Chapter 8 - Biological Perspective Flashcards
What is the Trait Approach?
An approach to studying personality that focuses on identifying and measuring personality dispositions or traits.
Who is Gordon Allport?
A prominent trait theorist who believed that each person has a unique set of personality traits that influences their behavior.
What is factor analysis?
A statistical technique used to identify the underlying dimensions of a set of variables.
What is the continuum of behavior?
Each dimension of a trait reflects a range of behaviors or attitudes, from low to high.
What are the characteristics of introversion?
Retiring, reserved, likes solitary activities, does not attend parties.
What are the characteristics of extraversion?
Outgoing and talkative, wants many friends, enjoys parties, dislikes solitary activities, dominates social situations.
What is Eysenck’s Extraversion Stability Model?
A model proposed by Hans Eysenck that posits that there are only three dimensions of personality needed: extraversion/introversion, neuroticism (instability)/stability, and psychoticism/socialized (self-control).
What is the Five Factor Model (Big Five)?
A model that identifies five broad dimensions of personality: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
What is the evidence for the biological perspective of personality?
Extraversion vs. introversion, neuroticism-stability, difference in autonomic nervous system arousal, novelty seeking, impulsivity, dopamine, and serotonin.
What are the pros of the trait approach?
It is focused on identifying and measuring personality dispositions or traits.
What are the cons of the trait approach?
It cannot explain the underlying psychological mechanisms that give rise to personality traits.
