Personality (Psychology)

Question 1

Trait theory

Answer 1

The trait approach, believe that someone’s personality is innate, that it is made up of stable and enduring traits (characteristics) that can influence behaviour in all situations. For example, if a person was assessed as being aggressive and competitive, then these characteristics would be displayed in all aspects of the person’s behaviour (stable) and at all times (enduring), and therefore it would be possible to predict this behaviour in all future situations.

Question 2

Problems with trait theory

Answer 2

-It emphasises the person rather than the situation. -It doesn’t take into account personality change; personality and behaviour can change with the situation. -Personalities can be learned by experience.

Question 3

Social Learning Theory (BANDURA)

Answer 3

OBSERVE -> IDENTIFY -> REINFORCE -> COPY -Bandura suggested that many behaviours are learned through observing and copying the behaviours of others.

Question 4

Social Learning Theory -especially likely to happen if…

Answer 4

•The model being observed has a high status, i.e. is a significant other or role model, e.g. parent, coach, sports hero. •The behaviour is reinforced or accepted as normal. •If undesirable behaviour goes unpunished it has the same effect. •The behaviour being observed is realistic, i.e. the observer can relate to the actions. For example boys may learn that aggression can lead to success through observing aggressive role models. •Equally, “well behaved” role models can also be copied and performers may also learn desirable behaviour.

Question 5

Interactionist perspectives

Answer 5

The interactionist approach combines the “nature v nurture” debate and agrees that we are born with certain personality characteristics, which leads to stable behaviour in certain situations. However on many occasions our behaviour is shaped/influenced by the environment. So if the environment changes, our behaviour changes. This means that behaviour is less predictable.

Question 6

What did Lewin state?

Answer 6

B= F(PxE) where: B= behaviour F= function P= personality E= environment

Question 7

Hollander

Answer 7

This is an interactionist theory as it considers both innate behaviours and those affected by the environment.

Question 8

Interactionist diagram

Answer 8