Personality Theories and Trait Perspectives (7A) - Psych & Soc
- What does the superego represent in Freud's theory?
- Internalized moral standards and ideals. The superego enforces societal norms and conscience, often leading to guilt when standards are violated.
- What is projection as a Freudian defense mechanism?
- Attributing one's unacceptable impulses or traits to someone else. Protects ego by seeing own flaws in others instead of self.
- What is reciprocal determinism in Bandura's social cognitive theory?
- Person, behavior, and environment mutually influence one another. Bandura's model showing bidirectional causation among these three factors.
- What is reciprocal determinism in Bandura's model?
- Person, behavior, and environment mutually influence one another. Bidirectional causation creates dynamic personality development.
- Which defense mechanism is offering acceptable explanations to mask true motives?
- Rationalization. Rationalization justifies unacceptable actions with seemingly logical but false reasons to reduce dissonance.
- What is incongruence in Rogers's theory?
- Mismatch between self-concept and ideal self. Creates psychological distress and blocks growth.
- What does the term "reciprocal determinism" mean in Bandura's social cognitive theory?
- Person, behavior, and environment mutually influence one another. Three factors form a dynamic interactional system of causation.
- What is factor analysis in the context of trait theory research?
- A statistical method that clusters correlated variables into underlying factors. Reveals hidden dimensions by analyzing trait correlations.
- Which Big Five trait best matches being anxious and emotionally unstable?
- Neuroticism. Associated with negative emotions and stress sensitivity.
- What is the fundamental attribution error as applied to judging personality?
- Overattributing behavior to disposition and underweighting situation. We tend to ignore situational factors when explaining others' behavior.
- What are the Big Five personality traits (OCEAN)?
- Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism. Most widely accepted trait model in personality psychology.
- What is the primary function of the superego in Freud's structural model?
- Internalized morals and ideals; conscience. Superego enforces moral standards learned from parents/society.
- What does the trait Neuroticism primarily reflect in the Big Five model?
- Tendency toward negative affect, anxiety, and emotional instability. High neuroticism correlates with worry, mood swings, and stress sensitivity.
- What is a cardinal trait in Allport's trait theory?
- A dominant trait that strongly defines a person's behavior across contexts. Rare but powerful; e.g., extreme altruism defining Mother Teresa.
- Which Big Five trait most directly captures emotional instability and anxiety?
- Neuroticism. High neuroticism correlates with mood disorders and stress.
- What is projection as a Freudian defense mechanism?
- Attributing one's unacceptable impulses to someone else. "You're the angry one, not me" exemplifies this defense.
- Which Big Five trait is most directly associated with anxiety and emotional instability?
- Neuroticism. High neuroticism indicates vulnerability to negative emotions.
- What is incongruence in Rogers's theory of personality?
- Mismatch between self-concept and actual experience, producing distress. Gap between who you think you are and who you really are.
- What is the core claim of trait theory in personality psychology?
- Personality is described by stable, measurable traits that vary by individual. Traits are consistent patterns that differ between people.
- What is the key difference between idiographic and nomothetic approaches to personality?
- Idiographic: individual-focused; nomothetic: general laws across people. Idiographic studies unique individuals; nomothetic seeks universal patterns.
- What is self-efficacy in Bandura's social cognitive theory?
- Belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations. High self-efficacy predicts persistence and achievement.
- What does the ego operate on in Freud's model?
- The reality principle. Balances id's desires with real-world constraints and consequences.
- What is the core idea of the psychodynamic perspective on personality?
- Personality reflects unconscious conflicts and early experiences. Psychodynamic theory emphasizes how unresolved unconscious conflicts from childhood shape personality development.
- What is a secondary trait in Allport's trait theory?
- A more context-specific preference or tendency (less consistent, less salient). Appears only in certain situations; not core to identity.
- What is Bandura's concept of reciprocal determinism?
- Person, behavior, and environment mutually influence one another. Each factor shapes and is shaped by the other two continuously.
- What is the difference between idiographic and nomothetic approaches to personality?
- Idiographic focuses on one person; nomothetic seeks general laws across people. Idiographic studies individuals uniquely; nomothetic finds universal patterns.
- Which assessment is a classic projective test: Rorschach inkblot test or MMPI?
- Rorschach inkblot test. Inkblots reveal unconscious through interpretation patterns.
- What defense mechanism involves channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable actions?
- Sublimation. Transforms negative urges into positive, productive activities.
- What is the psychoanalytic definition of the ego?
- Reality-oriented mediator operating on the reality principle. The ego balances id desires with real-world constraints.
- What is the core assumption of Freud's psychodynamic theory of personality?
- Unconscious conflicts and early experiences shape personality. Childhood experiences create lasting unconscious patterns.
- What is Maslow's self-actualization in humanistic theory?
- Fulfilling one's potential after lower needs are sufficiently met. Highest level of Maslow's hierarchy; becoming your best self.
- What is the core claim of Freud's psychoanalytic theory of personality?
- Personality reflects unconscious conflicts shaped by early childhood. Freud emphasized unconscious drives from childhood experiences.
- Identify the defense mechanism: attributing one's unacceptable impulses to others.
- Projection. Reduces anxiety by seeing own faults in others instead.
- Identify the concept: behavior is learned by watching others and consequences.
- Observational learning (modeling). Vicarious reinforcement shapes behavior without direct experience.
- What is fixation in Freud's psychosexual stage theory?
- Persistent focus on a stage due to unresolved conflict at that stage. Unmet developmental needs cause lasting personality patterns.
- What is the main claim of trait theory in explaining personality differences?
- Personality reflects stable, measurable traits that vary across individuals. Trait theory views personality as consistent patterns that can be quantified.
- What are the Big Five personality traits (OCEAN)?
- Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism. Most widely accepted trait model in psychology.
- Identify the trait model described by three dimensions: psychoticism, extraversion, neuroticism.
- Eysenck's PEN model. Eysenck's biological theory reduces personality to these core traits linked to physiological arousal.
- Which defense mechanism is attributing one's unacceptable impulses to others?
- Projection. Seeing one's own faults in others instead of self.
- Which defense mechanism is expressing the opposite of an unacceptable impulse?
- Reaction formation. Reaction formation conceals forbidden desires by adopting exaggerated opposing attitudes or behaviors.
- What is Rogers's concept of unconditional positive regard?
- Acceptance and love without conditions. Rogers emphasized this as essential for healthy self-concept development without fear of rejection.
- What is the psychoanalytic definition of the id?
- Primitive, unconscious drives operating on the pleasure principle. The id seeks immediate gratification without considering consequences.
- What does the ego operate on in Freud's theory?
- Reality principle. The ego mediates between id impulses and real-world demands to achieve practical outcomes.
- Which defense mechanism is channeling unacceptable impulses into acceptable behavior?
- Sublimation. Sublimation redirects potentially harmful impulses toward socially productive activities.
- What is the primary goal of factor analysis in trait psychology?
- Identify underlying trait dimensions from patterns of correlations. Statistical technique reveals which traits cluster together.
- What is the difference between a trait and a state in personality psychology?
- Trait is enduring; state is temporary and situation-dependent. Traits persist over time; states fluctuate with circumstances.
- What is the psychoanalytic definition of the superego?
- Internalized moral standards; conscience and ideal self. The superego represents societal rules and personal ideals.
- What is the definition of locus of control in social-cognitive personality theory?
- Belief that outcomes are controlled by oneself (internal) or external forces. Internal locus linked to achievement; external to learned helplessness.
- What does the id represent in Freud's structural model of personality?
- Instinctual drives; operates on the pleasure principle. The id seeks immediate gratification without considering reality.
- What are the Big Five personality traits (OCEAN)?
- Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism. The Big Five model captures broad dimensions of personality supported by empirical factor analysis.
- What is the defining feature of Allport's cardinal trait?
- A dominant trait that strongly shapes nearly all behavior. Cardinal traits are rare, overwhelming characteristics (e.g., Machiavellian).
- What does Bandura's social cognitive theory emphasize about personality?
- Reciprocal determinism among person, behavior, and environment. Three factors continuously interact to shape personality.
- What is projection as a defense mechanism?
- Attributing one's unacceptable impulses to others. Defense mechanism to avoid recognizing one's own faults.
- What is incongruence in Rogers's humanistic theory?
- Mismatch between self-concept and lived experience. Incongruence arises when experiences contradict one's self-image, leading to psychological distress.
- What is the primary function of the ego in Freud's model?
- To mediate between id impulses, superego demands, and reality constraints. Ego uses defense mechanisms to manage these competing forces.
- What is self-efficacy in Bandura's social cognitive theory?
- Belief in one's ability to succeed at a task. Influences motivation and persistence in challenges.
- What is the main distinction between the humanistic and psychoanalytic views of personality?
- Humanistic: growth and free will; psychoanalytic: unconscious conflict. Humanistic emphasizes potential; psychoanalytic emphasizes past.
- What is the definition of a defense mechanism in psychoanalytic theory?
- Unconscious strategy that reduces anxiety by distorting reality. Protects the ego from threatening thoughts or feelings.
- What is self-efficacy in social cognitive theory?
- Belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations. Higher self-efficacy predicts greater effort and persistence.
- What is Maslow's self-actualization in personality theory?
- Realizing one's full potential after basic needs are met. Maslow's hierarchy posits self-actualization as the pinnacle of human motivation once lower needs are satisfied.
- What defense mechanism involves justifying an unacceptable behavior with a plausible reason?
- Rationalization. Creating logical excuses to avoid guilt or shame.
- Which defense mechanism is converting anxiety into physical symptoms?
- Somatization. Somatization manifests psychological distress as bodily symptoms to avoid conscious awareness of conflict.
- Which Big Five trait most directly reflects curiosity, imagination, and preference for novelty?
- Openness to experience. Associated with creativity, intellectual curiosity, and artistic interests.
- Which locus of control is shown by believing outcomes depend on luck or powerful others?
- External locus of control. External locus associates with helplessness and reduced motivation.
- What is reaction formation as a Freudian defense mechanism?
- Replacing unacceptable impulses with their opposite behaviors. Expressing the opposite of true feelings to avoid anxiety.
- Identify the term for a test that yields consistent results across time or items.
- Reliability. Consistent scores indicate the test measures something stable.
- What is reaction formation as a Freudian defense mechanism?
- Transforming an unacceptable impulse into its opposite behavior. Person acts contrary to true feelings to avoid anxiety.
- Which Big Five trait is most directly associated with being organized and disciplined?
- Conscientiousness. High scorers are responsible, orderly, and achievement-oriented.
- What are the three components of Freud's structural model of personality?
- Id, ego, and superego. These structures represent instinct, reason, and morality respectively.
- Identify the defense mechanism: refusing to accept a painful reality despite evidence.
- Denial. Protects ego by refusing to acknowledge threatening information.
- What is the basic structure of Freud's personality model?
- Id (instincts), ego (reality), and superego (morality). Three systems conflict to shape personality and behavior.
- What is Bandura's reciprocal determinism?
- Person, behavior, and environment mutually influence each other. Bandura's model illustrates the triadic interplay that shapes personality through ongoing interactions.
- What is the locus of control construct in Rotter's theory?
- Belief that outcomes are controlled internally versus externally. Internal locus: "I control my fate"; External: "Luck controls outcomes".
- What is reaction formation as a defense mechanism?
- Transforming an unacceptable impulse into its opposite behavior. Unconsciously converts forbidden desires into exaggerated opposites.
- What is self-efficacy in social cognitive theory?
- Belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations. High self-efficacy predicts persistence and achievement.
- What is a defense mechanism in psychodynamic theory?
- Unconscious strategy that reduces anxiety from conflict. Defense mechanisms protect the ego by unconsciously distorting reality to manage internal conflicts.
- What is the primary goal of factor analysis in trait psychology?
- Reduce many measures into a smaller set of underlying trait factors. Statistical method identifies core traits from many variables.
- What is the core claim of the humanistic perspective on personality?
- People strive for growth and self-actualization. Emphasizes inherent human potential and positive nature.
- Which Big Five trait most directly reflects emotional instability and anxiety?
- Neuroticism. High neuroticism correlates with negative emotions and stress sensitivity.
- Which Big Five trait most directly reflects emotional instability and negative affect?
- Neuroticism. High neuroticism correlates with anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
- What is a state (as contrasted with a trait) in personality psychology?
- A temporary, situation-dependent pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. States fluctuate based on immediate circumstances, unlike stable traits.
- What is repression as a Freudian defense mechanism?
- Unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts, impulses, or memories. Primary defense mechanism that pushes threatening content from awareness.
- What is the central claim of social-cognitive (social learning) personality theory?
- Personality reflects reciprocal interactions among person, behavior, and environment. Personality emerges from dynamic three-way interactions.
- What is the trait perspective on personality?
- Personality consists of stable, measurable dispositions (traits). Trait theory focuses on identifying consistent behavioral patterns that define individual differences.
- What is displacement as a Freudian defense mechanism?
- Shifting emotion from a threatening target to a safer target. Redirecting anger from boss to family illustrates displacement.
- Which assessment method is most associated with the humanistic approach to personality?
- Self-report measures (for example, Q-sort for self-concept). Humanists emphasize subjective self-perception over objective tests.
- What does it mean that a personality measure is reliable (test-retest reliability)?
- It yields consistent scores across time for the same person. Reliable tests produce similar results when repeated.
- Which Big Five trait most directly reflects cooperativeness, trust, and empathy?
- Agreeableness. High agreeableness facilitates social harmony and relationships.
- What does the superego represent in Freud's theory?
- Internalized moral standards (conscience/ideal self). Develops from parental and societal values.
- What is the core claim of trait theory of personality?
- Personality is described by stable, measurable traits across situations. Traits are consistent patterns that predict behavior across different contexts.
- What does a high score on openness to experience most strongly indicate?
- Curiosity, creativity, and preference for novelty. Linked to intellectual curiosity and artistic interests.
- What does the id operate on in Freud's theory?
- Pleasure principle. The id seeks immediate gratification of basic instincts without regard for reality or consequences.
- What is the central claim of trait theory in personality psychology?
- Personality is described by stable traits that vary across individuals. Traits are consistent patterns that distinguish people from one another.
- What is Hans Eysenck's trait model and its core dimensions?
- A 3-factor model: Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Psychoticism (PEN). Simplified trait models; psychoticism includes aggression and impulsivity.
- What does the trait Conscientiousness primarily reflect in the Big Five model?
- Organization, self-discipline, reliability, and goal-directed behavior. High conscientiousness predicts academic and work success.
- Which defense mechanism is reverting to earlier developmental behaviors under stress?
- Regression. Returns to childlike coping when overwhelmed.
- What does the id operate on in Freud's model?
- The pleasure principle. Seeks immediate gratification without considering consequences or reality.
- What is the core idea of the social cognitive (social learning) perspective?
- Personality is shaped by learning, cognition, and environment. This perspective integrates observational learning and cognitive processes with environmental influences on personality.
- What does the superego represent in Freud's model?
- Internalized moral standards and ideals (conscience and ego ideal). Develops from parental and societal values during childhood.
- What is the central idea of humanistic personality theories?
- People have free will and an innate drive toward growth and self-actualization. Emphasizes human potential over determinism or unconscious forces.
- Which defense mechanism is returning to earlier developmental behaviors under stress?
- Regression. Regression provides comfort by reverting to childlike behaviors during high-stress situations.
- What is the difference between self-efficacy and self-esteem?
- Self-efficacy is belief in ability; self-esteem is overall self-worth. Efficacy is task-specific confidence; esteem is global self-evaluation.
- Which Big Five trait is most directly associated with self-discipline and organization?
- Conscientiousness. This trait involves planning, persistence, and goal-directed behavior.
- What is self-efficacy in Bandura's social-cognitive theory?
- Belief in one's ability to perform actions needed to reach goals. Confidence in capabilities influences motivation and achievement.
- What is reaction formation as a defense mechanism?
- Transforming an unacceptable impulse into its opposite. Defense mechanism where one acts opposite to hidden desires.
- Which Big Five trait is most directly related to anxiety, moodiness, and emotional instability?
- Neuroticism. High neuroticism indicates emotional volatility and stress sensitivity.
- What is the primary operating principle of the ego in Freud's theory?
- Reality principle. The ego mediates between id impulses and real-world constraints.
- Which Big Five trait most directly reflects organization and self-discipline?
- Conscientiousness. High conscientiousness predicts achievement and goal-directed behavior.
- What is Freud's structural model of personality (three components)?
- Id, ego, superego. These three systems conflict to shape personality and behavior.
- What is the difference between a trait and a state in personality psychology?
- Trait is enduring; state is temporary and situation-dependent. Traits persist over time; states fluctuate with circumstances.
- Which Big Five trait best predicts being organized and self-disciplined?
- Conscientiousness. Reflects planning, reliability, and goal-directed behavior.
- What is sublimation as a defense mechanism?
- Channeling unacceptable impulses into socially valued behavior. Most adaptive defense mechanism; transforms impulses productively.
- What defense mechanism involves attributing one's unacceptable impulses to others?
- Projection. Seeing one's own flaws in others instead of acknowledging them.
- What is the key claim of trait theory about personality compared with situation-based views?
- Personality consists of stable traits that predict behavior across situations. Contrasts with situationist views that behavior varies by context.
- Which defense mechanism is offering plausible but false explanations for behavior?
- Rationalization. Creates logical excuses to justify unacceptable actions.
- What is the interactionist view of personality and behavior?
- Behavior results from interaction between traits and situations. Modern view: neither traits nor situations alone determine behavior.
- Identify the defense mechanism: A student blames a professor for a poor grade due to lack of studying.
- Rationalization. The student justifies failure with an external excuse to avoid acknowledging personal responsibility.
- What is the defining feature of Allport's secondary traits?
- Context-specific preferences or attitudes with limited influence. Secondary traits appear only in specific situations.
- What is the central idea of trait theory in personality psychology?
- Personality is described by stable, measurable traits. Traits are consistent patterns that predict behavior across situations.
- What are the Big Five personality traits measured by the OCEAN model?
- Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism. OCEAN is the acronym for the five-factor model of personality.
- Which Big Five trait most directly reflects sociability, assertiveness, and positive affect?
- Extraversion. Extraverts gain energy from social interaction; introverts from solitude.
- What is Bandura's concept of reciprocal determinism in social cognitive theory?
- Person, environment, and behavior mutually influence each other. Triadic model shows bidirectional causation among three factors.
- What is the Big Five (OCEAN) model of personality traits?
- Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism. Five broad dimensions capture most personality variation.
- What is the fundamental attribution error in personality judgment?
- Overattributing others' behavior to traits and underattributing situations. We ignore situational factors when explaining others' actions.
- What is the key distinction between a trait and a state in personality assessment?
- Trait = enduring disposition; state = temporary condition or mood. Traits persist over time while states fluctuate with situations.
- What is the defining feature of Allport's central traits?
- A small set of general characteristics that describe a person. Central traits are 5-10 major characteristics that define someone.
- What is the Big Five (OCEAN) model of personality traits?
- Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism. Five fundamental dimensions capture most personality variation.
- What is displacement as a defense mechanism?
- Redirecting an impulse from a threatening target to a safer one. Protects original target while releasing emotional tension elsewhere.
- What is Rogers's concept of unconditional positive regard?
- Acceptance and love without conditions, supporting healthy self-concept. Essential for developing authentic self-worth and growth.
- What is projection as a defense mechanism?
- Attributing one's unacceptable impulses to someone else. Defense mechanism protecting ego by externalizing internal conflicts.
- What does it mean that a personality measure has construct validity?
- It measures the intended trait and relates to theory-consistent outcomes. Valid tests accurately capture what they claim to measure.
- What does the id operate on in Freud's theory?
- Pleasure principle. Seeks immediate gratification without considering consequences.
- What is the core assumption of trait theory in personality psychology?
- Personality consists of stable, measurable traits that vary across people. Trait theorists believe personality traits are consistent and quantifiable.
- What is a central trait in Allport's trait theory?
- A major characteristic that commonly describes a person (core descriptors). 5-10 traits that friends would use to describe you.
- What is the difference between idiographic and nomothetic approaches to personality?
- Idiographic focuses on individuals; nomothetic seeks general laws. Idiographic studies unique cases; nomothetic finds patterns.
- What is the primary function of the ego in Freud's structural model?
- Reality-based mediator using the reality principle. Ego balances id's desires with external reality constraints.
- Which defense mechanism is channeling unacceptable impulses into acceptable activities?
- Sublimation. Transforms negative urges into positive behaviors.
- What does the ego operate on in Freud's theory?
- Reality principle. Mediates between id desires and real-world constraints.
- What is Freud's structural model of personality (three components)?
- Id, ego, superego. The three structures that comprise personality in psychoanalytic theory.
- What is a defense mechanism in psychodynamic theory?
- Unconscious strategy to reduce anxiety from conflict. Protects ego from threatening thoughts or feelings.
- What is the main contribution of Gordon Allport to trait theory?
- He emphasized individual traits and distinguished cardinal, central, and secondary traits. Pioneered trait approach; created hierarchy of trait importance.
- What is the purpose of a projective test in personality assessment?
- Infer unconscious motives/conflicts from ambiguous stimuli. People project unconscious content onto ambiguous images.
- Which defense mechanism is refusing to accept reality of a distressing fact?
- Denial. Denial shields the psyche by rejecting painful truths that threaten emotional stability.
- What is a trait in personality psychology?
- A consistent, enduring pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Traits remain relatively stable over time and contexts.
- What is the key idea of the social cognitive perspective on personality?
- Personality reflects reciprocal interactions among person, behavior, and context. These three factors continuously influence each other in a dynamic system.
- What is the difference between a trait and a state in personality research?
- Trait is enduring; state is temporary and situation-dependent. Traits persist across time; states fluctuate with context.
- What is the key difference between idiographic and nomothetic approaches to personality?
- Idiographic: individual-focused; Nomothetic: general laws across people. Allport distinguished between studying unique individuals vs. universal traits.
- What is locus of control, and what does an internal locus indicate?
- Belief about control of outcomes; internal means outcomes depend on one's actions. Internal locus means believing you control your own fate.
- Identify the defense mechanism: channeling unacceptable impulses into acceptable actions.
- Sublimation. Transforms socially unacceptable urges into productive activities.
- What is the definition of locus of control?
- Beliefs about whether outcomes are controlled internally or externally. Rotter's concept explaining perceived control over life events.
- What is displacement as a Freudian defense mechanism?
- Redirecting an impulse from a threatening target to a safer substitute. Protects original target while still expressing the emotional energy.
- What is the key idea of the humanistic perspective on personality?
- People have free will and an innate drive toward growth and self-actualization. Emphasizes human potential and the natural tendency to fulfill one's capabilities.
- Which Big Five trait most directly reflects organization, self-discipline, and goal pursuit?
- Conscientiousness. Predicts academic and work success through planning and persistence.
- What does the ego represent in Freud's structural model of personality?
- Reality-based mediator between id, superego, and environment. The ego balances competing demands using the reality principle.
- What is the primary operating principle of the id in Freud's theory?
- Pleasure principle. The id seeks immediate gratification of basic drives and desires.
- What is Rogers's concept of unconditional positive regard?
- Acceptance and love without conditions. Essential for healthy development and self-esteem.
- What is fixation in Freud's psychosexual stage theory?
- Persistent focus on a stage due to unresolved conflict. Occurs when developmental needs aren't met at a psychosexual stage.
- Which locus of control is shown by believing outcomes depend on one's own actions?
- Internal locus of control. Internal locus associates with personal responsibility and agency.
- Identify the concept: behavior is shaped by person, environment, and behavior interacting.
- Reciprocal determinism (Bandura). Three factors mutually influence each other in continuous loops.
- What is the central claim of the humanistic perspective on personality?
- People strive for growth, meaning, and self-actualization. Humanistic theory views humans as inherently motivated toward personal fulfillment and authenticity.
- Which assessment is an objective personality inventory often used clinically: MMPI or TAT?
- MMPI. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory uses standardized questions.
- Which Big Five trait most directly captures organization and self-discipline?
- Conscientiousness. Predicts academic and work performance better than other traits.
- What is the person–situation controversy in personality psychology?
- Debate over whether traits or situations better predict behavior. Mischel challenged trait theory by showing situational variability.
- What does the superego represent in Freud's structural model of personality?
- Internalized moral standards; conscience and ideal self. The superego develops from parental and societal values.
- What is a trait in the trait perspective on personality?
- Stable, enduring tendency to think, feel, and act. Forms consistent patterns across situations.
- What is the key idea of the psychodynamic perspective on personality?
- Unconscious conflicts and early experiences shape personality and behavior. Emphasizes hidden motivations and childhood's lasting impact on adult personality.
- What are the Big Five personality traits (OCEAN) in trait theory?
- Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism. Five broad dimensions capture most personality variation.
- Which Big Five trait is most directly associated with sociability and positive affect?
- Extraversion. Extraverts seek social stimulation and experience more positive emotions.
- What is the primary function of the id in Freud's structural model?
- Immediate gratification via the pleasure principle. Id operates unconsciously, seeking instant pleasure without restraint.
- What is the Big Five (OCEAN) model of personality?
- Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism. Five broad dimensions capture most personality variation.
- What is displacement as a defense mechanism?
- Redirecting an impulse to a safer substitute target. Redirects emotions from threatening to less threatening objects.
- What are the three components of Freud's structural model of personality?
- Id, ego, superego. Freud proposed these three structures to explain the psyche's internal conflicts and personality dynamics.
- Which defense mechanism is attributing one's unacceptable impulses to others?
- Projection. Projection defends against anxiety by externalizing one's own unacceptable thoughts onto others.
- Identify the term for a test that accurately measures the construct it claims to measure.
- Validity. Test must measure what it purports to measure, not something else.
- What is the primary role of the superego in Freud's theory?
- Internalized moral standards; produces guilt and pride. The superego represents conscience and ideal self.
- Identify the theory: personality is shaped by striving for self-actualization and unconditional positive regard.
- Humanistic theory (Rogers). Rogers emphasized growth potential and need for acceptance.
- What is repression as a Freudian defense mechanism?
- Unconscious exclusion of anxiety-provoking thoughts from awareness. The ego pushes threatening material into the unconscious.
- What is the main idea of Mischel's critique of trait theory (person–situation debate)?
- Behavior is strongly shaped by situational factors, not only traits. Situations often override personality traits in determining behavior.
- What is Raymond Cattell's major contribution to trait theory?
- He used factor analysis to identify 16 personality factors (16PF). Reduced thousands of trait words to 16 fundamental dimensions.