Types, Traits and Interactionism Flashcards
Themes of Dispositional Approach
Continuity in thoughts, feelings, behaviors
Focus on individual differences rather than intrapersonal processes
Differing approaches of theorist
Identification, classification and measurement of traits and types
Identification and understanding of differences in needs that underlie behaviour
Typology
Over 2400 years ago, Hippocrates (born 460BC & referred to as the Father of Medicine) proposed 4 types of “Humours”:
Look at table in lecture notes
W. Sheldon, Body shape theory: Endomorph
(Viscerotonic)
Character: Relaxed, sociable, tolerant, confort-loving, peaceful
Shape: Plump, buxom, developed visceral structure
Picture: Fat guy
W. Sheldon, Body shape theory: Mesomorph
(Somatotonic)
Character: Active, assertive, vigorous, combative
Shape: Muscular
Picture: In shape guy
W. Sheldon, Body shape theory: Ectomorph
(Cerebrotonic)
Character: Quiet, fragile, restrained, non-assertive, sensitive
Shape: Lean, delicate, poor muscles
Picture: Skinny guy
Jung (1993) also proposed types: Myer Briggs
Extroversion (E) Introversion (I)
Do you recharge your energy via external contact & activity (Extroversion) or by spending time in your inner space (Introversion)?
Jung (1993) also proposed types: Myer Briggs
Intuition (N) Sensing (S)
Do you rely on your inner voice (Intuition) or observation (Sensing)?
Jung (1993) also proposed types: Myer Briggs
Thinking (T) Feeling (F)
When making decisions do you rely more on thoughts or your feelings?
Jung (1993) also proposed types: Myer Briggs
Judgement (J) Perception (P)
Do you tend to set schedules and organize your life (Judgement), or do you tend to leave the options open and see what happens (Perception)?
Used to form 16 types e.g., ENFP
Type A & B
1940’s, Meyer Friedman, American cardiologist
Noticed his chairs …
Hypothesized that his patients were driven, impatient people, who sat on the edge of their seats when waiting.
Labelled “Type A” personalities: workaholics, always busy, driven, somewhat impatient, and so on.
Type B personalities; laid back and easy going.
Types are:
Categorical, distinct & stable across the life span
Individual is either an introvert OR an extravert; melancholic OR sanguine
Variations are considered perceptual distortions rather than reflections of basic personality.
Type A Personality
workaholics, always busy, driven, somewhat impatient, and so on.
Type B Personality
Type B personalities; laid back and easy going.
Types
Discontinuous categories
Represent qualitative differences in people
Labeling convenience
Used commonly in organisations (e.g., team building, communication workshops)
Often viewed as biologically or genetically based
Traits
Continuous dimensions (e.g. sociability, aggressiveness)
Represent quantitative differences in people
Individual differences reflect differences in amount of a trait
Constellation of traits scores create unique profile of a person
Views of traits: Nomothetic
From the Greek meaning ‘proposition of the law’
Sees traits as universal
Comparison among individuals is possible
Individuality reflected in unique combinations of traits
Nomothetic is the dominant perspective in psychology
Views of Traits: Idiographic
Sees traits as idiosyncratic, not universal
Not all traits are shared
Traits may differ in connotation and importance among people
Comparisons may be not be possible
What Traits Matter?
Key issues:
How many basic traits are there?
Which ones are they?
Essentially, how to define and organize the many ways we describe personality?
How to decide the nature of personality within this perspective? Theoretical approaches
Researcher has an idea of what they seek to measure derived from literature, research, observations etc
How to decide the nature of personality within this perspective? Empirical Approaches
Primarily derived from factor analysis
Eysenck
Hans Eysenck is an example of a trait theorist whose approach to the study of personality emanated from theory.
Preconceived ideas of the traits sought to measure (based in biology).
Eysenck proposed “supertraits” underlie dimensions of personality: Extraversion, Neuroticism, & (later) Psychoticism.
E, N, & P termed “supertraits” whilst those dispositions that feed into them, referred to as “component traits”
Eysenck used factor analysis to refine rather than define his approach.
Eysenck started with personality described in ancient scripts (e.g., Hippocrates): Emotionally stable Introvert
Phlegmatic: Passive Careful Thoughtful Peaceful Controlled Reliable Even-tempered Calm
Eysenck started with personality described in ancient scripts: Emotionally unstable
Melancholic: Quiet Pessimistic Unsociable Sober Rigid Moody Anxious Reserved
Eysenck started with personality described in ancient scripts: Emotionally stable extrovert
Sanguine: Sociable Outgoing Talkative Responsive Easy-going Lively Carefree Leaderly