Evolutionary/Biological Models of Personality

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary from the lecture on evolutionary and biological models of personality.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how evolutionary principles, such as natural selection, influence human behavior and personality traits.

Inclusive fitness

A theory that suggests individuals are more likely to reproduce successfully when they help relatives, enhancing the survival of shared genes.

Kin altruism

The tendency to favor relatives in helping behaviors to promote the successful passing of genes.

Reciprocal altruism

The practice of helping unrelated individuals with the expectation of receiving help in return, benefiting the social network.

Framing effect

The way information is presented can influence decision-making, especially in contexts involving risk.

Temperament

An individual's inherent disposition, which is believed to be highly heritable and consistent throughout life.

Imitation in children

The process by which children learn behaviors by observing and mimicking adults, facilitating the transmission of successful behaviors.

Heritability of temperament

The proportion of variance in temperament traits attributable to genetic factors, found to be around 0.5 according to Jerome Kagan.

Amygdala

The part of the brain involved in processing emotions, particularly fear.

Behavioral Activation System (BAS)

A biological system that mediates impulsivity and positive affect, related to left frontal lobe activity.

Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS)

A biological system linked to anxiety and risk aversion, associated with right frontal lobe activity.

Eysenck's traits (PEN) model

A personality framework consisting of Psychoticism, Extraversion-Introversion, and Neuroticism.

Psychoticism

A trait characterized by creativity, social deviance, and nonconformity.

Extroversion

A trait associated with sociability and the desire for external stimulation.

Neuroticism

A trait reflecting emotional instability and a tendency to experience negative emotions.