Big Five Traits + other key ideas

psych final exam

What is the difference between static and plastic development in personality?

Static development emphasizes innate, biologically determined traits that remain stable over time (e.g., temperament), while plastic development emphasizes traits shaped by experience and context (e.g., personality).

What is Erikson's epigenetic principle?

The epigenetic principle is the idea that personality develops through a predetermined sequence of stages, each building on previous ones, where each stage contributes unique strengths to overall personality.

What defines a psychosocial stage in Erikson's theory?

A psychosocial stage involves a developmental crisis that needs resolution (e.g., trust vs. mistrust), where successful resolution supports healthy personality development.

What is the lexical hypothesis in trait theory?

The lexical hypothesis suggests that important personality traits become encoded in language; thus, analyzing adjectives in language reveals key dimensions of personality.

What is the difference between idiographic and nomothetic approaches to personality?

Idiographic approaches focus on the unique aspects of individuals (case studies), while nomothetic approaches study shared traits across people using statistical methods.

How does factor analysis help identify personality traits?

Factor analysis finds clusters of correlated traits and reduces them into broader dimensions, such as the Big Five.

What are the two aspects of Openness to Experience?

Intellect (analytical thinking, curiosity, ingenuity) and Openness (aesthetic appreciation, tolerance, depth, self-reflection).

How does openness change over the lifespan?

Openness increases in adolescence, peaks in early adulthood, and declines gradually with age.

What are the two main aspects of Conscientiousness?

Industriousness (goal pursuit, self-discipline) and Orderliness (structure, rule-following).

How does conscientiousness predict health outcomes?

Conscientious individuals engage in healthy behaviors and show better stress regulation, predicting longer life and better health.

What is a personality disorder?

An enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from cultural expectations and causes functional impairment or distress.

Name three Cluster B personality disorders.

Antisocial, Borderline, Narcissistic.

What are common traits of Borderline Personality Disorder?

Emotional instability, impulsive behavior, fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, identity disturbance, self-harm.

What is a trait in personality psychology?

A trait is a stable and enduring characteristic that influences behavior across time and situations.

What was Gordon Allport's view of traits?

Allport viewed traits as real, neuropsychic structures that guide consistent behavior; he distinguished between cardinal, central, and secondary traits.

What are cardinal traits?

Dominant traits that shape nearly all of a person's behavior and strongly define their personality.

What are central traits?

Traits that are general characteristics forming the basic foundation of personality (e.g., honest, kind).

What are secondary traits?

Traits that are more situation-specific and less consistent, such as preferences or attitudes.

What is the idiographic approach?

A method focusing on the unique aspects of individuals rather than traits shared across people.

What is the nomothetic approach?

An approach that studies traits common to many people, typically using statistical methods like factor analysis.

What behaviors are associated with high Openness to Experience?

High openness involves creativity, appreciation for art, intellectual curiosity, and preference for novelty.

What is Intellectual Efficiency?

A facet of Openness describing quick, competent thinking and articulation.

What is Ingenuity?

A facet of Openness involving creative and innovative thinking.

What is the developmental heritability of Openness?

About 40% of the variation in Openness is due to genetic factors.

What behaviors are associated with high Conscientiousness?

Punctuality, organization, discipline, goal orientation, and reliability.

What is Achievement Striving?

A facet of Conscientiousness related to setting and pursuing high personal goals.

How does Conscientiousness relate to lifespan outcomes?

It predicts longevity, better health, academic achievement, and job success.

What behaviors are associated with high Extraversion?

Sociability, assertiveness, energy, and positive emotionality.

Which brain system is associated with Extraversion?

The dopaminergic reward system, especially involving the nucleus accumbens.

What is the difference between Extraversion and Introversion?

Extraversion is characterized by approach motivation and energy, while introversion is marked by quietness, reservedness, and low stimulation preference.

What are the two aspects of Agreeableness?

Compassion (concern for others) and Politeness (respect for norms and conflict avoidance).

What are behaviors linked with high Agreeableness?

Empathy, cooperation, trust, and altruism.

What are potential downsides of high Agreeableness?

Over-accommodation, vulnerability to exploitation, conflict avoidance.

What are characteristics of high Neuroticism?

Anxiety, mood swings, emotional instability, and sensitivity to stress.

How does Neuroticism relate to mental health?

It predicts risk for depression, anxiety disorders, and lower stress resilience.

What is the gender difference in Neuroticism?

Women tend to score higher than men across cultures.