Personality

Question 1

Define personality

Answer 1

Stable, enduring + unique traits of an individual that influences people to behave a certain way.

Question 2

Why study personality in sport?

Answer 2

Good for coaches as all performers are diff. so important to understand how to motivate them.

Linked w/ choice of sport + success

Question 3

What are the different trait theories

Answer 3

Eysenck’s theory - 1955

Cattell’s theory - 1965

Type A + B personalities theory

Biological theory- Sheldon

Question 4

Criticisms of the trait theories

Answer 4

Behaviour can’t ALWAYS be predicted

Doesn’t take into account personality change

Personality + behaviour can change w/ the situation

Question 5

Explain Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)

Answer 5

Measured by the EPI (Eysenck’s Personality Inventory)

Extroversion + Introversion dimensions are initiated from a persons RAS (reticular activating system).

Stable/Neurotic dimensions are linked to a persons ANS (Autonomic Nervous System).

Question 6

Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)

Define extroverts vs introverts

Answer 6

Extroverts = Like social contact / affiliation

Introverts = Avoid social contact

Question 7

Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)

Define stable vs unstable/neurotic

Answer 7

Stable = Reliable + predictable

Unstable/Neurotic = Extreme emotions + unreliable

Question 8

Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)

How does the ANS respond to stable + neurotic people?

Answer 8

Stable = ANS responds SLOWLY to stressful situations = even-tempered + easy going

Neurotic = ANS responds QUICKLY + STRONGLY to stressful situations = restless, anxious + excitable

Question 9

Define the RAS (Reticular Activating System)

Answer 9

Part of the central cortex of the brain

Helps maintain optimum levels of arousal

Question 10

Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)

How does the RAS function in extroverts

Answer 10

RAS inhibits incoming info = under-arousal

So require additional stimulation to maintain optimum levels of brain activity

Question 11

Eysenck’s theory - 1955 (TRAIT)

How does the RAS function in introverts

Answer 11

RAS amplifies incoming info = over-arousal

Tended no to need external stimulation or excitement to function optimally

Question 12

Explain Cattell’s theory - 1965 (TRAIT)

Answer 12

Used a self-report questionnaire

• 16 personality factor questionnaire assesses overall personality.

Better than Eysenck’s theory due to accepting personality can change w. situation.

Question 13

Type A + B Personalities (TRAIT)

Explain type A

Answer 13

Highly competitive

Achievement orientated

Eat, walk + talk fast

Aggressive, restless + impatient

High levels of stress

Diff. to not be in control

Question 14

Type A + B Personalities (TRAIT)

Explain type B

Answer 14

Less competitive

More relaxed

Calm, laid back + patient

Low levels of stress

Question 15

Explain biological theory - Sheldon (TRAIT)

Answer 15

Endomorphs = fun, sociable, relaxed

Mesomorphs = adventurous, competitive, extrovert

Ectomorphs = Self-conscious, introverted, intense

Question 16

Conclusion to the trait theories

Answer 16

Many traits contribute to our personality

Once we’ve assessed someone’s traits we can predict their behaviour

Question 17

Concerns w/ the trait theories

Answer 17

Fails to predict our behaviour

Failed to recognise that individuals are actively involved in constructing their own personality.

Failed to recognise the specific effects of diff. environmental situations.

Question 18

What are the problems with the socials learning theory - NURTURE

Answer 18

Doesn’t account for genetically inherited factors.

Question 19

Explain the interactionist approach (NATURE+NURTURE) of personality

Answer 19

Mixture of trait + social learning theories is more appropriate so a mixture of trait + environmental influence develop our personality.

Lewin approach to personality

B=f(PE)

Behaviour is a function of (Personality traits + the env.)

Question 20

What does Lewin’s approach to personality recognise w/in the interactionist approach?

Answer 20

That individuals in certain sports don’t all behave the same.

When situational factors are strong (i.e comp) they are more likely to affect behaviour than personality traits

When SF are weak (i.e training), personality traits are more likely to affect behaviour.

Question 21

What did Hollander believe about personality?

Answer 21

Personality was a layered structure:

1. Psychological core = Fairly permanent, values, what you believe
2. Typical Responses = to a situation
3. Role-related behaviours = changeable, dependent on situation, could be diff. to core.

Question 22

What are the different ways to measure personality?

Answer 22

Self-report Questionnaires

Psychometric Tests

Personality profiling

Observation

Interview

Question 23

What are the 2 types of Personality profiling under measuring personality?

Answer 23

Eysenck’s Personality inventory (EPI) = Yes or No answers

Cattell’s 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) = 141 statements + subject is given a score out of 10

Question 24

Define validity in measuring personality

Answer 24

Does the personality test measure the performer’s whole personality?

Question 25

Define reliability in measuring personality

Answer 25

If the tests are repeated will the same results be gained?

Question 26

What are the adv. to questionnaires

Answer 26

Quick Cheap Objective Efficient so large numbers can be assessed quickly. Coach can then compare and use results

Question 27

What are the disadv. to questionnaires

Answer 27

Players may not understand questions so may say socially desirable answers Answers depend on mood state (win or loss) Results influenced by time – may rush to complete and give wrong answer Answers too vague (yes/no)

Question 28

What are the adv to observation

Answer 28

Personality tested in the actual setting

Question 29

What are the disadv to observation

Answer 29

⬇️ validity + reliability Subjects know they are being watched so change behaviour Based on opinion of observer (subjective) Time consuming = would need to know about the performer before watching so can compare behaviour to the norm Training required

Question 30

Give adv to interviews to measure personality

Answer 30

Gain an in-depth understanding of the person Face to face, can read body language, can ask for further reasoning, open questions, qualitative

Question 31

Give disadv to interviews to measure personality

Answer 31

⬇️ validity + reliability Time consuming Responses can change according to mood Person interviewing the subject may cause them to be nervous which will affect responses to questions

Question 32

Profile of Mood States (POMS)

Answer 32

Morgan 1979 Those w/ a good mental health will produce the Iceberg profile implying that success in sport may enhance +ive mental health. That +ive mental health doesn't lead to sporting success. Found that successful athletes were above the norm for vigour but below the line for tension, depression, anger...

Question 33

What are the 6 moods in the Profile of Mood States (POMS)

Answer 33

Tension Depression Anger Vigour Fatigue Confusion

Question 34

What research was found by Butt

Answer 34

That those involved in team sports are more extroverted than those involved in ind. sports. Explanation = Reticular Activating System is strong in introverts + weak in extroverts.

Question 35

According to Morgan what 2 groups have emerged based on views into personality in sport

Answer 35

The credulous view Sceptical view

Question 36

Define the credulous view

Answer 36

Sports psychologists who believe personality test are accurate predictors of success + that there's a link between personality, participation + performance in sport.

Question 37

Define the sceptical view

Answer 37

Sports psychologists who believe personality tests were of little value in predicting athlete success.