Psychology of Personality and Intelligence

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the heritability estimate range for intelligence as indicated by twin and adoption studies?

10% to 30%

70% to 90%

30% to 50%

50% to 80% (correct)

Which factor is NOT mentioned as an environmental influence on personality development?

Genetic predisposition (correct)

Cultural background

Parenting styles

Life experiences

What does the concept of G x E refer to in the context of personality development?

The impact of environmental changes over time

The influence of genetics alone on behavior

The interaction of genetic and environmental factors (correct)

The weakening of genetic influences in stressful situations

Which of the following is NOT a way that the environment can influence intelligence?

Hereditary traits Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the role of environment in intelligence development?

Both genetics and environment significantly influence intelligence. Signup and view all the answers

What might happen to an individual with a genetic tendency toward anxiety according to the interaction of genetics and environment?

They will exhibit anxiety only in response to stressful events. Signup and view all the answers

Which element combines to shape personality development according to the principles outlined?

Both genetic and environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects an outcome of high levels of parental involvement in the context of intelligence?

Enhanced intellectual abilities Signup and view all the answers

What do heritability estimates for aggression typically range from?

30% to 50% Signup and view all the answers

Which gene is often referred to as the 'warrior gene' associated with aggressive behavior?

MAOA gene Signup and view all the answers

How does the environment influence aggression according to the content?

It influences through early experiences and cultural contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of Gene by Environment interaction mentioned?

Positive environments can mitigate genetic aggression tendencies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as influencing aggression?

Peer interactions during adolescence Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of aggression can potentially be attributed to genetic factors?

Between 30% and 50% Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between genetic predisposition and environmental conditions?

Environmental conditions can enhance or suppress genetic expression. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the reflective system in newborn visual fixation?

Involuntary control of visual patterns Signup and view all the answers

What effect do positive environments have on aggressive behavior in individuals with genetic predispositions?

They can mitigate the expression of aggression. Signup and view all the answers

Which pathways are primarily involved in the reflective system of newborns?

From the retina to the superior colliculus Signup and view all the answers

How does the level of processing influence memory according to Craik and Lockhart's theory?

Deep processing enhances memory more than shallow processing Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor in the development of working memory performance in infants after 5-6 months?

Further development of attention systems Signup and view all the answers

What type of stimuli most attract infant looking behavior?

Basic but salient stimulus features Signup and view all the answers

What is the main premise of central capacity theory?

Attention is allocated from a single pool of limited capacity. Signup and view all the answers

How does the central capacity theory suggest performance can be impacted?

By the amount of capacity allocated to a task. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the multiple resources model from the central capacity theory?

It suggests we have separate modules that can be used independently or jointly. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes visual distraction in driving?

Looking at something other than the road. Signup and view all the answers

According to the multiple resources model, which situation is most likely to be disruptive while driving?

Holding a mobile phone while conversing. Signup and view all the answers

What type of distraction involves a person thinking about something unrelated to driving?

Cognitive distraction. Signup and view all the answers

What does the research suggest about the use of hands-free devices while driving?

They can still interfere with safe driving. Signup and view all the answers

How is attention allocation predicted according to central capacity theory?

It's a function of individual arousal and motivation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE)?

Exposure to family violence Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes acute environmental stressors from chronic ones?

Acute stressors overwhelm quickly, chronic stressors overwhelm slowly Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as a potential cause for the recent increase in mental health issues?

Cultural shifts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines psychopathology?

Problematic patterns that disrupt well-being Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is classified as a chronic environmental stressor?

Workplace bullying Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between diathesis-stress and mental health?

Diathesis-stress integrates both biological and environmental factors in understanding mental health Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'abnormal psychology' according to the content?

An outdated term that may pathologize normal behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following experiences would NOT fall under the category of adverse childhood experiences?

Financial stress as an adult Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Personality Development

Genetics play a significant role in personality development.
Environmental factors, such as parenting styles, cultural background, and life experiences shape personality development.
Gene-environment interactions (G x E): An individual with a genetic tendency toward anxiety may develop this trait in response to stressful life events.

Intelligence

Twin and adoption studies show that genetics plays a significant role in intelligence, with heritability estimates ranging from 50% to 80%.
The environment also significantly influences intelligence. Educational opportunities, parental involvement, and socioeconomic status can greatly influence the development and expression of intellectual abilities.
G x E: Certain environmental conditions can enhance or suppress the expression of genetic potential.

Aggression

Heritability estimates for aggression typically range from 30% to 50%, based on twin and family studies.
Specific genes, such as the MAOA gene (often referred to as the "warrior gene"), have been associated with aggressive behavior, particularly in males.
Environmental factors, such as early childhood experiences, social and cultural contexts, also significantly influence aggression.
G x E: A genetic predisposition towards aggression may only manifest in adverse environments, while positive environments can mitigate the expression of these genetic tendencies.

Attention and memory

There is a close relationship between working memory and attention.
The deeper the processing, the easier it is to recall (Craik and Lockhart).
Absentmindedness occurs when attention is diverted elsewhere.

The Development of Attention Systems in Infancy

At birth, newborn visual fixation is primarily involuntary and driven by a reflective system.
This system includes the superior colliculus, the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus, and the primary visual cortex.
Many newborns' fixations are driven by direct pathways from the retina to the superior colliculus.
Infant looking is attracted by basic but salient stimulus features, such as high contrast borders, motion, and size.

The Development of Working Memory In Infancy

Improvements in working memory performance after 5-6 months of age are likely influenced by further development of attention systems.
Successful performance on working memory tasks involves more than just voluntary control of eye movements.

Negative Experiences

Childhood: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; physical and emotional neglect; exposure to family violence; parental substance use; parental mental illness; parental separation or divorce; and parental incarceration.
Adulthood: Past trauma and other negative events.

Stress

Acute Environmental Stressors: Loss, recent traumatic events, or anything causing high stress.
Chronic Environmental Stressors: Ongoing relational conflict, financial stress, chronic pain or illness, and workplace bullying.

Psychopathology

Problematic patterns of thought, feeling, or behavior that disrupt an individual's sense of wellbeing, social functioning, or occupational functioning.
Mental disorder: A clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior.

Central Capacity Theory

We have a single pool of limited attentional resources.
Available capacity is a function of arousal.
Performance depends on how much capacity is allocated to a task.
How a person allocates attention depends on individual motivational influences and characteristics.

Multiple Resources Model

We have separate modules or processors that can be engaged independently or jointly.
Each processor has its own capacity.
Changes in task difficulty can lead to qualitative changes in resource use.

Driving Distraction

A diversion of attention away from driving tasks toward a competing activity.
Types: Visual, cognitive, and physical.
Each type can have separate effects on driving performance.

### Memory Distortion: An Adaptive Perspective

Mobile phone conversations, even hands-free, disrupt driving performance.
Response modality overlap can be more disruptive to driving than other forms of distraction.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the intricate relationship between genetics and environmental factors in shaping personality and intelligence. This quiz delves into the impact of genetics, parenting styles, and life experiences on traits such as anxiety and aggression. Understand the importance of gene-environment interactions in the development of these characteristics.