A2 PE Personality

Hollander: - personality is the sum total of an individuals characteristics which make a human unique

Pervin: - personality represents those characteristics of the person that account for consistent patterns of behaviour

(B = F (P))

(behaviour = function (personality))

trait views say that all behaviour it innate and genetically programmed

they are thought to be stable, enduring and consistent in all situations

trait is a single characteristic of personality that is believed to be a natural force or instinct causing an individual to behave in a predicted way

Disadvantages

• behaviour at all times is predictable
• does not take into account the fact that people adapt their behaviour in response to a particular environmental situation
• it doesn't consider environmental influences on the shaping of personality

Ignore the air, fire, earth and water i couldnt find a better diagram :-)

Extrovert

• affiliate well to other people
• outgoing, gregarious and social
• become aroused more slowly the extroverts
• low sensitivity of the reticular activating system

Introvert

• shy and reserved
• prefer isolation from others
• become aroused more quickly then introverts
• high sensitivity of the reticular activating system

Neurotic

• extreme and unpredictable emotions - mood swings
• moods are unreliable
• experience high degrees of stress
• recovery from stress is slow

Stable

• Display predictable emotions in appropriate situations
• moods are predictable
• tend not to experience intense stress
• recovery from stress is rapid

Arousal = physical and mental state if preparedness

• too simplistic
• failed consider the effects of environmental situations
• social desirability bias
• ambiguous questions
• same participant may not always give the same answer

Reticular Activating System (RAS) :-

• introverts are more easily aroused then extroverts because of the sensitivity of an area of the brain called the reticular activating system. there is a greater likelihood that with increased stimulation the introvert will become over aroused

Suggests there are two types of personality = Type A + B

Type A

• highly competitive
• works fast
• strong desire to succeed
• likes control
• prone to suffer stress

Type B

• non competitive
• works more slowly
• lacking in desire to succeed
• does not enjoy control
• less prone to stress