personality

Question 1

What is personality?

Answer 1

Personality is the sum total of an individual’s characteristics that make them unique, but also consistent in their behaviour across situations.

Question 2

What are the two main types of personality theories?

Answer 2

Trait theory

Social learning theory
(Interactionist approach is also important)

Question 3

What is trait theory?

Answer 3

Trait theory suggests that personality traits are innate, stable, and consistent across different situations.
→ Linked to nature (genetics).

Question 4

Who proposed trait theory and what was the model contain?

Answer 4

Eysenck (1947)

Model includes two dimensions:

Introversion ↔ Extraversion

Stable ↔ Neurotic

Question 5

What are the characteristics of an extrovert?

Answer 5

Outgoing

Seeks social situations

Enjoys high arousal

Low sensitivity to stimuli

Question 6

What is the social learning theory of personality?

Answer 6

Personality is learned through observation, imitation, and reinforcement.
→ Emphasises nurture (environment).
Proposed by Bandura.

Question 7

What are the four key elements of Bandura’s social learning theory?

Answer 7

Attention

Retention

Motor reproduction

Motivation

Question 8

What is the interactionist approach to personality?

Answer 8

Suggests personality is a combination of trait (nature) and social learning (nurture) – behavior changes depending on the situation.

Question 9

Who proposed the interactionist approach?

Answer 9

Lewin (1935)

B = f(P × E)

Behaviour = function of Personality × Environment

Question 10

How can coaches use the interactionist approach in sport?

Answer 10

Identify traits

Understand situational triggers

Adapt strategies for different players

Encourage positive behaviours and emotional control

Question 11

What is the difference between state and trait personality?

Answer 11

Trait: Stable, enduring characteristics

State: Temporary response to a situation

Question 12

How is personality measured in sport psychology?

Answer 12

Questionnaires (e.g., EPI, SCAT)

Observation

Interviews

Validity and reliability can be concerns, especially with self-report

Question 13

Why is personality important in sport?

Answer 13

Can influence motivation, aggression, arousal

Helps in team selection and coaching strategies

May predict performance in high-pressure situations