Theories of Personality Section 1 & 2

alternate forms reliability

measures consistency by comparing different versions of the same test

internal consistency

measures the extent to which items within a test are consistent in measuring the same construct

split-half reliability

measures consistency by comparing two halves of the same test

applied research

research that is conducted to solve real-world problems

basic research

research that is conducted to add to the scientific body of knowledge

correlational research 

a research method in which scientists study how two or more things are connected to each other

experimental research

a scientific method where researchers carefully design and control experiments to understand how changes in one thing (the independent variable) affect another thing (the dependent variable)

neurosis

a tendency to experience negative emotions or anxiety disorders caused by imbalances in the psyche, often due to conflicts between the id and the superego

adaptive unconscious

the part of the unconscious mind responsible for automatic processes and quick decision-making

archetypes

universal themes and symbols present in the collective unconscious that are common to all cultures, such as the hero, the maiden, the sage, and the trickster

individual differences

variations among individuals, including tendencies to be open to intuitive experiences and different psychological functions

personal unconscious

part of the unconscious that holds an individual's unique experiences and memories

repression

a defense mechanism where unacceptable urges and desires are pushed into the unconscious

self-realization

the process of achieving a deeper understanding of oneself and integrating unconscious elements into consciousness

basic anxiety

fundamental emotions of childhood resulting from needs not being met, such as childhood experiences of loneliness and isolation

moving toward people

a coping style that relies on affiliation and dependence, where individuals seek attention and affection as a relief from anxiety

moving against people

a coping style that involves aggression and assertiveness in response to childhood experiences of an unhappy home situation

moving away from people

a coping style characterized by detachment and isolation in adulthood

cardinal traits

rare, dominant traits that significantly influence an individual's entire personality and life, such as Ebenezer Scrooge's greed or Mother Teresa's altruism

central traits

personality traits that make up the core of an individual's personality, such as being loyal, kind, agreeable, friendly, sneaky, wild, or grouchy

humanistic psychology

a field of psychology focused on the whole person, self, and individual growth

personological

a term describing Gordon Allport's theory, emphasizing the development of a unified and conscious whole individual

secondary traits

traits that are less obvious or consistent and may vary in different situations, like getting angry when tickled, specific sleep preferences, or dietary preferences

trait theory

the perspective that focuses on understanding personality through the concept that all individuals possess specific traits or characteristic ways of behaving

cognitive processes

mental activities, including thinking, perception, and reasoning, which contribute to conscious experience and understanding

unconscious psychological conflict

 inner struggles and unresolved issues that occur at an unconscious level and can affect behavior and mental well-being