Unit 4.5 Social-Cognitive and Trait Theories of Personality

Social-Cognitive View of Personality

An approach that emphasizes the role of cognitive processes, social experiences, and observational learning in shaping personality traits. It suggests that individuals develop their personalities through the interaction of behavior, environment, and personal factors.

Recipracal Determinism

The theory that a person's behavior is influenced by personal factors, environmental conditions, and the interaction between them.

Self-Efficacy

The belief in one's own abilities to succeed in specific situations or accomplish tasks. It plays a crucial role in determining motivation and behavior.

Self-Concept

The comprehensive set of beliefs and perceptions an individual has about themselves, including traits, abilities, and self-worth.

Self-Esteem

The confidence in one's own worth or abilities, often reflected in a person's overall self-image and perception of value.

Trait View on Personality

A perspective that emphasizes individual characteristics and dispositions that influence behavior across different situations. This view focuses on identifying and measuring these traits to understand personality.

Big Five Theory

A widely accepted model in psychology that identifies five core dimensions of personality: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Openess

A personality trait characterized by openness to new experiences, creativity, and a preference for novelty.

Conscientiousness

A personality trait characterized by organization, dependability, and a strong sense of duty. Individuals high in conscientiousness tend to be disciplined and goal-oriented.

Extraversion

A personality trait characterized by sociability, assertiveness, and a tendency to seek stimulation in the company of others.

Agreeableness

A personality trait characterized by friendliness, empathy, and a cooperative nature. Individuals high in agreeableness tend to be compassionate and trusting towards others.

Neuroticism

A personality trait characterized by emotional instability, anxiety, and moodiness. Individuals high in neuroticism often experience negative emotions more frequently and may struggle with stress.

Personality Inventories

Standardized questionnaires used to assess personality traits and characteristics, often measuring dimensions such as extraversion and neuroticism.

Factor Analysis

A statistical method used to identify underlying relationships between various personality traits by analyzing correlations among a large number of observed variables.