PSYCH 1023 - Personality: Cultural & Biological Approaches

What does WEIRD mean?

Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, & Democratic (predominant psychology research sample).

How universal are the Big Five personality traits?

Similar in other countries, but completely universal.

A factor analysis of Chinese descriptors found how many traits? What were they?

Chinese personality factor analysis found the Big 4:

Dependability

Social potency

Individualism

Interpersonal Relatedness

How does response style complicate cross-cultural research?

In some cultures, people are reluctant to say “no” but express it in other ways. The response style is influenced by cultural norms, which are different in different countries.

Individualistic vs. Collectivistic culture, how are they different?

Individualism – values independence, competition, & personal achievement. Self-focused

Collectivistic – values social harmony, respectfulness, & group needs over individual needs. Community-focused.

Do parents matter for personality development based on the twin studies?

Yes, while personality is genetic, only 50% can/is genetic. The rest is influenced by the environment, especially parents. Recall: attachment styles.

Someone with two short alleles of the serotonin transport gene tend to have what type of personality?

Those with short alleles are more anxious & shyer, they orient more towards threatening stimuli. Short alleles leads to increased sensitivity & stronger feelings.

Why do we have so much diversity in personality?

Both genetic and environmental factors determine someone's personality. Therefore, this differs across cultures, “bad” traits (Dark Triad) are also maintained because they are more “successful” in an evolutionary sense.

What does BIS/BAS mean?

BIS (Behavioural inhibition system) – “danger” system, motivating the person to action in order to avoid punishment or other negative outcomes.

BAS (Behavioural activation system) – “go” system, arousing the person to action in the pursuit of desired goals.

What are the names of 4 neuromodulators in the brain?

Dopamine (DA) ­– involved in reward & movement initiation. Differences in function can lead to a thrill-seeking personality.

Acetylcholine (Ach) – involved in arousal & memory.

Serotonin (5HT) – involved in mood & sleep. 90% of 5HT is produced in the gut.

Norepinephrine (NE) – involved in wakefulness & vigilant concentration.

What does fMRI tell us about extraversion?

Extraverts show less brain activity in the amygdala compared to introverts. They also have more activity in the medial orbitofrontal cortex (or where dopamine is released).