Week 4: Chapter 7 Biological Processes and Personality

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Questions and Answers

Which hormone exposure before birth is linked to increased aggressive responses in individuals?

Testosterone (correct)

Estrogen

Oxytocin

Cortisol

What brain structure is associated with the approach system that responds to incentives?

Right prefrontal cortex

Hippocampus

Left prefrontal cortex (correct)

Amygdala

How does testosterone affect behavior in adults?

Decreases sociability

Decreases aggression

Relates to dominance behavior (correct)

Enhances nurturing behavior

Which response is linked to oxytocin in relation to stress?

Tend-and-befriend response Signup and view all the answers

What personality trait is thought to have a biological basis associated with the withdrawal system?

Neuroticism Signup and view all the answers

What dimension related to sensation seeking is linked to Eysenck's model of personality?

Psychoticism Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is influenced by the biological variation related to effortful control?

Impulsiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is commonly associated with heightened preference for traditionally masculine toys in females?

Increased testosterone exposure Signup and view all the answers

What role do sex hormones play in the development of the nervous system during gestation?

They initiate the differentiation of male and female brain structures. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a genetic male is not exposed to androgen hormones during critical development phases?

They will develop an exterior that looks female. Signup and view all the answers

How do male and female brains differ according to the research mentioned?

Women show more interconnectivity between the two sides of the cortex. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the brains of gay men in comparison to heterosexual men?

They structurally resemble those of women more than those of heterosexual men. Signup and view all the answers

How does early hormonal exposure influence behavior later in life?

It can shape behavioral patterns based on the type of hormones received. Signup and view all the answers

What was found in the study where children were exposed to synthetic hormones prenatally?

The early hormone exposure led to significant behavioral changes. Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for masculinizing the nervous system?

Androgen Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic template for human body development?

Female Signup and view all the answers

What effect does higher fetal testosterone exposure have on empathy according to research?

Predicts lower levels of empathy Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is associated with high levels of testosterone in adult males according to studies?

Enhanced dominance and rule violations Signup and view all the answers

In girls, exposure to masculinizing hormones before birth is associated with which of the following behaviors?

Higher potential for aggression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following qualities is testosterone believed to regulate?

Dominance and antisocial behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome is linked to high testosterone levels in female inmates according to the studies mentioned?

Increased likelihood of violent crime Signup and view all the answers

What common behavior is linked to men with higher testosterone levels in military settings?

Increased alcohol and drug abuse Signup and view all the answers

How does early exposure to androgens affect girls in terms of sports activities?

Increases involvement in sports with rough contact Signup and view all the answers

Which study highlights the correlation between high testosterone and premeditated violent crime?

Analysis of male inmates who committed murder Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 7: Biological Processes and Personality

7.1 Eysenck's Theory: Eysenck's theory proposes the brain processes underlie extraversion and neuroticism.
7.2 Basic Approach System: A basic approach system affects personality.
7.3 Basic Avoidance System: A avoidance system affects personality.
7.4 Approach and Avoidance Systems: Approach and avoidance systems are related to traits and temperaments.
7.5 Third Basic System: A third basic system in personality can result in variations in restraint versus impulsiveness.
7.6 Hormones on Personality: Testosterone and oxytocin influence personality.
7.7 Biological Methods: Electroencephalograms and neuroimaging are biological methods for assessing personality.
7.8 Anxiety and Antisocial Behavior: Anxiety problems and antisocial behavior may be based in biology.
7.9 Progress in Biological Approach: Progress in the biological process approach to personality depends on advances in other fields.
Personal Example: Lisa craves adventure and has many friends and activities. Her boyfriend prefers less intense activities.
Human Capabilities: Humans have the characteristics implied by membership in the animal kingdom, including eating, drinking, and breathing.
Introversion and Extraversion: Introverts are quiet and reserved, while extraverts are outgoing and uninhibited. Eysenck links this to differences in cortical arousal.
Neuroticism: Eysenck considers neuroticism as a trait rooted in the body.
Brain Activity: Introverts have higher baseline cortical arousal, avoiding overstimulation; extraverts seek stimulation.
Introverts and Extraverts in Tasks: Introverts do better at tasks requiring monitoring of slowly changing visual displays (like air traffic control).
Neuroticism Neural Basis: People high in neuroticism have easily aroused emotion centers.
Approach System: A set of brain structures involved in approaching incentives is presumed to be involved when pursuing an incentive.
Positive Emotions: The BAS is also associated with positive emotions like hope, eagerness, and excitement.
Brain Activity Measures: Methods for recording electrical activity on the scalp include EEG, whereas newer imaging techniques (PET scans/fMRIs) record metabolic activity in different brain areas.
Biological Trait Dimensions: Eysenck found neuroticism and extraversion to be two supertraits. Newer models include a third factor.
Approach Sensitivity: Approach system is linked to left prefrontal cortex activity, predicting positive responses to happy stimuli.
Avoidance System: The avoidance system is linked to right prefrontal cortex activity and predicts negative responses to fearful/disgust-inducing stimuli; it is also responsive to cues for punishment and danger.
Relationship to Personality Traits: Anxiety/Neuroticism is associated with the avoidance system, while extraversion/Sociability is associated with the approach system.
Incentive Sensitivity Measures of BAS sensitivity predicted speed at reward learning in a conditioning task.
Neurotransmitters: Dopamine is linked to the approach system, with higher dopamine reactivity related to higher levels of positive emotionality, novelty seeking, and aspects of extraversion.
Serotonin: Related to threat sensitivity
Norepinephrine: Associated with panic and responses to stress, particularly in relation to anxiety.
Neurotransmitter Relationships: Evidence suggesting correlations between neurotransmitters and personality traits is complex.
Hormones: Testosterone and oxytocin are discussed as having influences on personality.
Early Hormonal Exposure: Early hormone exposure (prenatal or otherwise) can influence later behavior.
Hormones & Sex Differences: Differences in androgen exposure prenatally impacts brain development, potentially affecting behavior and personality.
Hormones and Emotions Testosterone influences dominance, aggression, and perhaps, relationships and social interactions.
Individual Differences in Hormones Differences in testosterone levels reflect individual variations in personality characteristics.
Biological Assessment Methods: Electroencephalograms (EEGs), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are methods to assess personality traits.
Biological Bases of Anxiety/Depression: Anxiety and depression can be linked to a person's avoidance system sensitivity and/or approach system weakness, respectively.
Biological Basis for Antisocial Personality: Antisocial personality is linked to impulsivity and an inability to restrain antisocial behaviors.

7.5 Sensation Seeking

Definition: People high in sensation seeking crave new, varied, and exciting experiences.
Behavioral Tendencies: This includes faster driving, drug use, skydiving, and engaging in risky activities; sometimes associated with impulsivity and a lower sensitivity to threat.
Role in Personality: This trait has links to aspects of personality and relates to brain functions.

7.6.1 Hormones and the Body/Brain

Hormone Effects: Hormones affect brain development and functioning, potentially impacting future behavior.
Development: Normal males have higher testosterone levels than normal females throughout development, including prenatal stages.
Sex Differences Testosterone exposure in fetuses shapes the brain in differing ways. This may affect behaviour and personality.
Masculinity/Femininity: This also includes a variety of hormone related behaviors across genders.

7.8 Anxiety and antisocial behaviors

Biological Roots: Anxiety is linked to sensitivity of the avoidance system, while depression may reflect a weakness in the approach system.
Biological Responses: Biological responses to stress can influence emotional states leading to certain types of behaviors
Antisocial Personality: Impulsivity and restrained sensitivity to the threat system are linked to antisocial personality traits.
Low MAO: Low MAO levels interact with adverse childhood environments to increase antisocial behavior.

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Description

Explore the intricate relationship between biological processes and personality in this chapter. Topics include Eysenck's theory, the basic approach and avoidance systems, hormonal influences, and biological assessment methods. Understanding these concepts is crucial for comprehending the biological underpinnings of personality traits and behaviors.