UNIT 2.3

Question 1

Define traits

Answer 1

mental and biological structures inside a person that influence behaviour.

These traits can be different from one person to another and can be measured using various psychological tests.

Question 2

Trait descriptions from the Five-Factor Model

Answer 2

1. Extroversion VS Introversion
2. Friendliness VS Antagonism
3. Dependability VS Lack of direction
4. Emotional Stability VS Emotional instability
5. Intellect VS Closedness

Question 3

Extroversion VS Introversion

Answer 3

Extroversion:
-Warmth
-assertiveness
-activity-seeking
-excitement

Introversion:
-Silent
-unadventurous
-timid
-unenergetic

Question 4

Friendliness VS Antagonism

Answer 4

Agreeableness (friendliness):
- Trust
- tender-mindedness
-straightforwardness

Antagonism:
-Ungenerous
-unkind
-selfish
-unhelpful

Question 5

Dependability VS Lack of direction

Answer 5

Conscientiousness (dependability):
- Order
-competence
- achievement

Lack of direction:
-Impractical
-Lazy
-Irresponsible

Question 6

Emotional Stability VS Emotional instability

Answer 6

Emotional Stability:
- Relaxed
-calm
-contented
-unemotional

Neuroticism (Emotional instability):
-Hostility
-anger
- anxiety

Question 7

Intellect VS Closedness

Answer 7

Openness to experience (intellect):
-Values
-Actions
-Fantasy

Closedness:
-Uncreative
-Unimaginative
-Unreflective

Question 8

African Approach

Answer 8

It says that to understand the human mind, we need to look at how people connect with the universe, their spirituality, nature, and other people. It focuses on the bigger picture of human experience and our connections beyond just ourselves.

-This implies that people are a central point of the universe from where everything is understood and explained

-African views emphasize collectivism and holism. This means that:

People see themselves as part of a group rather than as individuals.

Human behaviour is understood in the context of the community and the whole environment, not just as individual actions.

Question 9

Personality according to the African approach

Answer 9

It reflects African views on the world and people and they differ from one cultural group to the other

Question 10

Metapsychology

Answer 10

-This is a deeper look into psychology, going beyond just the basics. It tries to understand the underlying principles of how our minds work.

-Metapsychology looks at the fundamental ideas behind psychological research. It questions the basic beliefs and keeps an eye on how psychological science is done.

Question 11

Rationale

Answer 11

To use multiple theories together and in flexible ways to make sure they are meaningful and useful

Question 12

Postmodernism

Answer 12

is a broad cultural approach that uses ideas and methods from different fields to understand psychological phenomena

-Postmodernism says that there are no universal or absolute truths that apply to everyone. Instead, what is true can vary for different people and groups.

-It consists of the concept of constructivism

Question 13

Constructivism

Answer 13

States that People create and change their own understanding and knowledge through their thoughts, social interactions, and emotions. This helps them make sense of their experiences and understand themselves, others, and the world

-This idea says that we build our understanding of the world based on our experiences and interactions

Question 14

Deconstructivism

Answer 14

States that the meanings in written and spoken words, art, and other forms of expression can be changed by reinterpreting them

Question 15

social constructivism in contemporary psychology

Answer 15

= means that our knowledge and understanding come from our culture, social interactions, and relationships with others and within groups.

Question 16

Approaches unique to I-O psychology

Answer 16

-Thinking frameworks related to the nature of work and employees

-Thinking frameworks related to employee and organisational
management

Question 17

Thinking frameworks related to the nature of work and employees

Answer 17

From the 1700s to the early 1900s, work was mainly about self-interest and making as much profit as possible. Workers were often seen as lazy and untrustworthy, so they were managed strictly to improve efficiency and production.

Since the late 1900s, things have changed. Now, we also focus on:

Service delivery and information technology as key resources for profit.

Social and humane aspects of work.

Quality of work life and finding meaning in work.

Question 18

Thinking frameworks related to employee and organisational
management

Answer 18

-Scientific or classical organisational management approach

-Complex living socio-technical systems

Question 19

Scientific or classical organisational management approach

Answer 19

• focuses on the technical and structural parts of work and organizations. It is:

Mechanical: Treats management like a machine, with strict rules.

Impersonal: Doesn’t consider personal feelings or relationships.
Prescriptive: Follows set procedures and guidelines.

Question 20

Complex living socio-technical systems

Answer 20

All parts and behaviors in organizations are connected and affect each other.

Employees are valuable resources whose skills and knowledge need to be developed.

Both employees and organizations must change and adapt quickly.

Effective use of modern information and communication technology is essential.

: Management must ensure a good fit between employees and machines.

There is increasing involvement in virtual and remote work environments.

Question 21

An eco-systemic perspective

Answer 21

Emphasises a number of principles:

-Gestalt
-Holism
-Interrelatedness
-Contextualisation

Question 22

Holism

Answer 22

emphasizes understanding phenomena as interconnected systems rather than isolated parts.

It is crucial for grasping the complexity of these systems.

Question 23

Interrelatedness

Answer 23

It highlights the importance of relationships and interactions between different subsystems, attributes, and contexts.

Question 24

Contextualisation

Answer 24

To fully understand human behavior and experiences, we need to look at the context and environment in which they occur.

This means considering all the factors that might influence a person’s actions and feelings

Question 25

Personality according to the eco-systemic perspective

Answer 25

It’s not just a bunch of separate traits but a combination of all parts working together

Question 26

When there is need for change in a system:
(Eco-systemic perspective)

Answer 26

Positive feedback- support need for changes (flexible system) then achieve new balance or growth.

Negative feedback- inability to react to the need for change (rigid system) then imbalance or incongruence remain

Question 27

Eco-systemic perspective: Work organisations

Answer 27

-Systems theory is used in industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology and human resources (HR) to understand and improve work organizations.

-Work organizations are seen as living systems where people and resources are used effectively to produce outcomes for both employees and employers

-Organization Structure: This is the pattern of interactions that connects technology, tasks, and people to achieve the organization’s goals.

-Role of I-O Psychologists and HR: Their main job is to ensure a good fit between employees and their work environments, considering all factors that influence this interaction.
An eclectic or meta-psychological approach is taken