Module 32 Other Major Approaches to Personality: In Search of Human Uniqueness Chapter 10, Pages Essentials of Understanding Psychology- Sixth Edition PSY110 Psychology © Richard Goldman November 8, 2006

Trait Theory Everyone posses the same traits but to different degrees The degree of traits can be quantified A set of “primary” traits can be use to describe someone Traits describe behavior – they do not explain it

Gordon Allport Trait Theory Classified traits into three basic categories:  Cardinal – Single trait that directs most of a persons activities  Central – A few (normally 5-10) traits the make the personality of a person  Secondary – Any other trait that may affect behavior in some situations

Raymond Cattell’s Trait Theory Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) Used factor analysis to develop a questionnaire to produce a profile made up of 16 pairs of opposing traits. Called the 16 pair of traits source traits Can be used to compare average scores for different groups.

Hans Eysenck’s Trait Theory Eysenck Scale Describes personality in three dimensions  Extraversion (Sociability) Sociable, Lively, Active, Assertive, Sensation- seeking  Neuroticism (Emotional Stability) Anxious, Depressed, Guilt feelings, Low self-esteem, Tense  Psychoticism (Distortion of Reality) Aggressive, Cold, Egocentric, Impersonal, Impulsive

Big Five Trait Theory Most influential trait theory approach today Valid across cultures Composed of five factors: 1. Openness 2. Conscientiousness 3. Extraversion 4. Agreeableness 5. Neuroticism (emotional stability)  Link to free assessment Link to free assessment

Learning Approaches to Personality Personality is the sum of learned responses Internal thoughts, feelings, and motivations are ignored. B. F. Skinner New behaviors can be learned

Social Cognitive Approaches to Personality Albert Bandura Emphasizes a persons:  Cognitions  Thoughts  Feelings  Expectations  Values Observation learning – We learn and develop our personality through viewing others.  We adopt behaviors that have positive outcomes Self-efficacy – Belief in ones personal capabilities  High aspiration, greater persistence, greater success  Acquired by evaluating our own successes and failures  Feedback loop modifies our behavior, personality, and environment Self-esteem – Positive or negative regard for self  Multi-dimensional (good student, poor athlete, etc.)  Continually cycling through highs and lows  Can affect performance

Biological and Evolutionary Approaches to Personality - Tellegen Important components of personality are inherited Supported by twin studies  Twins raised separately have similar results on personality tests Some personality traits seem to be inherited while others seem to be learned A persons temperament is evident in early childhood Correlation between specific genetic code and some behaviors  Long variety of the dopamine-4 receptor gene is associated with thrill seekers Genetically linked personality traits require an appropriate environment to develop

Humanistic Approach to Personality Carl Rogers & Maslow Emphasizes peoples basic goodness and tendency to grow Self-actualization – Realizing your highest potential Our desire to be loved and respected:  Makes us dependent on others  Judge ourselves through the eyes of others  Adopt their values  Become preoccupied with what they think  Discrepancy between you and them creates anxiety Unconditional Positive regard – accept and respect others regardless of their comments or actions  Helps reduce discrepancy between you and them