Personality and attitude Flashcards
Trait theory
All behaviour is innate and genetically programmed
Traits are thought to be stable, enduring and consistent in all situations
Trait theory is depicted as:
Behaviour = Functions of Personality B = F (P)
Drawbacks of trait theory are:
It states that behaviour is at all times predictable
It does not take into account the fact that people adapt their behaviour in response to a particular environmental situation
It does not consider environmental influences on the shaping of personality
Trait personality types
Extrovert Affiliates well to other people Outgoing, gregarious and sociable Becomes aroused more slowly than introverts Has low sensitivity of the RAS
Introvert
Tends to be shy and reserved
Prefers isolation from others
Becomes aroused more quickly than extroverts
Has high sensitivity of the RAS
Neurotic Displays extreme and unpredictable emotions in the form of mood swings Their moods are unreliable They experience high degrees of stress Their recovery from stress is slow
Stable
Display predictable emotions in appropriate situations
Their moods are predictable
They tend not to experience intense stress
Their recovery from stress is rapid
Narrow band theory
Girando's two personality types A and B Type A Highly competitive Works fast Strong desire to succeed Likes control Prone to suffer stress
Type B Non-competitive Works more slowly Lacking desire to succeed Does not enjoy control Less prone to suffer stress
Social Learning theory
This theory proposes that all behaviour is learned. Personality is therefore not genetically programmed.
The two processes involved in social learning are:
The behaviour of other is imitated through observation
New behaviour is acquired after observation only when it is endorsed through social reinforcement
Social Learning theory is depicted as:
Behaviour = Function of Environment
B = F (E)
Drawbacks of social learning theory are:
It does not explain how some behaviour is predictable, traits.
It does not explain why we do not always copy the behaviour of role models or significant others
Interactionist theory
The interactionist view combines the trait and social learning perspectives
Personality is modified and behaviour is formed when genetically inherited traits are triggered by an environmental circumstance.
Interactionist theory is depicted as:
Behaviour = Function of Personality x Environment
B = F (PE)
The interactionist view supports the claim that typical responses emerge in accordance with changing environmental situations
Behaviour is therefore unpredictable
The approach offers an explanation why the personalities of sports performers change in different situations
Interactionist theory does not explain how some people are consistent in their behaviour at all times and display trait behaviour.
Conditions supporting social learning theory
Conditions that support Social Learning are:
The role model is powerful or authoritative
The observer and role model are the same gender
Behaviour is observed by a significant other or role model
The observer wants to adopt the norms and values of the new culture
Definition of personality
The patterns of thoughts and feelings and the way in which we interact with our environment and other people that make us a unique person
Define attitude
Attitude is used to explain a pattern of behaviour or a response to a situation.
Eg Someone could have a positive or negative attitude to the thought of exercise
It is an enduring emotional and behavioural response
Although attitudes are enduring they can be changed and so are considered unstable.
eg some one could have a negative attitude to exercise whilst at school but discover a passion for it in later life
Factors affecting the formation of attitude (positive)
belief in the benefit of exercise enjoyable experiences of sport being good at sport excited by the challenge of sport using sport as a stress relief influence of others where participation is the norm
Factors affecting the formation of attitude (negative)
no belief in the benefit of exercise bad past experiences of sport not being good at sport/lack of ability fear taking part in sport finding sport stressful influence of others where non-participation is the norm
Origin of attitude:
Experience Socialisation Peer group The media Culture
Definition of prejudice
Prejudice is a pre-judgement arising from an evaluation based on unfounded beliefs or opinions
A coach could have a prejudice against a performer. Negative prejudice relate to; race, gender and age
Triadic model
Cognitive component
Reflects the beliefs and knowledge that an individual holds about an attitude object
Affective component
Consists of feelings or an emotional response towards an attitude object
Behavioural component
Concerns how a person intends to behave or respond towards an attitude object
Cognitive Dissonance Theory
By changing an attitude component, a person will experience emotional conflict or dissonance
Emotional conflict is the basis of dissonance theory
Dissonance may cause a negative attitude to change
Changing any element of the model will cause dissonance.
Once dissonance is caused you experience a drive to establish consonance or a will to change other elements.
Methods of changing attitudes
Give positive reinforcements/praise rewards
Give negative reinforcements or take away a negative stimulus
Punish dysfunctional behaviour to stop negative attitudes
Cognitive method; educating or getting them to believe
Affective method; getting them to enjoy activity/eating healthy
Use role models to show the benefits
Reattribute to give reasons as controllable/internal
Raise self-esteem or confidence
Use group or peer pressure
Set goals or targets that are SMART
