Personality Theories and Perspectives

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and terminology from the lecture on personality theories and perspectives, useful for exam preparation.

Personality

A collection of learned behaviour patterns.

Cognitive Perspective

Focuses on individual’s thoughts as the determinants of personality.

Humanistic Perspective

Views human nature as inherently good and emphasizes personal growth.

Learning Theory Perspective

Focuses on observable behaviour and the relationship between stimuli and responses.

Trait Perspective

Focuses on identifying and measuring individual personality characteristics.

Psychoanalytic Perspective

Emphasizes the role of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences.

Classical Conditioning

A form of learning where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a response through conditioning.

Operant Conditioning

A method of learning that employs rewards and punishments for behavior.

Social Learning Theory

Proposes that people learn by observing others and imitating their behavior.

Personal Construct Theory

A cognitive theory suggesting individuals develop personal constructs to interpret the world.

Self-actualization

The innate drive to realize one's potential and achieve personal growth.

Self-efficacy

Belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations.

Reciprocal Determinism

The interaction of personal, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

The introduction of a stimulus after a behavior that increases the likelihood of that behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

The removal of a stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Punishment

Consequences that decrease the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Congruence

Alignment between one's ideal self and actual experiences.

Incongruence

Discrepancy between ideal self and actual experiences leading to psychological tension.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Acceptance and love regardless of one's behaviors or attitudes.

Conditional Positive Regard

Acceptance based on alignment with certain expectations or standards.

Bobo Doll Experiment

A study demonstrating that children imitate aggressive behaviors observed in adults.

Cognitive Complexity

The degree of differentiation and abstract thinking in a person's personal constructs.

Human Nature

The fundamental characteristics and traits which all humans share.

Empirical Science

A method of gaining knowledge through direct observation or experimentation.

Learning Theories

Frameworks that explain how individuals acquire, process, and retain knowledge.

Behavior Modification

Techniques used to change specific behaviors through reinforcement or punishment.

Modeling

Learning behavior through the observation and imitation of others.

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs through observing the behaviors of others.

Social Cognitive Theory

Theory that emphasizes the role of observational learning, imitation, and modeling.

Psychoanalytic View

Focus on individual’s unconscious processes and childhood experiences.

Carl Rogers' Theory

A humanistic perspective emphasizing self-concept and unconditional positive regard.

Attribution Theory

Explains how individuals determine the causes of behavior and events.

Trait Theory

Focus on defining and measuring individual personality characteristics.

Growth Mindset

The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work.

Fixed Mindset

The belief that abilities and intelligence are static and unchangeable.

Self-discrepancy

The gap between the ideal self and the actual self that affects self-esteem.

Cognitive Distortions

Irrational thoughts that can influence mood and behavior.

Socialization

The process by which individuals learn and internalize the values and norms of a group.

Environmental Influences

External factors that affect individual behavior and personality.

Genetic Influences

Biological factors that can impact personality traits and behavior.

Cultural Influences

The impact of culture on personality formation and behavioral responses.

Intrinsic Motivation

Engaging in behavior because it is inherently rewarding.

Extrinsic Motivation

Engaging in behavior due to external rewards or pressures.

Individual Differences

Variability among individuals on various psychological dimensions.

Psychological Constructs

Theoretically defined concepts that help in understanding human behavior.

Cognitive Assessment

Evaluation of an individual's thought processes, perceptions, and interpretations.

Behavioral Patterns

Regularities in behavior that can be observed and measured.

Personality Traits

Enduring characteristics that describe an individual's behavior.

Moral Development

The process by which individuals develop principles that guide their actions and decisions.

Emotional Regulation

The ability to monitor and manage one's emotions in different situations.

Interpersonal Relationships

Connections and interactions between individuals.

Clinical Intervention

Therapeutic processes aimed at improving psychological well-being.

Self-Concept

An individual's perception of their own identity and personal attributes.

Personality Research

The scientific study of personality traits, behaviors, and influences.

Behavioral Assessment

Methods to evaluate and measure behavioral responses and patterns.

Psychological Frameworks

Structural methods for understanding psychology and human behavior.

Alienation

A feeling of disconnection or isolation from others or society.

Subjective Experience

Personal perceptions and feelings that individuals have toward their experiences.

Achievement Motivation

The drive to pursue and attain significant accomplishments.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

Coping Strategies

Methods employed to handle stress or difficult emotions.

Intervention Techniques

Strategies and practices used to influence behavior or enhance development.