Questions and Answers
What is the definition of personality?
What is one of the purposes of understanding personality?
Who is Sigmund Freud?
A psychologist known for his theories about the unconscious mind.
What did B.F. Skinner contribute to psychology?
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What do cognitive theorists focus on?
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What is the primary idea behind humanistic theories?
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What is the ID in Freud's theory?
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What is the main role of the ego?
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What is a defense mechanism?
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What does rationalization involve?
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What does sublimation mean in psychology?
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What is the collective unconscious according to Carl Jung?
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What is trait theory?
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What are the 'Big Five' personality traits?
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What does self-actualization refer to?
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Study Notes
Personality
- Defined as the consistent, enduring, and unique characteristics of an individual.
Purposes of Personality Theories
- Organize characteristics of individuals.
- Explain differences among people and their behaviors.
- Explore how people conduct their lives.
- Identify ways to improve life circumstances.
Sigmund Freud
- Emphasized hidden motives in the subconscious.
- Believed there are no mistakes in behavior.
B.F. Skinner
- Proposed that actions are shaped by rewards and punishments (operant conditioning).
Social Learning Theories
- Focus on the impact of social observation on behavior.
Cognitive Theorists
- Explore how thoughts, perceptions, and feelings influence personality.
Humanistic Theories (Maslow & Rogers)
- Center on human potential, growth, creativity, and spontaneity.
Gordon Allport & Hans Eysenck
- Investigated basic personality characteristics like friendliness and aggression.
Freudian Concepts
- ID: Unconscious part driving needs and instincts, operates on the "Pleasure Principle."
- Ego: Mediator between ID and superego, operates on the "Reality Principle," focused on socially acceptable behavior.
- Superego: Conscience and moral compass, regulates impulses from ID.
Defense Mechanisms
- Used by the ego to protect against unpleasant thoughts or feelings.
- Includes:
- Rationalization: Creating excuses for unacceptable behavior.
- Repression: Burying distressing thoughts in the unconscious.
- Denial: Ignoring unpleasant thoughts or desires.
- Projection: Attributing one's own threatening impulses to others.
- Reaction Formation: Developing attitudes opposite to unacceptable desires.
- Regression: Reverting to childish behaviors in stressful situations.
- Sublimation: Channeling emotions into socially acceptable activities.
Carl Jung
- Introduced the concept of the collective unconscious and archetypes.
Collective Unconscious
- Part of the mind shared by all, containing inherited instincts and memories.
Alfred Adler
- Developed the notion of the "inferiority complex" and emphasized birth order.
Behaviorism
- Focuses solely on observable behaviors rather than internal processes.
Learning Theories
- B.F. Skinner represents Behaviorism.
- Albert Bandura's work led to the Social Cognitive Theory.
- Observational Learning: New behaviors learned by watching others.
- Reciprocal Determinism: Interaction between individual, behavior, and environment influences personality.
Self-efficacy & Outcome Expectations
- Self-Efficacy: Belief in one's ability to succeed.
- Outcome Expectations: Anticipation of success related to behaviors.
Humanistic Psychology
- Emphasizes individual uniqueness and personal growth.
- Self-actualization: Realization of one's full potential.
Theories of Self
- Developed through interactions with others.
- Positive Regard: Viewing oneself positively due to external feedback.
- Conditions of Worth: Criteria for self-acceptance influenced by others.
- Unconditional Positive Regard: Acceptance from significant others leads to self-acceptance.
Cognitive Theory
- Focuses on how perceptions and thoughts shape personality, notably by George Kelly.
Trait Theory
- Proposes that personality traits are stable characteristics influencing behavior.
- Trait Theory of Personality: Traits are quantifiable; applies universally.
Gordon Allport's Trait Types
- Cardinal Trait: Dominant trait that defines a person.
- Central Trait: Core traits describing a person (e.g., loyalty).
- Secondary Traits: Less consistent traits, like preferences.
Raymond Cattell
- Formulated the Sixteen Trait Theory using factor analysis.
Hans Eysenck's Dimensions of Personality
- Proposed dimensions such as extroversion and introversion.
The Robust Five Traits
- Five key traits consistently identified across various studies:
- Extroversion: Sociability and assertiveness.
- Agreeableness: Cooperation and trustworthiness.
- Conscientiousness: Organization and dependability.
- Openness to Experience: Curiosity and willingness to try new things.
- Emotional Stability: Balance between calmness and anxiety.
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Description
Explore key concepts in the theories of personality through these informative flashcards. Each card delves into fundamental terms and definitions that shape our understanding of personality characteristics and psychological motives. Perfect for students looking to enhance their comprehension of psychological frameworks.