Psych of Personality exam 2

Single-trait approach

Focuses on one particular trait and its relation to behavior.

Many-trait approach

Examines multiple traits simultaneously to understand behavior.

Essential-trait approach

Identifies the fundamental traits that make up the structure of personality (e.g., Eysenck’s or the Big Five).

Typological approach

Categorizes people into distinct personality types rather than along trait continua.

Self-monitoring

The tendency to adjust one’s behavior to fit the social environment; leads to positive first impressions but may hinder long-term relationships.

California Q-Set

A personality assessment with 100 descriptive cards sorted into categories based on how characteristic each statement is.

Eysenck’s Essential Traits

Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Psychoticism.

Conscientiousness

A trait linked to better health outcomes and reliability; part of the Big Five.

Agreeableness

Associated with being liked by others and rating others more positively.

Openness to Experience

Related to creativity and intelligence; part of the Big Five.

Honesty-Humility

Proposed addition to the Big Five, forming the Big Six model.

Trait vs. Typological Approach

Trait = people differ in degree; Typological = people differ in kind or category.

Personality Stability

The consistency of personality traits over time.

Active Person–Environment Transaction

People select or create environments that match their personality (e.g., conscientious people seek structured settings).

Cross-sectional Study

Compares people of different ages at one point in time.

Longitudinal Study

Follows the same individuals over time to track changes.

Narrative Identity (McAdams)

Developmental process of self-concept evolving from actor → agent → author.

Conscientiousness (Development)

Increases with major life events like starting a job or serious relationship.

Mean-level Change

Average change in trait levels across a population over time.

Rank-order Consistency

Stability of individual differences in personality relative to others.

Temperament

The biologically based core of personality present early in life.

Person–Environment Transactions

Processes by which people shape and are shaped by their environments (active, reactive, evocative).

Reactive Transaction

When people respond differently to the same situation due to personality (e.g., introvert unhappy at parties).

Narrative Theme of Agency

Life story theme centered on achieving goals and overcoming challenges.

Narrative Identity

One’s evolving internalized life story that provides a sense of unity and purpose.

Frontal Cortex

Brain region for planning, moral reasoning, and self-control.

Hippocampus

Brain structure critical for memory formation.

Deep Brain Stimulation

Technique to activate brain regions, sometimes used to treat psychiatric disorders.

Amygdala

Brain area involved in fear response and emotional processing.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter related to reward, motivation, and pleasure.

Hormones vs. Neurotransmitters

Hormones: long-distance chemical messengers (from glands); Neurotransmitters: neuron-to-neuron communication.

Testosterone

Associated with aggression and s3xual drive, though direction of causality is complex. hormones

Oxytocin

Hormone linked with bonding, trust, and maternal behavior.

Metatrait of Stability

Combination of Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Emotional Stability.

Leucotomy vs. Lobotomy

Leucotomy = small white matter removal; Lobotomy = entire frontal section removal.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter that reduces fear and anxiety; mimicked by MDMA and psilocybin.

Behavioral Genetics

Study of how traits are passed through genes among biological relatives.

Eugenics

The idea of improving humans through selective breeding.

Heritability Formula

(rMZ − rDZ) × 2 — comparing correlations between identical and fraternal twins.

Identical vs. Fraternal Twins

Higher correlation for identical twins suggests genetic influence.

Epigenetics

Study of how experience affects gene expression without altering DNA sequence.

Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS)

Identifies gene patterns associated with personality traits.

Evolutionary Psychology

Examines how behavioral patterns evolved for survival and reproduction. Empirically test

Naturalistic Fallacy

Mistaken belief that what is “natural” is inherently good or morally acceptable.

Peppered Moth Example

Demonstrates adaptation—evolutionary change in response to environment.

Slow vs. Fast Life History Strategy

Slow = few offspring, high parental investment; Fast = many offspring, low investment.