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Questions and Answers
A researcher aims to study a group of adults, assessing their personality traits at ages 30, 40, 50, and 60. What type of research design is the researcher employing?
A researcher aims to study a group of adults, assessing their personality traits at ages 30, 40, 50, and 60. What type of research design is the researcher employing?
- Experimental research
- Meta-analysis
- Longitudinal study (correct)
- Cross-sectional study
A psychologist argues that personality differences arise primarily from variations in individuals' genetic makeup and neurological functioning. Which theoretical perspective aligns most closely with this psychologist's viewpoint?
A psychologist argues that personality differences arise primarily from variations in individuals' genetic makeup and neurological functioning. Which theoretical perspective aligns most closely with this psychologist's viewpoint?
- Dispositional
- Biological-Evolutionary (correct)
- Humanistic-Existential
- Psychodynamic
A therapist focuses on helping clients achieve their full potential, emphasizing personal growth, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of meaning in life. Which theoretical perspective does this therapist's approach exemplify?
A therapist focuses on helping clients achieve their full potential, emphasizing personal growth, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of meaning in life. Which theoretical perspective does this therapist's approach exemplify?
- Humanistic-Existential (correct)
- Cognitive
- Psychodynamic
- Behavioral
Which of the following statements reflects a falsifiable hypothesis, essential for a scientific theory?
Which of the following statements reflects a falsifiable hypothesis, essential for a scientific theory?
A personality theorist aims to develop a new model. To ensure the theory is considered useful, which of the following criteria is least important?
A personality theorist aims to develop a new model. To ensure the theory is considered useful, which of the following criteria is least important?
What is the primary distinction between a scientific theory and philosophy?
What is the primary distinction between a scientific theory and philosophy?
A psychologist develops a new assessment tool to measure introversion and extraversion. To align with the dispositional perspective, what should this tool primarily focus on?
A psychologist develops a new assessment tool to measure introversion and extraversion. To align with the dispositional perspective, what should this tool primarily focus on?
Which of the following best illustrates the 'guides action' function of a useful theory?
Which of the following best illustrates the 'guides action' function of a useful theory?
A researcher aims to study the impact of genetics versus environment on personality development. Which dimension of the concept of humanity is the researcher exploring?
A researcher aims to study the impact of genetics versus environment on personality development. Which dimension of the concept of humanity is the researcher exploring?
Which statement accurately contrasts traits and characteristics as components of personality?
Which statement accurately contrasts traits and characteristics as components of personality?
What is the critical attribute of a useful theory that allows scientists to challenge and refine it?
What is the critical attribute of a useful theory that allows scientists to challenge and refine it?
A theorist emphasizes the role of personal choice and existential challenges in shaping personality. Which perspective does this align with?
A theorist emphasizes the role of personal choice and existential challenges in shaping personality. Which perspective does this align with?
Which perspective in personality theory gives primary importance to observational learning and cognitive interpretation?
Which perspective in personality theory gives primary importance to observational learning and cognitive interpretation?
Flashcards
Personality
Personality
Consistent patterns of feeling, thinking, and behaving.
Falsifiable Theory
Falsifiable Theory
A theory must be testable and capable of being proven false.
Psychodynamic Perspective
Psychodynamic Perspective
Focuses on unconscious motives and early experiences.
Self-actualization
Self-actualization
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Humanistic-Existential Theories
Humanistic-Existential Theories
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Traits
Traits
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Characteristics
Characteristics
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Scientific Theory
Scientific Theory
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Hypothesis
Hypothesis
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Taxonomy
Taxonomy
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Useful Theory
Useful Theory
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Dimensions of Humanity
Dimensions of Humanity
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Study Notes
Introduction to Personality Theory
- Personality includes relatively permanent traits and unique characteristics
- These give individual consistency and individuality to behavior
What is a Theory?
- Scientific theory requires a set of related assumptions
- These allow researchers to use logical reasoning to formulate testable hypotheses
Key Components of Personality
- Traits contribute to individual differences and stability over time
- Characteristics include attributes like temperament, physique, and intelligence
Theory and its Relatives
- Hypothesis refers to an educated guess or prediction
- Hypotheses are specific enough in that validity can be tested through the scientific method
- Taxonomy is a classification of things according to their natural relationships
Perspectives in Theories of Personality
Psychodynamic
- Key figures include Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and Alfred Adler
- Emphasizes hidden motives, childhood conflicts, and unconscious processes
Humanistic-Existential
- Key figures include include Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, and Rollo May
- Focuses on positive psychological health, personal choice, and existential challenges
Dispositional
- Key figures include Gordon Allport, McCrae, and Costa
- Focuses on stable dispositions such as introversion and extraversion
Biological-Evolutionary
- Key figures include Hans Eysenck and David Buss
- Focuses on the biological bases of behavior and adaptation through evolution
Learning-(Social) Cognitive
- Key figures include Albert Bandura, B.F. Skinner, and Walter Mischel
- Concentrates on observational learning, reinforcement, and cognitive interpretation
Useful Theories
- Generates research
- Is falsifiable
- Organizes data
- Guides action
- Is internally consistent
- Is parsimonious
Dimensions for a Concept of Humanity
- Free Will vs. Determinism relates to whether individuals have control over their actions
- Uniqueness vs. Similarities relates to if humans fundamentally have unique or shared universal traits
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