Biological approach to personality Flashcards

1
Q

What are three theories that describe the biological basis of personality?

A
  1. Cloninger’s theory.
  2. Gray’s theory.
  3. Eysenck’s model.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Describe Cloninger’s theory. (2)

A

Cloninger suggested that an:
- Active dopamine system = novelty seeking personality.
- Inactive serotonin system = harm avoidant personality.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Describe Gray’s theory. (2)

A
  • More sensitive Behavioural Activation System = more likely to seek rewards.
  • More sensitive Behavioural Inhibition System = more likely to avoid punishments.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Describe Eysenck’s model. (2)

A
  • Introverts experience more arousal meaning that social stimuli over arouse introverts leading them to become more withdrawn.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.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

List and describe three ways to assess the genetic heritability of personality.

A
  1. Family studies - associations between parent and child behaviours.
  2. Twin studies - identical vs. non-identical twins.
  3. Adoption studies - can compare the personalities of parents and adopted children.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the group socialisation theory of personality. (2)

A
  • Children learn behaviours outside the home as they get older.
  • They may identify with social groups and share norms with these groups.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the evolutionary approach to personality? (2)

A
  • Evolutionary psychology sees psychological traits as products of natural selection.
  • These adaptations were seen to be necessary to deal with problems in the environment.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Describe extraversion under Furnham’s FFM cost-benefit analysis.

A

Benefit:
- Extraverts have a lot of social support, they win friends and influence people.
Cost:
- Expose themselves to risk.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Describe neuroticism under Furnham’s FFM cost-benefit analysis.

A

Benefit:
- Those high on neuroticism may be risk-averse.
Cost:
- High neuroticism is associated with health problems.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Describe openness under Furnham’s FFM cost-benefit analysis.

A

Benefit:
- Creativity.
Costs:
- May be associated with delusional thinking.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Describe agreeableness under Furnham’s FFM cost-benefit analysis.

A

Benefit:
- Sensitive to others ways of thinking.
Cost:
- Lack of agreeableness can lead to ruthlessness.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Describe conscientiousness under Furnham’s FFM cost-benefit analysis.

A

Benefit:
- Dutiful.
Cost:
- Inflexible in their behaviour.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly