6.1 Personality

Question 1

Explain the term ‘Personality’

Answer 1

Characteristics which make us unique - Hollander

Question 2

Psychologists have argued that personality is formed in two ways. Identify and explain how personality is formed

Answer 2

Nature - inherited
Nurture - environmental influences

Question 3

Identify the theories involved regarding the formation of personality

Answer 3

Trait theory - Cattel
Social Learning theory - Bandura
Interactionist perspective theory - Lewin

Question 4

“An individual is born with their personality - it is determined from their ancestry. Their personality will remain the same/consistent regardless of the situation”

Answer 4

Trait theory - Cattel

Question 5

Give an example of Cattel’s trait theory

Answer 5

This individual’s personality is consistent and the same in every situation. For example, an individual is aggressive while playing rugby and aggressive in the class room (outside the sporting environment).

Question 6

Identify potential criticism that may be involved with Cattel’s trait theory

Answer 6

• Assumes that personality is the same in every situation/environment
• Simplistic view of ones personality
• Assumes that personality does not change over time

Question 7

“Personality is not innate but is learned from our past experiences. Personality changes according to the situation and environment we are in, therefore, personality cannot be predicted. We observe and copy the behaviour of significant others”

Answer 7

Social Learning theory - Bandura

Question 8

Give an example of Banduras social learning theory

Answer 8

A tennis coach is giving a teammate praise for constant determination. You decide to copy this behaviour/personality to gain the same positive reinforcement.

Question 9

Identify potential criticism that may be involved with Banduras social learning theory

Answer 9

• Doesnt consider individuality or context
• Assumes that individuals lean best as passive receivers (purely through observation)

Question 10

“Personality is made up of traits and the influence of what an individual has learned from past environmental experiences. Personality depends on our traits and our environment”

Answer 10

Interactionist perspective

Question 11

Give an example of Lewin’s interactionist perspective theory

Answer 11

A rhythmic gymnast who is generally introverted has learned to adapt when performing to display more extroverted characteristics during a competition to appeal to the judges.

Question 12

Identify potential criticism that may be involved with Lewin’s interactionist perspective theory

Answer 12

• Behaviour is predictable
• Individuals behaviour may be different

Question 13

Identify the equation Lewin used to describe the interactionist perspective theory

Answer 13

B = f (P x E)
Behavior (B) is a function (f) of the personality traits (P) and the situation or environment (E)

Question 14

Hollander constructed a visual model suggesting that there are three aspect to an individuals personality. Identify and explain these aspects.

Answer 14

1. The core - the real you, does not change
2. Typical response - how individuals usual respond
3. Role related behaviour - how an individual responds in a specific environment.

Question 15

Identify three characteristics of the Trait theory

Answer 15

1. Personality remains the same regardless of the environment
2. Personality is inherited (nature)
3. Behaviour/personality is consistent

Question 16

Identify the three aspects involved in Hollanders model

Answer 16

1. The core
2. Typical response
3. Role related behaviour

Question 17

According to the interactionist theory, how is personality developed. Use an example to support your answer

Answer 17

Lewin suggests that personality is a combination of traits and the influence of what an individual has learned from past environmental experiences. For example, a rhythmic gymnast who is generally introverted has learned to adapt when performing to display more extroverted characteristics during a competition to appeal to the judges.

Question 18

How can knowledge of the interactionist theory of personality help a coach improve the performance of an individual. Use an example to support your answer.

Answer 18

If a coach understands an individuals innate personality and how they would normally respond, they can use this to their advantage. For example, understanding that a prop with an aggressive personality is likely to get yellow carded. A coach may substitute the prop if they observe their level of aggression increasing.