patient
What are some characteristics of extroverts
Perform better in higher arousal situations, aroused slower than introverts, low sensitivity in reticular activating system (RAS), prefer gross skills
What are some characteristics of introverts
High levels of excitation, don’t need added excitement, become aroused quicker than extroverts, high RAS sensitivity
What are 2 positive evaluations of trait theory
Behaviour can be predicted, research support
What are 2 negatives of trait theory
Personality changes, not just genetics that determine personality
What does SLT of personality state
All behaviour is learned through observation and then reinforcement
What is the positive variant of learned behaviour
Functional behaviour e.g sportsmanship, healthy lifestyle
What is the negative variant of learned behaviour
Dysfunctional behaviour e.g aggression, sedentary lifestyle
When is SLT likely to occur
When observing a role model
What are 2 positives of SLT
Bobo doll supports it, aspects of learning from role models are supported
What are 2 negatives of SLT
Does not consider genetics, justifies dysfunctional behaviour
What does the interactionist theory of personality state
Personality is determined by an interaction of traits and the situation
What researcher is related to the interactionist theory
Hollander
What was Hollander’s model
Three levels:
1 . Psychological core - real you not affected by values or environment
2 . Typical response - way we usually respond to situations
3 . Role related behaviour - changes depending on situation
