Basic Personality Types and Measurements Eysanck Flashcards
Methods of data gathering
Eysenck used a variety of methods for gathering information about people in order to delineate their personality. These methods included
self-reports,
observer ratings,
biographical information,
assessments of physique and physiology, and
objective physiological tests.
These data are factor analysed to determine the
structure of personality.
Initially Eysenck found two basic type dimensions that he labeled as introversion-extraversion and neurotocism-stability (a factor sometimes called instability-stability).
Eysenck (1976) added a third type dimension of personality, which he called psychoticism-superego strength.
People high on this super trait dimension tend
to be egocentric, impulsive, sensitive to others, and opposed to social customs.
They are often seen as:
i) troublesome,
ii) not fitting in well with others, and
iii) intentionally upsetting other people.
Eysenck suggested that psychoticism is a genetic predisposition toward becoming either psychotic or psychopathic.
He regarded psychoticism as a personality
continuum along which all people can be located.
He also added that this trait is found more commonly in men than in women.
Measurement of Personality EPQ
Eysenck constructed a number of self-report questionnaires to assess individual differences associated with his three super trait dimensions of personality.
One of the more popular scale is the EPQ that is Eysenck Personality Questionnaire
(EPQ) (Eysenck &Eysenck, 1975).
EPQ includes a lie scale aimed at detecting a
person’s tendency to fake responses to look good.
A junior EPQ has been constructed for use with children between the ages of 7 and 15 (Eysenck &
Eysenck,1973).
Differences between Introverts and Extroverts
Differences Between Introverts and Extraverts
Eysenck argues that individual differences in behavioural functioning can be discovered through factor analysis and measured through the use of questionnaires and laboratory procedures.
A review of studies (Wilson,1978) conclude that
1) Extraverts have a greater tolerance for pain than do introverts.
2) They engage in more talk and coffee breaks at work than do introverts.
3) Excitement enhances their performance whereas it interferes with the performance of introverts.
4) Introverts prefer theoretical and scientific vocations(e.g., engineering and chemistry, whereas extraverts tend to prefer people-oriented jobs(e.g., sales and social work).
5) Introverts report more frequent masturbation than do extraverts, but extraverts engage in sexual intercourse earlier in life, more often, and with more partners than do introverts.
6) Introverts attain higher grades in college than do extraverts.
7) Also students who withdraw from college for psychiatric reasons tend to be introverts, whereas those who withdraw for academic reasons tend to be extraverts.
8) Introverts show higher arousal levels in the mornings, whereas extravert show higher arousal levels in the evening.
9) Introverts work better in the morning, and the extroverts work better in the afternoon.
One of the most striking differences between introverts and extraverts is in their sensitivity to stimulation. This difference can be easily demonstrated by the “lemon drop test”(Corcoran,1964).
When four drops of lemon juice are placed on a person’s tongue, it turns out that introverts secrete almost twice the amount of saliva as do extraverts.
The basis of this finding is related to different patterns of physiological functioning in introverts and extraverts.
Eysenck proposes that ascending reticular activating
system in the brain stem is responsible for controlling the differences in response
to stimulation between introverted and extraverted subjects.
