Learning Objectives – Lectures 5, 6, 7, & 8Lecture 5Review:Traits: The WHAT of personalityPurposes of traits: Describe behavior, Explain behavior, Predict behavior1. 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 behaviorNeurophysiological substrates: Traits are biological differences that CAUSE behavior to occurBehavioral dispositions: Traits are tendencies to behave a certain way-The 2 other perspectives on personality traits claim that traits DO NOT CAUSE behaviorAct Frequencies: Traits are descriptive categories for behavior (traits exist objectively)Linguistic categories: Traits are linguistic categories for behavior (traits are all in our minds)What’s a taxonomy?-Classification system-Goal: Identify & name groups within a subjectEX: Periodic table2. Know which characteristics are studied under Eysenck’s model of personality and be able to describe eachEysenck’s Hierarchial Model of Personality3 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 attention3. 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, tension3. 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 openness5. 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 facetsE: Extraversion-Warmth, gregariousness, assertiveness, activity, excitement seeking, positive emotionsO: Openness to Experience-Fantasy, Aesthetics, feelings, actions, ideas, valuesC: Conscientiousness-Competence, order, dutifulness, achievement striving, self-discipline, deliberationN: Neuroticism-Anxiety, angry hostility, depression, self-consciousness, impulsiveness, vulnerabilityA: Agreeableness-Trust, straightforwardness, altruism, compliance, modesty, tender-mindedness6. 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 activeIntroverts (compared to extraverts)-Perform better when attention is required-Show better long-term memory-Perform better when sleep deprived-Focus on accuracy over speedEmotions:-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 aversive7. 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 school8. Be able to identify the stages of the neurotic cascade-NeuroticismEmotional stability Emotional Instability(Low Neuroticism) ------------------------------------------------ (High Neuroticism)- Could also be called negative emotionalityHighly neurotic people (compared to people low in neuroticism)-Are lonelier-Are more likely to be depressed or anxious-Have worse physiological healthNeurotic cascade!Hyperactivity Differential exposureDifferential appraisalMood Spillover9. How has neuroticism changed over time?-We are more neurotic than we used to beBecause..-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
View Full Document
Unlocking...