Personality Flashcards
(21 cards)
Definition
Personality is what makes a person unique.
Trait Theory
Born with pre-determined characteristics
Innate
Long lasting/consistent
Predictable
Narrow Band Approach
Type A and Type B personalities
Type A Personality
Strong desire to succeed
Works fast
Likes control
Prone to stress
Highly competitive
Type B Personality
Lack of desire to succeed
Work slower
Doesn’t like control
Not prone to stress
Not competitive
Eysenck’s Dimensions
Stable, Unstable, Introverted and Extroverted personalities
Stable
Consistent in emotional behaviour
Predictable emotions
Low stress
Unstable
Inconsistent in emotional behaviour
Unpredictable emotions
Highly anxious
Introvert
Does not seek social situations
Likes quiet
Good at concentrating
Extrovert
Seeks social situations
Likes excitement
Lacks concentration
Trait Theory pros
Sports performance can be positively impacted by innate characteristics
Explains why personality can be uncontrolled and instinctive
Explains why personality is predictable
Trait Theory cons
Does not take environmental factors into account
Can be seen as too generalised
Does not account for personality changing over time
Limited value as a predictor of sporting success/preference
Social Learning Theory
Behaviour is a function of the environment
All behaviour is learnt
Learning occurs as a result of environmental experiences and the influence of others
Unstable - personality will change situationally
Based on modelling and reinforcement - Bandura
Social Learning Theory pros
Explains why we can have different personalities to our parents
Explains why we behave differently in different situations
Shows how the media and other influences affect our personalities through socialisation
Social Learning Theory cons
Genetics do show links between personality and behaviour
Does not explain why we adopt personality characteristics that are different to other who are significant to us
People exposed to the same stimuli can have different personalities
Interactionist Theory
Personality is formed due to a combination of innate traits and interaction with the environment
When situational factors are high (eg. it’s a cup final) situational factors will override personal factors –> situation greatly affects behaviour
When situational factors are not strong (eg. during a kickabout at the park) innate personality traits will be dominant
Psychological Core
Deepest component
Made up of beliefs, values, attributes, self worth
Resistant to change
Typical Responses
The usual way we respond to the environment
Learned modes of dealing with the environment
Role-Related Behaviours
Most changeable aspect or personality
Our behaviour at any given time depending on circumstances and our perception at that time
Interactionist Theory pros
Explains well that those who have been exposed to positive environment will often show positive personality traits
Takes into account both innate and environmental factors, so explains well why people in similar environments behave differently
Explains why behaviour is often unpredictable
Interactionist Theory cons
Does not explain why personality can be different when faced with a previous experience again
Does not account for the extent to which genetics or the environment may influence behaviour and how this may differ for individuals
Does not fully account for how personality affects sporting success
