PSY130: Personality – Development and Measurement

These flashcards review key concepts from Chapter 12 on personality, including trait theories, measurement, genetics, psychoanalytic and humanistic perspectives, and applications in work and therapy.

What is the psychological definition of personality?

An individual’s consistent patterns of feeling, thinking, and behaving.

What type of stimulation do extraverts typically prefer?

More social and sensory stimulation.

What type of stimulation do introverts typically prefer?

Less social and sensory stimulation.

How is extraversion–introversion best conceptualized?

As a continuum rather than two distinct categories.

What are personality traits?

Relatively enduring characteristics that influence behavior across many situations.

Why are personality traits useful to psychologists?

They help explain consistencies in behavior across situations.

Name four specific trait dimensions that often predict behavior (from Table 12.1).

Authoritarianism, locus of control, need for achievement, sensation seeking (among others).

What does reliability mean in the context of personality tests?

Scores remain consistent when the same test is taken again later.

What does validity mean in the context of personality tests?

The test actually measures the trait it claims to measure.

How did Gordon Allport classify traits?

Cardinal, central, and secondary traits.

What was Raymond Cattell’s major contribution to trait theory?

Distinguishing source from surface traits and developing a 16-trait questionnaire.

Which two trait poles interested Hans Eysenck the most?

Introversion and extraversion (with a biological/genetic emphasis).

List the five factors in the Five-Factor Model (Big Five).

Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Emotional Stability (Neuroticism reversed).

Which Big Five trait best predicts job success across occupations?

Conscientiousness.

What is one limitation of the Big Five model?

It does not explicitly capture some dimensions such as moral behavior.

What sixth trait is added in the HEXACO model?

Honesty–Humility.

Why does the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) receive criticism from researchers?

It shows low reliability and validity and treats traits as opposites instead of continua.

How much does the official MBTI test cost compared with free Big Five/HEXACO tests?

MBTI costs about $49.95, whereas Big Five/HEXACO assessments are free.

Which two traits show the greatest situational variability?

Emotional stability and extraversion.

When does personality best predict behavior?

When behaviors are aggregated or averaged across many situations.

What is the MMPI primarily designed to assess?

Personality and psychological maladjustment.

How many items and subscales are in the MMPI-2?

338 items producing 51 subscales.

Name two high-responsibility jobs that commonly require MMPI screening.

Police officers and airline pilots (also air-traffic controllers, clergy).

What is the Barnum effect?

The tendency to believe vague, general personality descriptions that could apply to almost anyone.

Define gene in the context of personality studies.

The basic biological unit that transmits characteristics from one generation to the next.

What is behavioral genetics?

The study of hereditary behavior patterns and the genetic mechanisms underlying them.

How does a twin study examine personality?

By comparing personality traits of identical and fraternal twins to estimate genetic influence.

What is a knockout study in molecular genetics?

Removing or altering a specific gene in animals (e.g., mice) to observe effects on behavior.

Are personality traits typically monogenic or polygenic?

Polygenic—affected by many genes.

What is the main goal of a genome-wide association study (GWAS)?

To match personality traits with common genetic markers across thousands of people.

What does the maturity principle say about trait change with age?

Conscientiousness, agreeableness, and emotional stability generally increase during adulthood.

How does extraversion tend to change across the lifespan?

It often decreases somewhat with age.

After age 80, which Big Five traits tend to decline?

Openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and emotional stability.

In Freud’s model, what are the id, ego, and superego?

Id = primitive impulses; Ego = conscious decision-maker; Superego = internalized morality.

What are defense mechanisms?

Unconscious strategies the ego uses to manage anxiety and maintain a positive self-image.

Explain displacement as a defense mechanism.

Shifting impulses toward a safer or less threatening target.

Why are Freud’s psychosexual stages considered controversial?

They lack empirical support and rely heavily on outdated views of sexuality.

How do Neo-Freudian theories differ from Freud’s original theory?

They downplay sexuality, emphasize social motives, and allow more room for adult growth.

According to Alfred Adler, what is the primary human motivation?

Striving for superiority and overcoming feelings of inferiority.

What concept did Carl Jung propose regarding shared human memories?

The collective unconscious containing archetypes common to all cultures.

What was Karen Horney’s central motivational concept?

The desire for security and interpersonal connection; she also challenged Freud’s sexism.

According to Erich Fromm, how does technology affect personality?

It can make people feel increasingly disconnected and isolated.

Give one major scientific criticism of Freudian theory.

Many predictions are untestable or unfalsifiable, failing the standards of empiricism.

What is the central focus of humanistic psychology?

Free will, personal growth, and the drive toward self-actualization.

Define self-concept.

The set of beliefs a person holds about who they are.

Define self-esteem.

Positive feelings and evaluative judgments about oneself.

What is self-actualization?

The motivation to realize one’s fullest potential.

Briefly describe Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

A pyramid of needs culminating in self-actualization after basic physiological and psychological needs are met.

What is Carl Rogers’ concept of unconditional positive regard?

Offering acceptance, genuineness, and empathy to others without conditions of worth.

How does unconditional positive regard relate to therapy outcomes?

Therapists who provide it tend to achieve better client outcomes.

What modern movement has humanistic psychology helped inspire?

Positive psychology, which studies strengths, well-being, and the benefits of positive thinking.