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:

  1. Introversion–Extraversion

  2. Neuroticism–Emotional Stability

  3. Psychoticism (subsequently added)

• Emphasized biological roots in personality differences.

The Five-Factor Model (OCEAN)

Basic Dimensions

1. Openness to Experience: Creativity vs. Conventionality.

2. Conscientiousness: Organized vs. Careless.

3. Extraversion: Outgoing vs. Reserved.

4. Agreeableness: Trusting vs. Suspicious.

5. 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

1. Projective Tests: Ambiguous stimuli used to assess unconscious desires and motives (e.g., Rorschach Inkblot Test, Thematic Apperception Test).

2. 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.