Personality/IQ/Emotion/Motivation

Unit #6 Personality/IQ/Emotion/Motivation, Hunger: Personality Theories/Perspectives/Approach-Avoidance Theory/Explanatory Styles, General Adaption Syndrome Vocabulary: Big 5, General Adaption Syndrome, Trait Theory: Traits, factor analysis, Big 5 (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, Neuroticism), Psychodynamic Theory: Defense Mechanisms, Social-Cognitive Theory (Learned Helplessness: external vs internal locus of control, growth mindset vs fixed mindset), Humanistic Theory (self-actualization),

Divergent Thinking

A cognitive process used to generate creative, non-linear ideas by exploring multiple varied solutions rather than a single answer to a problem.

Convergent Thinking

A cognitive process that focuses on narrowing down multiple ideas or possibilities to find the single, best, most logical solution to a problem.

Creativity

The ability to produce ideas, solutions, or products that are both naval (original, unique) and valuable (useful, meaningful). Involves both divergent and convergent thinking.

Functional Fixedness

A cognitive bias that limits a person to only use an object in the way that it is traditionally used/made for.

Trial & Error

A adaptive problem solving strategy for learning which involves eliminating mistakes until a correct answer is discovered through experience.

Algorithm

A type of problem solving strategy which includes step-by-step procedures that provide the correct answer to a particular problem.

Insight

A type of problem solving strategy which occurs when a solution to a problem presents itself quickly and without warning; the sudden discovery of a solution based on trial and error (an “a ha” moment).

Intelligence

The ability to learn from experience, solve problems, & use knowledge to adapt

IQ

A number. Measured by your mental age/chronological age times 100

Insight (Crystallized Intelligence)

The ability to gain knowledge and skills from experience (increases with age).

Insight (Fluid Intelligence)

The ability to solve new problems, reason, and think in abstract ways (decreases with age).

The Flynn Effect

The increases in fluid and crystallized intelligence; observations detailing that IQ test scores have gradually increased about 3 points every 10 years, across generations.

Standardization

Establishes consistent procedures & norms for a test.

Achievement Tests

Assessments testing what you’ve already learned.

Aptitude

Assessments that measure potential to learn or perform in the future.

G-Factor

A factor that contributes to mental ability; your general ability/mental capacity to do something. (i.e. those who excel in tests often have an underlying, preexisting intelligence).

IQ Tests (Validity)

A test’s ability to measure what it needs to; the accuracy of it. (i.e. An IQ test measures intelligence).

IQ Tests (Reliability)

A tests consistency over time/across different observations. (i.e. A test that produces similar results across multiple administrations).

“80th Percentile” (Percentile Rank)

Having scored better than 80% of test takers.

Approach/Approach

When a person understands that there are two desirable outcomes/goals when conflicted.

Avoidance/Avoidance

When a person has to choose between two undesirable goals/outcomes.

Approach/Avoidance

When a goal has both a desirable AND undesirable outcome.

The Hypothalamus

The part of the brain that regulates hunger, thirst, body temperature, etc; maintains homeostasis.

Ghrelin

The hormone that sends signals of hunger to the brain.

Leptin

The hormone that sends signals of fullness to the brain.

The Pituitary Gland

A part in the Endocrine System that releases hormones to control other glands.

Bulimia

A eating disorder characterized by consuming large amounts of food with little control, binge eating. Followed by extreme measures to avoid weight gain; purging (i.e. throwing up, fasting, misuse of laxatives).

Anorexia

A psychiatric disorder characterized by an extreme fear of weight gain, leading to severely low body weight, extreme food restrictions, distorted body image.

What happens due to sleep deprivation?

Cortisol

A hormone released during stressful moments which increases Ghrelin. (Explanation for why stress leads to eating more).

Drive Reduction Theory

The theory that people are motivated to reduce discomfort and return to balance (homeostasis).

The Biggest Motivators in Life

Sexy Time, Hunger, Thirst, Sleep

Goldilocks Principle

The principle stating that people are motivated most when a task is the right level of difficulty.

Homeostasis

The body’s tendency to maintain a stable internal state (balance).

Traits

A pattern of behavior of feeling/acting in a certain way; a characterization of a person.

Personality Inventory

À type of assessment designed to measure personality traits/behaviors.

Big 5 Personality Factors

Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism

Openness (O.C.E.A.N.)

The personality trait describing abstract thinking, curiosity. Those who score higher tend to be more imaginative and spontaneous, instead of being inflexible and close-minded.

Conscientiousness (O.C.E.A.N.)

The personality trait describing competence, order, planning, discipline. Those who score higher tend to be more organized and careful, instead of impulsive and disorganized

Extraversion (O.C.E.A.N.)

The personality trait describing sociability, outgoingness, excitement-seeking. Those who score higher tend to be more sociable and outgoing, instead of being reserved and thoughtful.

Agreeableness (O.C.E.A.N.)

The personality trait describing empathy, trustworthiness of others. Those who score high tend to be more trusting and helpful, instead of being skeptical, suspicious, or uncooperative.

Neuroticism (O.C.E.A.N.)

The personality trait describing emotional stability, tendency to have negative emotions. Those who score higher tend to be more anxious and pessimistic, instead of being calm and confident.

Factor Analysis

A statistical method use to simplify data by grouping related variables (i.e. crying & sadness grouped into depression).

GAS (General Adaption Syndrome)

The three-stage response the body undergoes under chronic stress. Alarm (flight or flight), Resistance (adaption), Exhaustion (Depletion).

GAD (General Anxiety Disorder).

A chronic mental condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday life events for at least 6 months.