Psychology Chapter on Trait Theory

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Questions and Answers

What is associated with high levels of neuroticism?

Low scores on extraversion (correct)

High scores on agreeableness

High scores on conscientiousness

Low scores on openness

What behavior is likely for someone who scores highly on introversion?

Feeling comfortable with e-mail communication (correct)

Utilizing phone calls more often

Preferring face-to-face interactions

Engaging in group activities frequently

Which of the following is a strength of trait theory?

It is based solely on anecdotal evidence

It suggests all traits are permanent and unchangeable

It helps explain compatibility issues in relationships (correct)

It ignores the impact of situational factors

According to the criticisms of trait theory, what is a limitation in predicting behavior?

It fails to consider cognitive factors in behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a noted behavior of individuals with various mental disorders according to the study by Kotov et al.?

High levels of neuroticism Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the id in Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory?

To satisfy basic biological drives Signup and view all the answers

How does the superego influence behavior according to Freud?

It creates feelings of guilt for disobeying social rules Signup and view all the answers

What role does the unconscious play in a person's psyche according to the theory?

It relieves energy resulting in anxiety Signup and view all the answers

At what age does the superego typically start to develop?

Around ages 4 to 5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main principle that drives the id?

The pleasure principle Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates the conflict between the id and the superego?

Choosing to watch a movie instead of studying for an exam Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of personality is responsible for feelings of tension when desires are frustrated?

The id Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ego according to Freud?

To mediate between the id and the external reality Signup and view all the answers

At what age does the ego typically begin to develop?

2 years Signup and view all the answers

Which principle does the ego follow?

Reality principle Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the demands of the superego and id are too strong for the ego?

The ego experiences defence mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

What do defence mechanisms serve to protect against?

Anxiety from unsuccessful ego mediation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of regression as a defence mechanism?

An adult sulking like a child when upset Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of unconscious strategies in the context of defence mechanisms?

To shield against awareness of traumatic feelings Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the ego's responsibilities is accurate?

It must sometimes employ defence mechanisms for protection. Signup and view all the answers

According to Freud, what happens if the ego is unable to implement successful mediation?

The ego becomes overwhelmed and produces anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a strength of Freud's psychoanalytic approach?

It identifies unconscious processes as possible motivators of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a weakness of Freud's psychoanalytic theory?

It relies heavily on interpretations of childhood sexuality. Signup and view all the answers

What do trait theorists believe about personality traits?

Everyone possesses certain traits to varying degrees. Signup and view all the answers

One of the challenges faced by trait theorists is:

The inability to quantify traits accurately. Signup and view all the answers

Freud's theory is primarily based on which cultural perspective?

Western culture. Signup and view all the answers

What does the fundamental lexical hypothesis suggest about personality traits?

There are specific terms in all languages to describe individual personality traits. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'defense mechanisms' refer to in Freud's psychoanalytic theory?

Unconscious strategies to protect the ego. Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment method is commonly used in trait theories?

Questionnaires where individuals assess their own traits. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is NOT associated with trait theories?

Traits are dynamic and change easily. Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of self-reported assessments in trait theories?

They may be influenced by social desirability bias. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Freud’s theory address behavioral issues?

Through unconscious motivations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of trait theories in psychology?

Comparing individuals based on their traits. Signup and view all the answers

According to trait theorists, which is true about personality traits?

They become evident through interactions and environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following criticisms is commonly associated with Freud's theory?

It lacks scientific research support. Signup and view all the answers

How many primary traits did Cattell identify in his trait theory?

16 Signup and view all the answers

What role do genetic factors play in trait theories?

They are believed to have a significant impact on personality. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about trait theories is incorrect?

They support the idea of personality change through interventions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the advantages of Cattell's trait theory?

It categorizes traits into a manageable number of factors. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'social desirability bias' refer to in personality assessments?

The inclination to respond in a way that is viewed favorably by others. Signup and view all the answers

Why might trait theories be less focused on personality development?

They are primarily concerned with individual variations and comparisons. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Module 2: Personality

Module 2 covers the topic of personality.
The provided material includes readings from: Ms Stephanie Bugeja, Dr. Olivia Galea Seychell, Dott. Mireille Vila, and Dr. Miriam Geraldi Gauci.
The primary textbook referenced is "Simply Psychology" by Michael W. Eysenck.
Additional readings include material at specific chapters and topics relating to personality.

What is Personality?

Personality is comprised of stable, internal factors making behavior consistent across time and different for other people similarly situated.
One's behavior is influenced by their personality, which varies in consistency over situations compared to others.

Does This View Vary Across Cultures?

Personality perception varies across different cultures.
Individualistic cultures emphasize self-direction, autonomy, and independence.
Collectivistic cultures emphasize interconnectedness, interdependence, family relations, and conformity.
A person's personality is also influenced by social expectations, which may vary across cultures.

Personality Assessment

Personality assessment uses specialized knowledge/measures to comprehend traits and styles for clinical diagnoses.
It's used to structure and inform interventions and increase behavior prediction in various settings (clinical, forensic, organizational, educational).
Personality questionnaires are self-report scales, used to gather a person's thoughts, behaviours, and feelings.

Personality Assessment Tools

Psychologists use various methods, including observations, interviews, past records (e.g., medical, school), and standardized questionnaires.
Questionnaires are self-report tools, typically assessing thoughts, behaviours, and feelings.
Reliability and validity are essential characteristics of sound personality assessments. Validity means a test accurately reflects what it's intended to measure while reliability involves consistent results over time and across situations.
These questionnaires are valuable but can be flawed as people aim for social desirability.

Theories of Personality

Freud's psychoanalytic approach focuses on the unconscious mind.
Trait theories describe personality using relatively permanent characteristics called traits.
Social cognitive theory emphasizes how environmental factors, personal thoughts, and behavior influence one another.

Freud's Psychoanalytic Approach

Freud's psychoanalytic theory explores personality structure, unconscious mind, and the impact of childhood experiences.
Personality comprises the id, driving basic biological/sexual drives; the ego, mediating between id and superego; and the superego, representing internal societal rules.
Freud's psychoanalytic theory emphasizes the effects of childhood and innate instincts versus the environment (nurture) on personality. It suggests unconscious processes (including defense mechanisms) influence behavior.

Trait Theories (Cattell)

Cattell's trait theory posits 16 personality factors on a continuum.
Assessments like the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) aim to measure where someone falls on each factor (e.g., some preference for routine), creating broad personality profiles.
Later, Eysenck's suggested traits with lower overlap, including extraversion, neuroticism/emotional stability, and psychoticism were proposed for a more concise description.

Trait Theories (Eysenck & Gray)

Eysenck's theory proposes three universal traits: introversion-extraversion, neuroticism/emotional stability, and psychoticism.
Introversion/extraversion describes whether a person directs attention inward or outward; neuroticism involves moodiness or even-temperedness; and psychoticism relates to difficulty dealing with reality and may include antisocial, hostility, non-empathy and manipulativeness.
Gray's perspective further develops these traits, suggesting that brain systems associated with reward/punishment may influence these traits.

The Big Five Model

McCrae and Costa's Big Five model (five factor model of personality) consists of five overarching personality traits distinct from one another (e.g. openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism).

Social-cognitive theory proposes reciprocal interactions between personal factors, environmental factors, and behavioral factors, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between these elements, in addition to conscious experience, in influencing personality.

The Triadic Reciprocal Model

Bandura's social cognitive theory model highlights how different elements (personal factors, behaviour, and the environment) influence each other.
Self-efficacy, which refers to an individual's belief in their ability of capacity to deal with issues, impacts personal performance and is impacted by previous successes in similar situations among other factors.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of personality traits with this quiz on trait theory. Delve into concepts such as neuroticism, introversion, and the strengths and limitations of trait assessments. Test your understanding of the behavioral patterns associated with various personality traits and mental disorders.