Personality Flashcards
Define personality
Stable, enduring + unique traits of an individual that influences people to behave a certain way.
Why study personality in sport?
Good for coaches as all performers are diff. so important to understand how to motivate them.
Linked w/ choice of sport + success
What are the different trait theories
Eysenck’s theory - 1955
Cattell’s theory - 1965
Type A + B personalities theory
Biological theory- Sheldon
Criticisms of the trait theories
Behaviour can’t ALWAYS be predicted
Doesn’t take into account personality change
Personality + behaviour can change w/ the situation
Explain Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)
Measured by the EPI (Eysenck’s Personality Inventory)
Extroversion + Introversion dimensions are initiated from a persons RAS (reticular activating system).
Stable/Neurotic dimensions are linked to a persons ANS (Autonomic Nervous System).
Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)
Define extroverts vs introverts
Extroverts = Like social contact / affiliation
Introverts = Avoid social contact
Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)
Define stable vs unstable/neurotic
Stable = Reliable + predictable
Unstable/Neurotic = Extreme emotions + unreliable
Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)
How does the ANS respond to stable + neurotic people?
Stable = ANS responds SLOWLY to stressful situations = even-tempered + easy going
Neurotic = ANS responds QUICKLY + STRONGLY to stressful situations = restless, anxious + excitable
Define the RAS (Reticular Activating System)
Part of the central cortex of the brain
Helps maintain optimum levels of arousal
Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)
How does the RAS function in extroverts
RAS inhibits incoming info = under-arousal
So require additional stimulation to maintain optimum levels of brain activity
Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)
How does the RAS function in introverts
RAS amplifies incoming info = over-arousal
Tended no to need external stimulation or excitement to function optimally
Explain Cattell’s theory - 1965 (TRAIT)
Used a self-report questionnaire
- 16 personality factor questionnaire assesses overall personality.
Better than Eysenck’s theory due to accepting personality can change w. situation.
Type A + B Personalities (TRAIT)
Explain type A
Highly competitive
Achievement orientated
Eat, walk + talk fast
Aggressive, restless + impatient
High levels of stress
Diff. to not be in control
Type A + B Personalities (TRAIT)
Explain type B
Less competitive
More relaxed
Calm, laid back + patient
Low levels of stress
Explain biological theory - Sheldon (TRAIT)
Endomorphs = fun, sociable, relaxed
Mesomorphs = adventurous, competitive, extrovert
Ectomorphs = Self-conscious, introverted, intense
Conclusion to the trait theories
Many traits contribute to our personality
Once we’ve assessed someone’s traits we can predict their behaviour
Concerns w/ the trait theories
Fails to predict our behaviour
Failed to recognise that individuals are actively involved in constructing their own personality.
Failed to recognise the specific effects of diff. environmental situations.
What are the problems with the socials learning theory - NURTURE
Doesn’t account for genetically inherited factors.
Explain the interactionist approach (NATURE+NURTURE) of personality
Mixture of trait + social learning theories is more appropriate so a mixture of trait + environmental influence develop our personality.
Lewin approach to personality
B=f(PE)
Behaviour is a function of (Personality traits + the env.)
What does Lewin’s approach to personality recognise w/in the interactionist approach?
That individuals in certain sports don’t all behave the same.
When situational factors are strong (i.e comp) they are more likely to affect behaviour than personality traits
When SF are weak (i.e training), personality traits are more likely to affect behaviour.
What did Hollander believe about personality?
Personality was a layered structure:
- Psychological core = Fairly permanent, values, what you believe
- Typical Responses = to a situation
- Role-related behaviours = changeable, dependent on situation, could be diff. to core.
What are the different ways to measure personality?
Self-report Questionnaires
Psychometric Tests
Personality profiling
Observation
Interview
What are the 2 types of Personality profiling under measuring personality?
Eysenck’s Personality inventory (EPI) = Yes or No answers
Cattell’s 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) = 141 statements + subject is given a score out of 10
Define validity in measuring personality
Does the personality test measure the performer’s whole personality?
Define reliability in measuring personality
If the tests are repeated will the same results be gained?
What are the adv. to questionnaires
Quick
Cheap
Objective
Efficient so large numbers can be assessed quickly.
Coach can then compare and use results
What are the disadv. to questionnaires
Players may not understand questions so may say socially desirable answers
Answers depend on mood state (win or loss)
Results influenced by time – may rush to complete and give wrong answer
Answers too vague (yes/no)
What are the adv to observation
Personality tested in the actual setting
What are the disadv to observation
⬇️ validity + reliability
Subjects know they are being watched so change behaviour
Based on opinion of observer (subjective)
Time consuming = would need to know about the performer before watching so can compare behaviour to the norm
Training required
Give adv to interviews to measure personality
Gain an in-depth understanding of the person
Face to face, can read body language, can ask for further reasoning, open questions, qualitative
Give disadv to interviews to measure personality
⬇️ validity + reliability
Time consuming
Responses can change according to mood
Person interviewing the subject may cause them to be nervous which will affect responses to questions
Profile of Mood States (POMS)
Morgan 1979
Those w/ a good mental health will produce the Iceberg profile implying that success in sport may enhance +ive mental health. That +ive mental health doesn’t lead to sporting success.
Found that successful athletes were above the norm for vigour but below the line for tension, depression, anger…
What are the 6 moods in the Profile of Mood States (POMS)
Tension
Depression
Anger
Vigour
Fatigue
Confusion
What research was found by Butt
That those involved in team sports are more extroverted than those involved in ind. sports.
Explanation = Reticular Activating System is strong in introverts + weak in extroverts.
According to Morgan what 2 groups have emerged based on views into personality in sport
The credulous view
Sceptical view
Define the credulous view
Sports psychologists who believe personality test are accurate predictors of success + that there’s a link between personality, participation + performance in sport.
Define the sceptical view
Sports psychologists who believe personality tests were of little value in predicting athlete success.
