The Individual Module 4 Chapter 15 Physiological Approaches to Personality

theoretical bridge

Which traits are connected to which psychological reactions under which conditions or in response to which stimuli.

To use physiological concepts to help explain personality.

subjective reactivity

Each person reacts somewhat differently to the same phenomenon, which makes it difficult to truly understand a certain phenomenon.

telemetry

A process by which electrical signals are sent from the participant to the recording device such as a polygraph through radio waves instead of by wires.

autonomic nervous system

Prepares the body for action (e.g., the sympathic nervous system).

electrodermal activity (dermal means ‘of the skin’)

The more water present in the skin, the more easily the skin carries, or conducts, electricity.

systolic pressure

Refers to the maximum pressure within the cardiovascular system produced when the heart muscle contracts.

diastolic pressure

Refers to the resting pressure inside the system between heart contractions.

cardiac reactivity

When some people show much larger increases in bloodpressure than others.

Associated with Type A personality.

Type A personality

A behaviour pattern characterised by impatience, competitiveness, and, most importantly, hostility.

electroencephalography (EEG)

When the brain produces small amounts of electricity which is then measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.

functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Shows which portions of the brain are active while the person is performing a particular task.

cortisol

A by-product of the hormone noradrenaline, and can be assessed fro saliva samples.

These levels after awakening are positively associated with extraversion.

ascending recticular activating system (ARAS)

Structure in the brain stem thought to control overall cortical arousal.

Eysenck proposed that introverts have higher levels of activity here than extraverts.

introverts vs extroverts arousal levels

Introverts engage in introverted behaviours because they need to keep their already heightened level of arousal in check. Conversely, extraverts engage in extraverted behaviours because they need to increase their level of arousal.

arousability of introverts and extraverts

Arousal response, not baseline arousal level.

Do not differ in their level of brain activity while sleeping for example. However, when presented with moderate levels of stimulation, introverts show enhanced physiological reactivity compared with extraverts.

reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST)

A psychological theory that explains individual differences in behaviour based on brain systems that respond to rewards, punishments, and threats. It proposes three key systems: the Behavioural Activation System (BAS), the Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS). These systems influence how people react to positive and negative stimuli.

behavioural activation system (BAS)

Responsive to incentives, such as cues for reward, and regulates approach behaviour.

When it recognises a stimulus as potentially rewarding, it triggers approach behaviour.

behavioural inhibition system (BIS)

Responsive to cues for punishment, frustration, and uncertainty.

sensation seeking

The tendency to seek out thrilling and exciting acivities, to take risks, and to avoid boredom.

optimal level of arousal

Used by Eysenck and Hebb.

Hebb;s theory states that people are motivated to reach this. If thay are under-aroused, relative to this level, an increase in arousal is rewarding; conversaly, if they are over-aroused, a decrease in arousal is rewarding.