Personality

Question 1

Describe the trait approach to personality

Answer 1

Nature or nurture?

• Personality is innate
• Made up of stable and enduring traits that can influence behaviour in all siituations
• Characteristics displayed in ALL aspects of person’s behaviour
• Possible to predict this behaviour in all future situations

Question 2

What are the problems with trait theory

Answer 2

• Emphasises the person rather than situation
• Does not take into account personality change ; personality and behaviour can change with the situation
• Personalities can be learned by experience

Question 3

Describe the social learning theory (Bandura)

Answer 3

Observe > Identify > Reinforce > Copy

• Suggests that behaviours are learned through observing and copying the behaviour of others

Social learning is especially likely to happen if…

• The model being observed has a high status i.e. is a significant other or role model
• The behaviour is reinforced or accepted as normal
• If undesirable behaviour goes unpunished it has same effect
• The behaviour being observed is realistic i.e. can be related to

However, does not take into account genetics - just says you are learned