Learning Objectives Lectures 5 6 7 8 Lecture 5 Review Traits The WHAT of personality Purposes of traits Describe behavior Explain behavior Predict behavior 1 Know the four perspectives on traits covered in lecture and be able to describe how they are different these are also covered in the book on page 110 if you want to review them 2 of the 4 perspectives on personality traits claim that traits CAN CAUSE behavior Neurophysiological substrates Traits are biological differences that CAUSE behavior to occur Behavioral dispositions Traits are tendencies to behave a certain way The 2 other perspectives on personality traits claim that traits DO NOT CAUSE behavior Act Frequencies Traits are descriptive categories for behavior traits exist objectively Linguistic categories Traits are linguistic categories for behavior traits are all in our minds 2 Know which characteristics are studied under Eysenck s model of personality and be able to What s a taxonomy Classification system Goal Identify name groups within a subject EX Periodic table describe each Eysenck s Hierarchial Model of Personality 3 Big Supertraits sometimes called types 1 Extraversion introversion E 2 Neuroticism N The first two deal with personality characteristics within a relatively normal range of functioning Persons may be classified in a two dimensional space created by the intersection of these two traits in a way reminiscent of the ancient of the ancient types melancholic choleric phlegmatic sanguine The extraverted and highly neurotic emotionally unstable person is outgoing easily irritated restless and excitable the choleric type The extraverted and emotionally stable low neuroticism person is outgoing stable and cheerful like the sanguine type The melancholic type is introverted and highly neurotic resulting in characteristics of moodiness depression and anxiety The Phlegmatic person is introverted and low in neuroticism emotionally stable producing such descriptors as quiet steady and stoic Eysenck s first 2 dimensions have received a tremendous amount of research attention 3 Psychoticism P Psychoticism taps into dimensions of functioning that are typically associated with psychotic and psychopathic behavior such as delusional thinking excessive cruelty and antisocial behavior Cattell s Taxonomy Includes 16 variables Interpersonal warmth intelligence emotional stability dominance impulsivity conformity boldness sensitivity suspiciousness imagination shrewdness insecurity radicalism self sufficiency self discipline tension 3 What are the two dimensions of the Wiggins Circumplex The two dimensions of the Wiggins Circumplex are hostile friendly and dominant submissive 2 main measurements Submissiveness Friendliness There could be more than 2 factors 4 What is the most widely accepted model for personality Currently the most widely uses taxonomy is the five factor model This model for personality incorporates extraversion agreeableness conscientiousness emotional stability and openness 5 Be able to list and apply the five personality characteristics recognized as the Big 5 e g if I give you an example of a person behaving in a specific way you should be able to identify what trait that behavior likely reflects The Big Five Traits and their facets E Extraversion Warmth gregariousness assertiveness activity excitement seeking positive emotions O Openness to Experience Fantasy Aesthetics feelings actions ideas values C Conscientiousness N Neuroticism A Agreeableness Competence order dutifulness achievement striving self discipline deliberation Anxiety angry hostility depression self consciousness impulsiveness vulnerability Trust straightforwardness altruism compliance modesty tender mindedness 6 Know differences between extraverts and introverts Extraverts compared to introverts Talk more Engage In more eye contact Like studying in social places Perform better under distraction Focus on speed over accuracy Gamble more Are more sexually active Introverts compared to extraverts Perform better when attention is required Show better long term memory Perform better when sleep deprived Focus on accuracy over speed Emotions Extraverts feel better They are Less sensitive to negative information memory processes They respond less to punishment Their good moods last longer They remember being in a good mood even if it isn t true Extraversion may just be positive emotionality One exception recall less positive info rate others less positively find disagreements more aversive 7 Know in general what Susan Cain has to say about introverts What does she say that introverts are better at the extraverts In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else it can be difficult even shameful to be an introvert But as Susan Cain argues in a passionate talk introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world and should be encouraged and celebrated Susan Cain claims that introverts get better grades and excel in school High Neuroticism Emotional Instability 8 Be able to identify the stages of the neurotic cascade Neuroticism Emotional stability Low Neuroticism Could also be called negative emotionality Highly neurotic people compared to people low in neuroticism Are lonelier Are more likely to be depressed or anxious Have worse physiological health Neurotic cascade Hyperactivity Differential exposure Differential appraisal Mood Spillover 9 How has neuroticism changed over time We are more neurotic than we used to be Because Openness Encompasses willingness to engage in fantasy try new things entertain contradictory and new ideas Correlation of about a 32 between IQ and openness More magical thinking more likely to believe in things like astrology or ghosts also associated with depression From the book chapter 4 10 What are L data Q data and T data Raymond B Catell distinguished among three different sources for data on traits L Data life data consists primarily of information pertaining to a person s real life behavior Info derived from observers ratings and evaluation of individuals leading more or less natural lives and evaluation of individuals in natural settings Public records college transcripts letters of recommendation personal accounts diaries journals trait ratings of a person made by others EX Teacher ratings of children in nursery school parent ratings of children s temperament peer ratings of personality psychologists ratings of family interaction Q data questionnaire data include self ratings
View Full Document
Unlocking...