Physiological Approaches to Personality - PSY 206
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary advantage of using physiological measures in personality research?

  • They provide a direct link between personality traits and specific genetic markers.
  • They offer a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay of psychological and social factors.
  • They allow for the objective and reliable measurement of biological characteristics. (correct)
  • They can easily be applied to diverse populations without cultural bias.

    • Which of the following is NOT a common physiological measure used in personality research?

  • Electrodermal Activity (EDA)
  • Brain Activity
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (correct)
  • Cardiovascular activity

    • What is the primary role of the sympathetic nervous system in relation to Electrodermal Activity (EDA)?

  • Controls the involuntary functions of the body, such as breathing and digestion.
  • Processes sensory information from the environment and sends it to the brain.
  • Regulates the release of hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.
  • Directly influences sweat gland activity, leading to changes in skin conductance. (correct)

    • Electrodermal Activity (EDA) is often associated with which of the following psychological states?

    <p>Anxiety, fear, and emotional arousal. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary implication of the concept of "cardiac reactivity" in personality research?

    <p>It helps to understand the link between physiological responses and individual differences in personality traits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following brain imaging techniques can be used to study both brain structure and function?

    <p>Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term "functional connectivity" refer to in the context of brain research?

    <p>The strength of communication and interaction between different brain regions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a neurotransmitter commonly studied in relation to personality?

    <p>Glutamate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Cloninger’s Tridimensional Personality Model, which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the personality trait of "Novelty Seeking"?

    <p>Dopamine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary physiological basis for the concept of "Morningness-Eveningness"?

    <p>Variations in the individual’s circadian rhythm, a biological cycle that influences body functions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated by greater left frontal EEG activity?

    <p>A dispositionally positive personality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key finding related to Eysenck’s theory of Extraversion-Introversion?

    <p>Introverts and extraverts prefer different levels of stimulation, but achieve similar levels of arousal. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the right hemisphere of the brain play according to the research?

    <p>It is associated with unpleasant emotions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Gray’s Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory, which brain system is primarily responsible for regulating approach behavior towards potential rewards?

    <p>Behavioral Activation System (BAS) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can physiological measures be used in personality research?

    <p>To correlate with personality traits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of a person who scores high on Zuckerman’s Sensation Seeking Scale?

    <p>They are more introverted and prefer solitary activities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements reflects the conclusion about affective lifestyle?

    <p>It may originate from patterns of brain asymmetry. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the EEG measure in relation to the brain's activity?

    <p>Brain wave patterns, like alpha waves (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the suggested relationship between the enzyme Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) and sensation seeking?

    <p>Low MAO levels are associated with lower levels of sensation seeking. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a central theme or concept within physiologically based theories of personality?

    <p>The impact of social learning and cultural influences on personality development. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between introverts and extraverts according to Eysenck’s revised theory?

    <p>Introverts are more arousable than extraverts, meaning they are more sensitive to stimulation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of brain imaging techniques are mentioned as having enabled researchers to learn more about the brain's role in behavior and personality?

    <p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of injury did Phineas Gage sustain?

    <p>A penetrating brain injury (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What part of Gage's brain was most significantly damaged?

    <p>The frontal lobe (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a notable consequence of Gage's injury?

    <p>He experienced major personality changes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the case of Phineas Gage demonstrate about the brain and personality?

    <p>Specific areas of the brain are associated with different personality traits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Physiological Approaches to Personality

    The study of how biological factors affect personality traits and behaviors.

    Brain Imaging Techniques

    Methods such as MRI and PET scans used to study the brain's structure and activity related to personality.

    Phineas Gage

    A case study of a man who survived a severe brain injury, providing insight into the brain's role in personality.

    Frontal Lobe Damage

    Injury to the front part of the brain which can alter personality and behaviors.

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    Physiological Measures in Research

    Various methods used to evaluate biological responses correlated with personality traits.

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    Brain Asymmetry

    The specialization of the left and right brain sides in controlling psychological functions.

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    EEG (Electroencephalogram)

    A method to measure brain waves, including the alpha wave, reflecting brain activity levels.

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    Left Frontal Hemisphere

    More active during pleasant emotions, indicating a positive affective style.

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    Right Hemisphere

    More active during unpleasant emotions, indicating a negative affective style.

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    Physiological Measures in Personality

    Using physiological data to correlate or causally relate to personality traits.

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    Physiological Characteristics

    Functioning of organ systems affecting psychological processes.

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    Electrodermal Activity (EDA)

    Measurement of skin conductance related to arousal and emotional response.

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    Cardiovascular Activity

    Measurement of heart rate and blood pressure as indicators of stress and reactivity.

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    Neuroscience

    Study of the nervous system functions and connections in the brain.

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    Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ)

    Tool for measuring dimensions of personality like extraversion and introversion.

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    Extraversion

    Personality trait characterized by sociability and a desire for stimulation.

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    Introversion

    Personality trait marked by a preference for solitude and routine.

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    Sensitivity to Reward and Punishment

    Theory explaining personality based on brain sensitivity to rewards and threats.

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    Sensation Seeking

    Tendency to pursue thrilling and novel experiences.

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    Neurotransmitters

    Chemicals that transmit signals in the nervous system, affecting mood and behavior.

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    Morningness-Eveningness

    Stable preference for morning or evening activities based on biological rhythms.

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    Monoamine Oxidase (MAO)

    An enzyme regulating neurotransmitter levels, linked to sensation seeking.

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    Cardiac Reactivity

    Increased blood pressure and heart rate response to stressors.

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    Cloninger’s Tridimensional Model

    Personality model focusing on novelty seeking, harm avoidance, and reward dependence.

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    Behavioral Activation System (BAS)

    Brain system responding to rewards, influencing approach behavior.

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    Study Notes

    Physiological Approaches to Personality

    • This chapter, PSY 206, explores the physiological basis of personality.
    • Learning objectives include understanding questions psychologists ask about physiology and personality, identifying and describing physiological measures used in research, and examining physiological theories of personality.
    • Brain imaging techniques offer insight into the brain's role in behaviour and personality. This understanding surpasses previous knowledge.

    The Biological Domain

    • Brain imaging techniques have advanced our understanding of the brain's role in behaviour and personality.

    A Closer Look at Phineas Gage

    • While working with dynamite, an accident caused an iron rod to pierce through Gage's left cheek, below the cheekbone, behind his left eye, and out of the top of his skull.
    • Remarkably, he survived
    • Prior to the accident, Gage was agreeable and conscientious. After the accident, his personality dramatically changed to become obstinate and capricious.
    • The iron rod destroyed a large portion of the front part of his brain.

    A Physiological Approach to Personality

    • Physiological characteristics can be reliably measured mechanically.
    • Physiology refers to the functioning of body organ systems, such as the nervous system or cardiac system.
    • Physiological differences contribute to, or indicate, differences in psychological functioning.

    Physiological Measures

    • Electrodermal activity (EDA, or Skin Conductance): Measured by electrodes/sensors on skin; it reflects sympathetic nervous system activity (sweat gland response). Advantage: non-invasive, no discomfort; Disadvantage: movement constrained.
    • Cardiovascular activity: Includes blood pressure. Can measure stress reactivity, heart rate measures anxiety, fear, arousal, and cognitive effort; Cardiac reactivity is associated with blood pressure and heart rate changes when performing tasks.
    • Brain activity: Measured using EEG or evoked potential technique. EEG uses electrodes; evoked potential uses an EEG with a stimulus, brain responses are observed.
    • Biochemical analyses of blood and saliva measure hormones like testosterone and cortisol, and the enzyme Monoamine Oxidase (MAO).

    Extraversion-Introversion

    • Measured by Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ)
    • High extraversion: talkative, outgoing, likes meeting new people, and going to new places, active, bored easily, hates routine.
    • Low extraversion: quiet, withdrawn, prefers being alone or with a few friends, prefers routines and familiar settings to unexpected situations
    • Eysenck's theory: Introverts have a higher level of activity in the Ascending Reticular Activating System (ARAS) than extraverts. People strive to keep ARAS activity at an optimal level; introverts decrease stimulation; extraverts increase stimulation. Research indicates that differences between introverts and extraverts are related to arousability, not resting levels. Introverts prefer lower stimulation levels.

    Sensitivity to Reward and Punishment

    • Reinforcement sensitivity theory proposes two hypothesized brain systems: Behavioural Activation System (BAS) and Fight-Flight-Freeze system (FFS).
    • BAS is responsive to incentives and cues to reward and regulates approach behaviors.
    • FFS is responsive to conditioned and unconditioned aversive stimuli and regulates fight-flight responses to immediate threats.
    • Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS) is responsive to cues to punishment, frustration, and uncertainty to motivate ceasing aggressive or avoidance behaviors.

    Sensation Seeking

    • Tendency to seek out thrilling and exciting activities, take risks, and avoid boredom.
    • Hebb's theory of optimal level of arousal suggests that individuals seek stimulation to reach an optimal level, and low levels of stimulation result in boredom.
    • Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale: People with high sensation seeking are less tolerant of sensory deprivation and need more stimulation for arousal. Correlations show a moderate relationship between this trait and extraversion.

    Sensation Seeking (Physiological Basis)

    • Neurotransmitters: Chemicals in nerve cells transmit nerve impulses between cells.
    • MAO (Monoamine Oxidase): An enzyme that maintains proper levels of neurotransmitters.
    • High sensation seekers typically have lower MAO levels leading to a greater need for stimulating arousal to reach optimal arousal.

    Neurotransmitters and Personality

    • Dopamine: Associated with pleasure
    • Serotonin: Associated with depression and mood disorders
    • Norepinephrine: Associated with fight-or-flight responses
    • Cloninger's Tridimensional Personality Model: Describes novelty seeking (low dopamine levels), harm avoidance (low serotonin levels), and reward dependence (low norepinephrine levels) as part of personality. This model aligns with Gray's and Eysenck's models somewhat.

    Morningness-Eveningness

    • Being a "morning-type" or "evening-type" is a stable characteristic attributable to biological rhythms.
    • Many biological processes, such as body temperature and endocrine secretion rate, have a 24-25 hour cycle (circadian rhythm).
    • Wide individual differences exist in circadian rhythms. This is identified with temporal isolation studies.
    • Individuals with shorter rhythms reach peak alertness and body temperature earlier and tend to be morning people. Individuals with longer rhythms, conversely, are evening people.

    Brain Asymmetry and Affective Style

    • Left and right brain hemispheres are specialized for particular psychological functions.
    • EEG measurements can detect brain wave asymmetry (e.g., alpha waves); inverse indicators of neural activity.
    • Left frontal activity is more active in pleasant emotions; right frontal more active in unpleasant emotions.
    • The tendency towards asymmetry is consistent across individuals and is found in adults, children, and infants. Dispositionally positive persons show greater left frontal activity; dispositionally negative persons, greater right frontal activity.

    Summary and Evaluation

    • Personality study can be approached biologically through two considerations.
    • First, physiological measures can correlate with personality traits.
    • Second, physiological events can inform the causal basis of personality traits.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the physiological basis of personality as explored in PSY 206. You will learn about physiological measures, the role of brain imaging techniques in understanding personality and behavior, and significant cases like Phineas Gage. Discover how these insights have transformed our approach to studying personality.

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