Ch 11 Personality Day 3
Chapter Overview
Authors: Sandra E. Hockenbury, Susan Nolan
Edition: 10th edition
Content Focus: Understanding of personality, varying theories, assessment methods.
What is Personality?
Definition: Personality encompasses the unique set of characteristics and traits that influence how individuals think, feel, and behave.
Theoretical Perspectives on Personality
Psychoanalytic Perspective
Focus on the unconscious mind and instincts (e.g., Freud).
Humanistic Perspective
Emphasis on psychological growth and self-actualization (e.g., Maslow, Rogers).
Social Cognitive Perspective
Examines the impact of social influences and cognitive processes on personality.
Trait Perspective
Identifies and measures individual differences in personality traits.
Trait Perspective
Key Concepts of Trait Theory
Trait Theory: Aims to identify and assess individual personality attributes.
Traits: Stable, enduring predispositions to behave in certain ways; exist in varying degrees across individuals.
Classification of Traits
Surface Traits
Observable behaviors indicative of personality.
Source Traits
Fundamental traits that form the basis of human personality.
Notable Trait Theorists
Raymond Cattell
Approach: Reduced personality descriptors from 4,000 to 171.
Proposed 16 personality factors through factor analysis.
Hans Eysenck
Proposed three major personality dimensions:
Introversion–Extraversion
Neuroticism–Emotional Stability
Psychoticism (subsequently added)
Emphasized biological roots in personality differences.
The Five-Factor Model (OCEAN)
Basic Dimensions
Openness to Experience: Creativity vs. Conventionality.
Conscientiousness: Organized vs. Careless.
Extraversion: Outgoing vs. Reserved.
Agreeableness: Trusting vs. Suspicious.
Neuroticism: Stability vs. Emotional Instability.
Acronym: OCEAN aids memorization.
Validity Across Cultures
Five-factor model generally tested across 50+ cultures but not typically applicable to non-WEIRD cultures (non-Western, educated, industrialized, rich, democratic).
Personality Consistency
Stability: Personality traits remain stable over time and in various situations, with gradual increases in conscientiousness and extraversion, and decreases in neuroticism correlating with better life outcomes.
HEXACO Model of Personality
Definition: A six-factor model adding honesty–humility as a critical dimension:
Assessment of dark traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism).
Differentiates emotional attributes in agreeableness.
Behavioral Genetics in Personality
Key Concepts
Behavioral Genetics: Studies inherited influences on behavior.
Evidence indicates both genetic (e.g. extraversion, neuroticism) and environmental factors shape personality.
Evaluating the Trait Perspective
Strengths
Provides a robust framework for describing and predicting behaviors based on traits.
Limitations
Offers limited explanations regarding the development and nuances of individual personality differences.
Psychological Tests for Assessing Personality
Test Types
Projective Tests: Ambiguous stimuli used to assess unconscious desires and motives (e.g., Rorschach Inkblot Test, Thematic Apperception Test).
Self-Report Inventories: Objective personality assessments providing standardized measurement (e.g., MMPI, CPI).
Strengths and Limitations of Projective Tests
Strengths: Qualitative insights into individual's psyche.
Limitations: Low reliability, subjectivity in scoring.
Self-Report Inventories
Often used due to their standardization, but susceptible to faking and socially desirable answering.
Specific Tests
MMPI: Widely used, assesses a variety of psychological conditions.
CPI: Focuses on traits in normative populations.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): Categorizes personality types rather than traits, but lacks strong empirical support (concerns about validity).
Discussion Questions and Reminders
Consider methods of assessing personality and their implications in job settings.
Upcoming: Chapter 11 quiz due; adjustments in attendance scoring; exam updates.