Biological approach to personality

Question 1

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

Answer 1

1. Cloninger’s theory.
2. Gray’s theory.
3. Eysenck’s model.

Question 2

Describe Cloninger’s theory. (2)

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Describe Gray’s theory. (2)

Answer 3

• More sensitive Behavioural Activation System = more likely to seek rewards.
• More sensitive Behavioural Inhibition System = more likely to avoid punishments.

Question 4

Describe Eysenck’s model. (2)

Answer 4

• Introverts experience more arousal meaning that social stimuli over arouse introverts leading them to become more withdrawn.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.

Question 5

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

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

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

Answer 6

• Children learn behaviours outside the home as they get older.
• They may identify with social groups and share norms with these groups.

Question 7

What is the evolutionary approach to personality? (2)

Answer 7

• Evolutionary psychology sees psychological traits as products of natural selection.
• These adaptations were seen to be necessary to deal with problems in the environment.

Question 8

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

Answer 8

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

Question 9

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

Answer 9

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

Question 10

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

Answer 10

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

Question 11

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

Answer 11

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

Question 12

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

Answer 12

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