AP Psych Unit 4.3 Vocab

Big Five Theory (OCEAN)

A trait theory of personality that holds that personality is composed of five dimensions: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

defense mechanisms

In Sigmund Freud's theory, defense mechanisms distort reality when the ego is threatened by anxiety. Defense mechanisms include repression, projection, and many others.

ego

According to Sigmund Freud's theory, the portion of the personality that mediates among the desires of the id, the moral control of the superego, and the demands of the environment. It is largely conscious and operates according to the reality principle.

empirically derived

A test that was developed by testing items and selecting those that show differences between groups. The MMPI is an example.

humanistic movement

A movement in psychology that was characterized by a deep concern for human beings, their dignity, and their universal struggles. Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers were two key figures in this movement.

id

In Sigmund Freud's theory, the portion of the personality that contains our instincts and our irrational desires. It is largely unconscious and very demanding. It lives according to the pleasure principle, which is to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.

locus of control

The perception one has about what controls his or her life. A person with an external locus of control feels that his fate is controlled by external circumstances. A person with an internal locus of control feels that he has control over his fate.

MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2)

An objectively scored personality inventory that assesses psychopathology in several areas, such as anxiety and depression. The most widely used personality inventory.

neurosis

In Sigmund Freud's theory, neurosis is a disorder based upon an imbalance between the id, ego, and superego.

Oedipus complex

According to Sigmund Freud, a boy experiences this complex during the phallic stage, during which he experiences sexual desire for his mother and wants to eliminate his father as a rival for his mother's affection.

person-situation debate

A controversy in the study of personality, regarding whether behavior is more due to internal personality characteristics or situational factors.

pleasure principle

The principle by which the id is said to operate, which is to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.

postconventional morality

The highest level of moral reasoning, characterized by commitment to moral principles.

preconventional morality

In Lawrence Kohlberg's theory, the lowest stage of moral reasoning in which people make moral decisions on the basis of obtaining rewards and avoiding punishment. It is most common in children.

psychoanalytic

A theory developed by Sigmund Freud, it focuses on intrapsychic conflict between the id, ego, and superego, as well as the influence of the unconscious mind on our lives and our behavior.

psychometric approach

An approach to personality assessment in which a large pool of items are constructed and administered to a group of people. Factor analysis is then used to determine which of the items tend to cluster together.

reality principle

According to Sigmund Freud, the principle on which the ego operates, which is to meet the demands of the external world.

Rorschach inkblot test

A projective personality test in which a respondent examines a series of inkblots and tells the examiner what he or she sees in them.

schema (personality)

Albert Bandura's concept that a person's behavior affects, and is affected by, both personal characteristics and environmental factors.

self-serving bias

A willingness to perceive oneself in the best possible light.

superego

According to Freud's theory, the portion of the personality that includes the conscience as well as the "ego ideal," or an ideal view of one's self.

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

A projective personality test that involves telling stories based on cards with ambiguous drawings on them.

theory of mind

A set of explanations for how one's own mind, and the minds of others, function.

traits

Individual attributes that demonstrate some (but not perfect) consistency over time and across situations.

unconditional positive regard

Rogers's term for providing warmth, caring, and affection to someone, regardless of their behavior.

unconscious

The activities of the mind that take place outside a person's conscious awareness.

uninvolved (negligent)

One of Baumrind's styles of parenting, in which the parent was lacking in both responsiveness and control. This parenting style was associated with the worst child adjustment of the four parenting styles.