Personality

Question 1

Personality

Answer 1

-Personality is a set of traits and characteristics that influence behaviour and make a person unique

Question 2

Trait theory of personality

Answer 2

-Trait theory of personality states that personality is innate, and therefore it is stable (consistent) and therefore it is predictable

Question 3

Trait theory of personality evaluations

Answer 3

POSITIVES
-If trait theory is true it can predict behaviour
-There is some evidence to suggest that personality is genetic
NEGATIVES
-Is unable to explain how personalities can change in different environments
-May not be accurate as genetics may not be the only factr

Question 4

Type A personality characteristics

Answer 4

-Likes control
-Strong desire to succeed
-Prone to stress
-Works quickly

Question 5

Type B personality characteristics

Answer 5

-Does not like control
-Lacks desire to succeed
-Less prone to stress
-Works slowly

Question 6

Introvert personality characteristics

Answer 6

-Shy
-Concentrated
-Less easily aroused

Question 7

Extrovert personality characteristics

Answer 7

-Sociable/outgoing
-Lacks concentration
-Easily aroused

Question 8

Stable personality characteristics

Answer 8

-Predictable/calm/constant
-Does not experience stress

Question 9

Unstable personality characteristics

Answer 9

-Unpredictable/erratic/not constant
-Experiences stress

Question 10

Social learning theory of personality

Answer 10

-Personality is developed through observing and copying significant others and role models around us
-Behaviour is learned through reinforcement

Question 11

Social learning theory or personality evaluations

Answer 11

POSITIVES
-Explains how personality can change in different situations
-There is some evidence to suggest that observing and copying of behaviour occurs
-Bobo Doll study supports the social learning theory and provides validity
NEGATIVES
-If this theory was true then everyone would have the same personality which is not the case
-Social learning theory is unable to explain how people act differently in different environments
-Social learning theory may be overly simplistic as it does not take into account genetic factors

Question 12

Interactionalist theory of personality

Answer 12

-Personality is determined by both innate traits and the environment
-Personality changes depending on the situation therefore personality is unpredictable

Question 13

Interactionist theory of personality evaluations

Answer 13

POSITIVE
-Takes into account both traits and environment which is more realistic
-Explains why behaviour is often unpredictable
-Explains why people act differently in the same environment