Personality (SP)

Question 1

Define personality

Answer 1

unique psychological make up; people respond differently to specific situations - due to a person’s nature and nurture

Question 2

What is the trait theory?

Answer 2

• based upon a person’s nature
• innate, stable, enduring + consistent characteristics
• e.g. extroverted person at nature will ALWAYS be loud + outspoken

Question 3

What is the problem with the trait theory?

Answer 3

it doesn’t take nurture into consideration; development of personality supposedly doesn’t happen with experience.

Question 4

What is the social learning theory?

Answer 4

• suggests behaviour learned from significant others by socialisation
• learn from people held in high esteem = role models, friends, parents, teachers
• PRIMARY = FAMILY , SECONDARY = SCHOOL, MEDIA
• copy successful / powerful behaviour that’s consistently shown

Question 5

What are the 4 stages of observational learning?

Answer 5

Observe - Identify - Reinforced - Copy

Question 6

What is the interactionist perspective?

Answer 6

• combines trait and social learning theories to predict behaviour
• indicates born traits are adapted according to a situation

Question 7

What is Lewin’s formula on the interactionist perspective?

Answer 7

B = f ( p x e )
behaviour = function ( personality x environment )
change in environment = change in behaviour

Question 8

What are the 3 stages of the Hollander Approach to the Interactionist theory?

Answer 8

1. THE CORE - values + beliefs
2. TYPICAL RESPONSES - use of inherent traits shown in different situations
3. ROLE RELATED BEHAVIOUR - may adopt role when situation demands

Question 9

Define credulous approach

Answer 9

you believe the theories that personality can predict behaviour

Question 10

Define sceptical approach

Answer 10

you don’t believe the believe theories that personality can predict behaviour

Question 11

Name 3 ways to measure personality

Answer 11

• questionnaire
• observation
• interview