Week 2 Extraversion and Neuroticism

Eysenck’s arousal theory of extraversion?

important biological determinant of extraversion = cortical arousal

the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS)

According to Eysenck’s arousal theory of extraversion, those who are LOW extraversion scorers are what (ARAS)? What is a consequence of this?

habitually more physiologically active (more neural activity - ARAS)

therefore, seek out less stimulation from enviro as it is over arousing and unpleasant

According to Eysenck’s arousal theory of extraversion, those who are HIGH extraversion scorers are what (ARAS)? What is a consequence of this?

habitually less physiologically active

need to arouse their cortices to pleasurable levels and do so by seeking out stimulation from their enviro

What is some evidence for Eysenck’s arousal theory of extraversion?

Claridge et al (1981) low extraversion scorers appear to require higher doses of sedative drugs than high scorers to make them unconscious

(only if they score mid to high neuroticism scores too)

What are the 3 dimensions of Jeffrey Gray’ reinforcement sensitivity theory?

BIS (behavioural inhibition system)

BAS (behavioural approach system)

FFFS (flight, fight, freeze system)

What does BAS do?

responds to cues for reward - linked to brain’s dopaminergic system

What does BIS do?

responds to stimuli that one needs/ desires but contain potential threat (conflicting stimuli)

What does the FFFS do?

responds to threatening, punishing or frustrating stimuli

linked to amygdala, hypothalamus and PAG

produces active avoidance (panic and flight) or attempted elimination (anger and attack)

Extraversion is Variation in the responsiveness of the ??? emotion system (sensitivity to ??? signals)

positive, reward

Neuroticism is Variation in the responsiveness of the ??? emotion system (sensitivity to ??? signals)

negative, punishment

Cybernetic Big Five Theory (De Young, 2015)

Extraversion relates to who
is more motivated by the possibility of attaining a given reward and who
gets more enjoyment out of a reward when attained.