Personality Flashcards

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1
Q

Define personality

A

Stable, enduring + unique traits of an individual that influences people to behave a certain way.

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2
Q

Why study personality in sport?

A

Good for coaches as all performers are diff. so important to understand how to motivate them.

Linked w/ choice of sport + success

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3
Q

What are the different trait theories

A

Eysenck’s theory - 1955

Cattell’s theory - 1965

Type A + B personalities theory

Biological theory- Sheldon

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4
Q

Criticisms of the trait theories

A

Behaviour can’t ALWAYS be predicted

Doesn’t take into account personality change

Personality + behaviour can change w/ the situation

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5
Q

Explain Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)

A

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).

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6
Q

Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)

Define extroverts vs introverts

A

Extroverts = Like social contact / affiliation

Introverts = Avoid social contact

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7
Q

Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)

Define stable vs unstable/neurotic

A

Stable = Reliable + predictable

Unstable/Neurotic = Extreme emotions + unreliable

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8
Q

Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)

How does the ANS respond to stable + neurotic people?

A

Stable = ANS responds SLOWLY to stressful situations = even-tempered + easy going

Neurotic = ANS responds QUICKLY + STRONGLY to stressful situations = restless, anxious + excitable

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9
Q

Define the RAS (Reticular Activating System)

A

Part of the central cortex of the brain

Helps maintain optimum levels of arousal

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10
Q

Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)

How does the RAS function in extroverts

A

RAS inhibits incoming info = under-arousal

So require additional stimulation to maintain optimum levels of brain activity

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11
Q

Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)

How does the RAS function in introverts

A

RAS amplifies incoming info = over-arousal

Tended no to need external stimulation or excitement to function optimally

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12
Q

Explain Cattell’s theory - 1965 (TRAIT)

A

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.

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13
Q

Type A + B Personalities (TRAIT)

Explain type A

A

Highly competitive

Achievement orientated

Eat, walk + talk fast

Aggressive, restless + impatient

High levels of stress

Diff. to not be in control

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14
Q

Type A + B Personalities (TRAIT)

Explain type B

A

Less competitive

More relaxed

Calm, laid back + patient

Low levels of stress

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15
Q

Explain biological theory - Sheldon (TRAIT)

A

Endomorphs = fun, sociable, relaxed

Mesomorphs = adventurous, competitive, extrovert

Ectomorphs = Self-conscious, introverted, intense

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16
Q

Conclusion to the trait theories

A

Many traits contribute to our personality

Once we’ve assessed someone’s traits we can predict their behaviour

17
Q

Concerns w/ the trait theories

A

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.

18
Q

What are the problems with the socials learning theory - NURTURE

A

Doesn’t account for genetically inherited factors.

19
Q

Explain the interactionist approach (NATURE+NURTURE) of personality

A

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.)

20
Q

What does Lewin’s approach to personality recognise w/in the interactionist approach?

A

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.

21
Q

What did Hollander believe about personality?

A

Personality was a layered structure:

  1. Psychological core = Fairly permanent, values, what you believe
  2. Typical Responses = to a situation
  3. Role-related behaviours = changeable, dependent on situation, could be diff. to core.
22
Q

What are the different ways to measure personality?

A

Self-report Questionnaires

Psychometric Tests

Personality profiling

Observation

Interview

23
Q

What are the 2 types of Personality profiling under measuring personality?

A

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

24
Q

Define validity in measuring personality

A

Does the personality test measure the performer’s whole personality?

25
Q

Define reliability in measuring personality

A

If the tests are repeated will the same results be gained?

26
Q

What are the adv. to questionnaires

A

Quick

Cheap

Objective

Efficient so large numbers can be assessed quickly.

Coach can then compare and use results

27
Q

What are the disadv. to questionnaires

A

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)

28
Q

What are the adv to observation

A

Personality tested in the actual setting

29
Q

What are the disadv to observation

A

⬇️ 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

30
Q

Give adv to interviews to measure personality

A

Gain an in-depth understanding of the person

Face to face, can read body language, can ask for further reasoning, open questions, qualitative

31
Q

Give disadv to interviews to measure personality

A

⬇️ 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

32
Q

Profile of Mood States (POMS)

A

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…

33
Q

What are the 6 moods in the Profile of Mood States (POMS)

A

Tension

Depression

Anger

Vigour

Fatigue

Confusion

34
Q

What research was found by Butt

A

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.

35
Q

According to Morgan what 2 groups have emerged based on views into personality in sport

A

The credulous view

Sceptical view

36
Q

Define the credulous view

A

Sports psychologists who believe personality test are accurate predictors of success + that there’s a link between personality, participation + performance in sport.

37
Q

Define the sceptical view

A

Sports psychologists who believe personality tests were of little value in predicting athlete success.