Psychology Personality and Behavior Debates

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Questions and Answers

What phenomenon describes the inability of dogs to learn to escape when they had no control over the shocks?

Learned helplessness (correct)

Predatory behavior

Conditioned response

Cognitive dissonance

Which theory suggests that the roles individuals occupy can influence their personality traits significantly?

Attachment theory

Self-determination theory

Cognitive-behavioral theory

Social role theory (correct)

Which of the following hormones is found in significantly higher levels in women compared to men, contributing to traits commonly associated with femininity?

Cortisol

Estrogen

Serotonin

Oxytocin (correct)

What does self-actualization refer to in the context of humanist perspectives on personality?

The fulfillment of one's true potential Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of social comparison in relation to self-concept?

Assessing personal traits in relation to others Signup and view all the answers

How do self-serving attributions affect individuals’ perceptions of their successes and failures?

They help individuals attribute good outcomes to personal attributes while blaming failures on external factors. Signup and view all the answers

What role do possible selves play in a person's motivation according to the content?

They act as motivational factors that guide behaviors toward achieving an ideal self-image. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the above-average effect?

It causes individuals to believe they possess traits above the average level. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of self-esteem, what is the purpose of idiosyncratic trait definitions?

To help individuals justify their traits by defining them uniquely to reduce self-doubt. Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely outcome for low-income children who are provided with strategies to improve their academic self-concept?

They are more likely to perform better academically by aligning with an ideal self-image. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept explains the tendency to process information in a way that maintains a positive self-image?

Self-serving biases Signup and view all the answers

What effect does having different friend groups have on an individual's self-perception?

It may lead individuals to feel like completely different persons in varying social contexts. Signup and view all the answers

How does the self-serving bias manifest in the attribution of outcomes?

Good outcomes are attributed to personal effort, while bad outcomes are attributed to external circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key aspect of person-situation interactions?

Individual behaviors can vary significantly based on the social context. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates a street hustler and a straight A student to see themselves as equally intelligent?

Their unique definitions of intelligence. Signup and view all the answers

What relationship is suggested between openness and brain activity?

Increased openness correlates with greater activation in the default mode network. Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic correlation coefficient between a trait and behavior according to the critique of the trait approach?

r = 0.30 Signup and view all the answers

According to the person-situation debate, how are traits perceived?

As templates used to categorize others. Signup and view all the answers

How does social learning theory describe the formation of personality?

By observing and imitating the behaviors of others. Signup and view all the answers

How can one's environment influence behavior, according to reciprocal determinism?

Through the environments that individuals actively choose. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant interaction effect regarding traits and behavior?

Personality and situational influences coalesce to determine behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates the cognitive role in personality and behavior interactions?

Extraverts interpreting a loud party negatively. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement aligns with the perspective on traits mapping to objective behaviors?

Traits are effective templates and show evidence aligning with behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does having a positive self-view have on an individual's general well-being?

It enhances happiness and social relationships. Signup and view all the answers

According to sociometer theory, self-esteem primarily serves what function?

To gauge social acceptance and self-worth. Signup and view all the answers

How does terror management theory define the relationship between self-esteem and mortality awareness?

Self-worth can help keep death thoughts at bay. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes narcissism in relation to self-perception?

It includes self-aggrandizing views despite negative self-associations. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes independent self-construal from interdependent self-construal?

Interdependent self-construal identifies self as a distinct, stable entity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding individuals raised in different cultures?

They can incorporate new cultural perspectives into their self-view. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of collectivist cultures regarding self-identity?

They encourage self-definition through relationships and group harmony. Signup and view all the answers

How does overestimating personal contributions relate to self-esteem?

It is linked to higher self-esteem and self-worth. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common behavioral response of narcissistic individuals when their self-image is threatened?

They tend to behave aggressively towards perceived threats. Signup and view all the answers

What outcome is most likely for individuals with a high internal locus of control?

Success in school and work Signup and view all the answers

According to social learning theory, what happens when children observe a model being punished for aggressive behavior?

They do not imitate the aggression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes learned helplessness?

It leads to passive resignation due to perceived inability to control situations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of self-efficacy?

Confidence in executing specific behaviors for desired outcomes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios is an example of behavior shaped by cultural norms?

An adult behaving aggressively in competitive sports Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about aggressive behavior from Bandura's studies?

Children replicate aggressive acts they observe unless discouraged. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately distinguishes between internal and external locus of control?

Internal locus is about control over one’s fate, while external locus is about external forces impacting outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

How does an individual's perception of control influence their mental health outcomes?

Feelings of control can lead to better physical health and reduced depression. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main outcome related to the imitation of aggression in children according to social learning theory?

Children learn both behaviors and the consequences of those behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Person-Situation Debate

The trait approach to personality assumes traits predict behavior.
There is a correlation between traits and behavior (r=0.30), but traits may not fully explain behavior.
Traits may not be internal but rather templates used to perceive others.
Personality and situation influence behavior.

People learn behaviors and personalities by observing and imitating others.
Cognition plays a role in shaping behavior.
Reciprocal determinism explains how personality shapes the environment and vice versa.
Our personality influences how we interpret situations.
We can create and change situations based on our traits.
Self-concept influences behavior.

Self-Esteem

People use self-serving biases to maintain a positive self-image.
These biases include:
- Attributing success to internal factors and failure to external factors.
- Overestimating our abilities and contributions.
- Defining traits in a way that makes us seem above average.
High self-esteem is associated with happiness, success, and good social relationships.
Sociometer theory states that self-esteem reflects our social acceptance.
Terror management theory suggests self-esteem protects us from the fear of death by providing a sense of meaning and worth.
Narcissism is characterized by unrealistic and inflated self-views.

Collectivism, Individualism, and Self-Esteem

Independent self-construal is common in individualistic cultures, emphasizing a sense of self separate from others.
Interdependent self-construal is common in collectivist cultures, emphasizing a sense of self connected to others.
Cultural influences on self-concept are flexible.

Learned Helplessness

Learned helplessness occurs when repeated failures lead to a belief that one is powerless to control outcomes.
People with an internal locus of control believe they control their destiny, while those with an external locus of control believe that fate or external forces determine their outcomes.
Outcome efficacy is the belief that a behavior will lead to a desired result.
Self-efficacy is the belief that one can successfully execute a behavior.

Gender and Personality

Assigned sex refers to biological and anatomical differences between males and females.
Gender identity is the psychological perception of oneself as male, female, or nonbinary.
Gender expression relates to the ways individuals express masculine or feminine traits.
Agency involves assertiveness, dominance, and independence.
Communion embodies caring, cooperation, and gentleness.
Women tend to score higher on communion, while men score higher on agency.
Evolutionary theories propose that men and women developed distinct personality traits due to differences in reproductive challenges.
Cultural and social roles influence differences between men and women.

Humanist Perspectives on Personality

Humanism emphasizes the inherent worth of individuals and focuses on their potential for growth.
Self-actualization involves realizing one's full potential, accepting oneself, and accepting others.
The hierarchy of needs, proposed by Abraham Maslow, suggests that individuals strive to fulfill basic needs before progressing to higher needs, such as self-actualization.
Flow is a state of complete immersion and enjoyment in an activity.

Self-Concept

Self-theorists explore how people perceive and evaluate themselves.
Self-concept is a network of mental representations about oneself.
Reflected appraisals involve gathering information about ourselves through interactions with others.
Social comparison involves comparing ourselves to others.
Self-concept varies across different contexts.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Explore the connections between personality traits, behavior, and social learning theory in this quiz. Discover how self-esteem biases and situational factors impact our perceptions and interactions. Test your understanding of the interplay between personality and environment.