Personality Flashcards
(27 cards)
Eysenck’s biological basis theory (1967)
2 neural systems:
Cortico-reticular loop; used for determining introversion/extraversion. Introverts have higher baseline thus less activation seeking
Reticulo-limbic loop; used for neuroticism. Neurotic people have a greater sensitivity thus produce exaggerated response
Gray’s biological basis theory (1970)
Interaction between 2 systems, BAS and BIS.
BAS determines how reward seeking-orientated a person is. A greater BAS means more impulsivity
BIS determines how punishment-avoidant a person is. Thus a greater BIS means greater anxiety
Cloninger’s biological basis model (1993)
Based around the monoamine system (dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline). Three heritable behavioural traits, reward dependence, harm avoidance and novelty seeking.
Why are twin studies useful?
They provide an insight in assessing genetics vs environment questions. If monozygotic twins have fewer differences in a trait than dizygotic twins this suggests a genetic influence. The opposite is true of environmental influences
Why are adoption studies useful ?
Conversely to twin studies adopted children have no genetic similarities. Allowing for an examination of the environment without genetic influence. I.e. If two children with different genetics are reared in the same environment and develop similarities in traits, this suggests the trait is dependent on the environment
Riemann et al, 1997 (Twin study)
Examined 5 factor personality traits. Found much stronger correlation (0.42-0.56) in MZ twins compared to DZ twins (0.12-0.35)
Loehlin, 1992 (Trait heritability)
Meta-analysis concluded that personality traits are 54-80% heritable in men and 54-70% in women. Individual environment accounts for twice that of family environment
Angleitner and Strelau, 1997 (biological basis criticism)
This report used both self and independent peer report, finding very significant result. This overcame the criticism that similar reports only used self-report
What is psychophysiology ?
The study of the relationship between physiological and psychological phenomena
Why is psychophysiology useful ?
Links personality traits to neural systems such as Eysenck, Gray and Collinger. As well as identifying brain structures
Gale, 1983 (Eysenck’s cortico-reticular loop)
Used an EEG to examine Eysenck’s theory about extra/introversion and the cortico-reticular loop. Found that when aroused introverts show more activation, thus supporting Eysenck’s theory
What are some issues when using EEG ?
Introverts and extraverts may react differently.
Cannot measure baseline level of arousal
Need to test in different environments
Results often weak and difficult to interpret
Problems with neurochemical studies
Its basis in animal research and their novelty seeking behaviour may have very little to do with human reward seeking behaviour.
Strengths of biological theories
Psychological mechanisms are used to explain the basis of personality.
Personality dimensions are linked to physiological mechanisms such as brain activity
Weaknesses of biological theories
Lack of consistent evidence in supporting theories.
Oversimplification of the brain processes
What is temperament ?
The biologically based differences in behaviour, especially in early life
Strelau, 1983 (Temperament and personality)
Found that temperament is based in biology whereas personality has more to do with socialisation
Thomas and Chess, 1977 (Children’s temperament)
65% of children fell into 3 groups. Easy child (40%)- regular eating, sleeping, smiles a lot. Most problems encountered when new responses required Difficult child (10%) - opposite of easy child, most problems due to socialisation situations. Often loud and can be aggressive Slow to warm up child (15%) 35% did not fall into any category. Used small sample sizes. Profiles stable over short term but fell apart in long term
What was the Dunedin Study
Large temperament study, with over 1000 participants. Longitudinal, with check-ups every 2 years until they were 18, then 21, 26 and 31. Representative of the population.
They were classified into 3 groups; Under-controlled (106) who were impulsive, and restless. Inhibited (80) who were fearful and upset by new people and situations. Well adjusted (405), able to control themselves and self-confident. Early temperament did indicate future behaviour. This study has produced over 1,200 papers.
What is the Freudian Psychoanalytic theory?
The non-trait model of personality developed by Freud that consists of the id, ego and superego
Evaluation of Freudian Psychoanalytic theory
Was the first systematic theory of personality.
Was correct in that adult personality develops from childhood experiences. The main flaw is that it lacks empirical data and was developed from Freud’s own experience rather than scientific method. Thus his theory is untestable. It also received criticism that it has an oversimplified version of human motivation
What are some of the features of the social cognition approach to personality ?
Emphasises : people as active agents, Social origins of behaviour, Cognitive processes, Behaviour is situation-specific, Systematic research learning complex patterns of behaviour in the absence of rewards
Who were the main researchers into social cognition personality theory ?
Bandura, who focused on the role of experience and self efficacy. As well as Mischel, who focused on the way people interpret the world around them
According to social cognition theory what is the role self-efficacy plays in personality ?
(Shoda, Mischel and Wright, 1994)
People with greater self-efficacy select more challenging goals and demonstrate greater effort and persistence. As well as a greater resilience to stress
