PSYC231 Theories/Concepts

Social Learning Theory Theorist

Bandura

Social Learning Theory Concepts

Observational learning, vicarious reinforcement, self-efficacy, reciprocal determinism

Social Learning Theory Evidence

Bobo Dolls, Research (self-efficacy/positive outcomes, delay of gratification)

Social Learning Theory Strengths

Empirical research, explains personality change, includes cognitive processes

Social Learning Theory Weaknesses

Underestimates biology/genetics, may not generalise

Social Learning Theory Explanation

Personality is developed through interactions between cognition, behaviour and environment. People learn through observing others.

Behaviourism Theorist

Skinner

Behaviourism Explanation

Conditioning and reinforcement

Behaviourism Concepts

Conditioning, reinforcement, environmental determinism, observable behaviour

Behaviourism Evidence

Little Albert, Skinner - operant conditioning

Behaviourism Strengths

Strong experimental evidence, testable hypothesis, scientific/objective

Behaviourism Weaknesses

Downplays agency and subjective experience, excludes cognition and genetics

Locus of Control Theorist

Rotter

Locus of Control Explanation

How people perceive the forces driving the events of their lives

Locus of Control Concepts

Spectrum (internal - own actions, external - fate), reinforcement value, outcome expectancy

Locus of Control Strengths

Explains motivation, includes cognition

Locus of Control Weaknesses

Locus-outcome causation unclear, measurement issues

CAPS

Cognitive and Affective Processing System

Cognitive and Affective Processing System Theorist

Mischel

Cognitive and Affective Processing System Explanation

Interconnected system of thoughts and emotions (if-then patterns).

Cognitive and Affective Processing System Concepts

Person-situation interactions, strong vs weak situations, delay of gratification

Cognitive and Affective Processing System Evidence

Marshmallow - delay of gratification, Doebel et al. (2019) - argued over controlling reduced genuine effects

Cognitive and Affective Processing System Strengths

Includes cognition, explains variability

Cognitive and Affective Processing System Weaknesses

Complex, hard to measure

Personal Construct Theory Theorist

Kelly

Personal Construct Theory Explanation

People form mental constructs to interpret and predict the world

Personal Construct Theory Concepts

Personal constructs, superordinate (broad) and subordinate (specific) constructs, constructive alternativism, man as scientist

Personal Construct Theory Evidence

Clinical usefulness of Rep Grid, Clinical observations in theraputic work

Personal Construct Theory Strengths

Emphasis on agency and subjective experience, influential in CBT

Personal Construct Theory Weaknesses

Hard to measure, weak empirical evidence

Rational-Emotive Behavioural Therapy Theorist

Ellis

REBT

Rational-Emotive Behavioural Therapy

Rational-Emotive Behavioural Therapy Concepts

Ego disturbance, ABCDEF model, irrational beliefs

Rational-Emotive Behavioural Therapy Evidence

CBT Research (cognitive restructuring), behavioural exposure

Rational-Emotive Behavioural Therapy Strengths

Practical, emphasis on responsibility, strong evidence

Rational-Emotive Behavioural Therapy Weaknesses

Can seem overly rational, may underestimate environmental/social barriers

Trait Theory Theorist

Allport and Cattell

Trait Theory Explanation

Personality consists of stable traits which influence behaviour

Trait Theory Concepts

Allport (cardinal (whole), central (daily), secondary (specific) traits), Cattell (surface (observable) and source (latent) traits), Big 5

Trait Theory Evidence

Heritability 40-60%, longitudinal studies, cross-cultural replication, predicts health, education and relationships

Trait Theory Strengths

High predictive validity, reliable measurement, empirical support

Trait Theory Weaknesses

Descriptive, limited explanation on development, possible overlap of traits

Biological Theory Theorist

Eysenck

Biological Theory Explanation

Personality traits arise from biologically based differences in nervous system functioning

Biological Theory Concepts

Big 3 traits (extraversion (ascending reticular activating system, introverts have higher baseline arousal, extroverts seek stimulation, introverts avoid), neuroticism (reticulo-limbic system, anxiety) and psychoticism)

Biological Theory Evidence

Introverts have greater physiological arousal, links between genetics and personality

Biological Theory Strengths

Links biology and personality, testable hypothesis

Biological Theory Weaknesses

Environmental influences underemphasised, psychoticism controversial

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Theorist

Gray

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Explanation

Personality reflects variation in sensitivity to reward and punishment systems.

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Concepts

BAS (Behavioural Approach System, optimism, impulsivity), BIS (Behavioural Inhibition System, anxiety, worry), FFFS (fear-flight-freeze system, avoidance, panic)

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Evidence

Neuroimaging studies, linked to anxiety disorders, addiction, impulsivity

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Strengths

Biological basis, clinical application, explains motivation and individual differences

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Weaknesses

Oversimplifies complex behaviour, hard to measure

Evolutionary Personality Theory Explanation

Personality/patterns are evolved adaptations

Evolutionary Personality Theory Concepts

Adaptations, trade-offs, frequency-dependent selection

Evolutionary Personality Theory Evidence

Human Universals, Ekman - facial expressions, Nettle (2006) - big 5 trade offs

Evolutionary Personality Theory Strengths

Integrates biology and environment, explains variation

Evolutionary Personality Theory Weaknesses

Hard to test, correlational evidence