ID Diff 1- Type A/B Personality

Question 1

How was this theory developed?

Answer 1

Freidman and Rosenman developed a theory of personality based on observing people’s behaviours in their waiting room. Noticed that some people were more tense and unable to sit down for long periods of time, they made a distinction between type a/b personality.
Type A= more likely to respond to stress with a fight/flight response which leads to higher blood pressure, increased heart rate causes wear and tear of blood vessels- inc chances of CHD.

Question 2

Research Support: Rosenman et al

Answer 2

Western collab group study
3,154 men 39-59; assessed on personality characteristics via interviews then classed type a/b

Question 3

Interviews:

Answer 3

Consisted of 25 questions about the mens responses to everyday pressures, were conducted in a provocative manner to try demonstrate Type A behaviour.
E.g- interviewer would speak slowly (provoke type a) observations were carried out on the way the men answered questions (volume and pace of speech)

Question 4

Findings:

Answer 4

8 1/2 years later; 247 had CHD- 70% classed as Type A . Also, 12.8% type a and only 6% type b had heart attacks. Type A: increased blood pressure and high lvls of colestrol. Factors such as smoking were controlled. Suggests personality is linked to SRI

Question 5

1 Strength: Research Support

Answer 5

Rosenman et al; western collab group study
Explain study
H/o- only studied men; androcentric sample, beta-bias, cannot gen to women, low pop val and ext val

Question 6

1 Strength: Unsolvable puzzle

Answer 6

Rosenman asked ppts to complete an unsolvable puzzle in a noisy environment with a reward offered. Type A; more annoyed and stressed, showed higher lvls of adrenaline= all link to CHD
Supports notion that the physiological response of Type A make individuals more prone to SRI

Question 7

1 Weakness: Conflicting evidence

Answer 7

Ragman et al followed up on 257 of the original cohort 22 years later. Found that although smoking and colestrol lvls were linked to CHD- no correlation for Type A. Although type a were more likely to develop heart disease, they were more likely to survive a heart attack. W bc reduces rel of orginal study, lacks consistency.

Question 8

1 Weakness: Culture Bias

Answer 8

Helman argues concept of type a is based on western ideals and behaviours, cannot gen findings to all cultures- low pop val, ext val. Possible that only certain traits of type a make ind more prone to illness. Later research suggests that studying 2 personalities= restricting.
Suggest type c= mild-mannered, suppress emotions and easy going. Supporting link between personality and illness is difficult as many ppl do not fit neatly into type a/b. Other variables need to eb considered (genetics +soc support) as these variables will modify findings. W bc: no cause and effect