Biological approach to personality Flashcards
What are three theories that describe the biological basis of personality?
- Cloninger’s theory.
- Gray’s theory.
- Eysenck’s model.
Describe Cloninger’s theory. (2)
Cloninger suggested that an:
- Active dopamine system = novelty seeking personality.
- Inactive serotonin system = harm avoidant personality.
Describe Gray’s theory. (2)
- More sensitive Behavioural Activation System = more likely to seek rewards.
- More sensitive Behavioural Inhibition System = more likely to avoid punishments.
Describe Eysenck’s model. (2)
- Introverts experience more arousal meaning that social stimuli over arouse introverts leading them to become more withdrawn.
- Extraverts experience less arousal and so seek more lively social environments due to under arousal.
List and describe three ways to assess the genetic heritability of personality.
- Family studies - associations between parent and child behaviours.
- Twin studies - identical vs. non-identical twins.
- Adoption studies - can compare the personalities of parents and adopted children.
What is the group socialisation theory of personality. (2)
- Children learn behaviours outside the home as they get older.
- They may identify with social groups and share norms with these groups.
What is the evolutionary approach to personality? (2)
- Evolutionary psychology sees psychological traits as products of natural selection.
- These adaptations were seen to be necessary to deal with problems in the environment.
Describe extraversion under Furnham’s FFM cost-benefit analysis.
Benefit:
- Extraverts have a lot of social support, they win friends and influence people.
Cost:
- Expose themselves to risk.
Describe neuroticism under Furnham’s FFM cost-benefit analysis.
Benefit:
- Those high on neuroticism may be risk-averse.
Cost:
- High neuroticism is associated with health problems.
Describe openness under Furnham’s FFM cost-benefit analysis.
Benefit:
- Creativity.
Costs:
- May be associated with delusional thinking.
Describe agreeableness under Furnham’s FFM cost-benefit analysis.
Benefit:
- Sensitive to others ways of thinking.
Cost:
- Lack of agreeableness can lead to ruthlessness.
Describe conscientiousness under Furnham’s FFM cost-benefit analysis.
Benefit:
- Dutiful.
Cost:
- Inflexible in their behaviour.