Theories of Personality and Freud's Psychoanalysis

Flashcards covering general personality theory concepts, evaluation criteria, research criteria, and Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory.

What is the Latin word from which 'personality' stems, and what does it mean?

Personality stems from the Latin word 'persona', which means 'mask'.

How is personality defined in personality theory?

A pattern of relatively permanent traits and unique characteristics that give both consistency and individuality to a person's behavior.

What is the definition of a theory according to the lecture notes?

A set of related assumptions that allows scientists to use logical deductive reasoning to formulate testable hypotheses.

How is taxonomy defined in relation to theory?

Classification according to natural relationships.

What is the Psychology of Science?

The empirical study of scientific thought and behavior (including theory construction) of the scientist.

What are the six criteria for evaluating whether a theory is useful?

1. Generates research, 2. Is falsifiable (verifiable), 3. Organizes known data, 4. Guides action (practical), 5. Is internally consistent, 6. Is parsimonious.

What are the dimensions for a concept of humanity outlined in the notes?

Determinism v. free choice, pessimism v. optimism, causality v. teleology, conscious v. unconscious determinants of behavior, biological v. social influences on personality, and uniqueness v. similarities.

How are reliability and validity defined in personality research?

Reliability is the consistency of measurement. Validity includes construct validity (convergent, divergent, discriminant) and predictive validity.

When and where was Sigmund Freud born according to the biographical sketch?

Freud was born in 1865 in Freidburg, Moravia (Known as Czechoslovakia).

What occurred in 1909 regarding Freud's work in psychoanalysis?

Freud received an invitation from G. Stanley Hall along with Carl Jung to present Psychoanalysis.

What are the three levels of mental life described by Freud?

Unconscious (beyond awareness, motivates words, feelings, actions), Preconscious (not conscious, but has the potential to become), and Conscious (what a person is aware of right now).

What is the Id and what principle and process does it employ?

The core of our being representing basic drives, needs, and wishes as the reservoir of psychic energy. It operates under the 'pleasure principle' and employs 'primary process'.

What is the function of the Ego and what principle does it follow?

The Ego realistically meets wishes and demands of the id and mediates between the id and external world. It follows the 'reality principle' and employs 'secondary process' to distinguish fact and fantasy.

What are the two components of the Superego?

Conscience (capacity for self-evaluation, criticism, reproach, scolding ego and creating guilt) and Ego Ideal (ideal self-image consisting of approved and rewarded behaviors).

What are the four features of drives in Freud's theory?

1. Source (bodily stimulus/need), 2. Impetus (amount of energy/intensity of need), 3. Aim (goal and purpose), 4. Object (person/object through which aim would be satisfied).

What are the three kinds of anxiety defined by Freud?

1. Neurotic anxiety (fear of being unable to control inner impulses), 2. Moral anxiety (fear of the retribution of conscience), 3. Realistic anxiety (fear of real danger).

How is the defense mechanism of Projection defined?

Unconscious attribution of an impulse, attitude, or behavior to another.

What is the difference between Fixation and Regression?

Fixation is the permanent attachment of the libido onto an earlier, more primitive stage of development, whereas Regression is returning from an earlier point of impulse expression.

What key concepts define the Phallic stage of psychosexual development?

Occurring from 3-6 years old, the genitals become the erogenous zone for autoerotic activity. It involves examination of genitals, masturbation, Oedipus complex, Castration Anxiety, and Electra complex.

What German phrase expresses Freud's definition of maturity, and what does it mean?

'Lieben und arbeiten', which means a mature person is able to love in a sexually approved way and work productively in society.

How are Latent and Manifest content distinguished in Freud's dream analysis?

Latent content is the meaning or motive of the dream, while Manifest content is what has been remembered and is incoherent.