Psychology Theories of Personality Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of personality?

The consistent, enduring, and unique characteristics of a person (correct)

The unique characteristics of a person

The inconsistent characteristics of a person

The traits that change over time

What is one of the purposes of understanding personality?

To measure intelligence

To change people's behavior

To explain differences amongst people (correct)

To create personality tests

Who is Sigmund Freud?

A psychologist known for his theories about the unconscious mind.

What did B.F. Skinner contribute to psychology?

He introduced the concept that rewards and punishments shape actions. Signup and view all the answers

What do cognitive theorists focus on?

The influence of thoughts, perceptions, and feelings on personality. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary idea behind humanistic theories?

Human potential for growth and creativity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ID in Freud's theory?

The part of the unconscious that contains needs, drives, and instincts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the ego?

To mediate between the ID and the superego in socially acceptable ways. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defense mechanism?

An unconscious strategy used by the ego to protect itself from unpleasant impulses. Signup and view all the answers

What does rationalization involve?

Creating false but plausible excuses to justify unacceptable behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What does sublimation mean in psychology?

Modifying the expression of an impulse into a socially acceptable form. Signup and view all the answers

What is the collective unconscious according to Carl Jung?

A part of the mind that contains inherited instincts, urges, and memories shared by all people. Signup and view all the answers

What is trait theory?

A theory that identifies consistent and stable characteristics in individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 'Big Five' personality traits?

Extroversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Openness, Emotional Stability Signup and view all the answers

What does self-actualization refer to?

Realizing one's unique potential. Signup and view all the answers

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).

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.