2/26 Wrap up Personality Theories

Lecture on Personality Theories and the differences between them.

Look at issues revolving the study of personality.

Homework: Do the following Identifications and FRQ practice for homework--due on 2/27:

Identify the following:
self
spotlight effect
self-efficacy
low self-esteem
self-serving bias


FRQ Practice:

Explain how the following theories;  Psychoanalytic, Humanistic, Trait and social-cognitive; would deal with and differ with the issue of a person who is a pessimist and a person who is an optimist.

2/25 Entrance and Exit and Social-Cognitive Theory

Entrance Questions:

1. Which personality dimensions are most readily associated with the works of Hans and Sybil Eysenck?
2. Discuss the Big Five(OCEAN).  Describe 2 people who would contrast each other for all of the Big Five Traits.
3. What is the personality inventory that has hundreds of T/F questions grouped into 10 clinical scales?
4. What is a characteristic pattern of behavior and conscious motive, such as stubborness, referred to as?
5. Who were the two researchers recognized for their work on the five dimensions of personality?
6. How might knowledge of the Big Five Traits be used to develop the creation of an online dating site?

Exit Questions:
1. What are the 3 components of reciprocal determinism as explained by Bandura?
2. Students who blame their poor grades on the teacher's dislike of them can be said to have a ______________attributional style.
3. The leading proponent of positive psychology is?

2/24 Trait Theory

Intro to Trait Theory---Explain State vs. Trait
See the chart on p. 581 and copy into your notes.

Make sure to include the following after your chart:

How stable are these traits?
How heritable are they?
Do they predict our actual behaviors?

Homework

Begin the Unit Portfolio--on separate paper from your notes

1. Begin by drawing up a list of 20 to 30 adjectives that you believe describe yourself. You may include this list in any form in your portfolio (e.g., typed list, cutouts from magazines, drawing). Using that list, elaborate on each adjective in a 2-4 page paper that describes your personality. Be sure to include descriptive phrases, examples, and various other details. 

2/23 Psychodynamic and Humanistic Psychology

Finish Lecture on Mod 56

Begin Lecture and Activity on Mod 57

Handout

The Humanistic Perspective

Humanistic Psychology focuses on

·         “Healthy” people (differing from psychotherapy)

·         strivings for self-determination and self-realization

·         the “whole” person (differing from trait)

·         the person’s point of view (rather than the therapist’s interpretation)

Abraham Maslow

·         hierarchy of needs

·         self-actualization

·         analysis of “self-actualized “ individuals

·         characteristics of “self-actualized “ individuals

·         peak experiences

Carl Rogers

·         basic goodness of humans

·         growth enhancing vs. growth inhibiting environment

·         genuineness

·         acceptance (unconditional positive regard vs. conditional positive regard)

·         empathy

·         applications (therapy, education, parenting, leadership/management)

·         self-concept

·         actual self vs. ideal self

·         congruency

Assessing the self

·         questionnaires vs. interviews

Research on the Self

·         possible selves

·         positive and negative

·         role in setting goals

·         assumption that the self is the organizer of our thoughts, feelings, and actions

Self-esteem

·         benefits of high self-esteem (fewer maladaptive behaviors, happiness)

·         costs of low self-esteem (higher depression, anxiety)

·         hopelessness

·         low self-worth

·         does low self-esteem cause problems and failure or do they cause low self-esteem

·         deflating a person’s self-image tends to lead to negative attitudes toward others

·         low self-esteem is associated with disparaging attitudes, racial prejudice, being judgmental

·         high self-esteem is associated with higher opinions of others and greater acceptance of others

Culture and self-esteem

·         no differences between majority groups and “minority” groups

·         why are there no differences between majority groups and “minority” groups

·         They value things at which they excel

·         They attribute problems to prejudice

·         They compare themselves with others in their own groups

Self-serving bias

·         We tend to take credit for good things and successes and find reasons for bad things and failures

·         Most people rate themselves as better than average, while only a few rate themselves below

·         We remember and justify our past in self-enhancing ways

·         We overestimate how well we think we would behave

·         We are more likely to believe flattering descriptions of ourselves

·         We overestimate how much others support our opinions

·         Self-serving bias can fuel negative aspects of group pride

·         How about feelings of inferiority and when a person criticizes himself

·         It may get people to reassure you

·         They may prepare us for possible failure

·         Self-enhancing beliefs are generally beneficial and healthy

Evaluating the Humanistic Perspective

The humanistic perspective has been pervasive

·         Most Americans think a positive self-concept is important

·         Most Americans think human nature is essentially good

·         The humanistic perspective may reflect the self-reliant individualism of the American culture

Criticisms of the Humanistic Perspective

·         Its concepts are vague and subjective

·         The emphasis on the individual may promote self-indulgence and selfishness

·         It fails to recognize the human capacity for evil

2/20 Intro to Humanistic Psychology and Personality

Read Mod 57 in class.  Answer the questions from the Strive for 5 in your notebooks.

2/19 Mod 56--following in Freud's footsteps and Projective Testing

Finish Inside Out--The Enduring Self

Intro to Module 56

Homework due on 2/20:

56-2:
1. What is the goal of projective tests?
2. Briefly describe the intent and usage of the Thematic Apperception Test.
3. Briefly describe the intent and usage of the Rorschach Test.  How do the responses that individuals provide differ on the TAT test from the Rorschach test?
4. Discuss the criticisms of projective tests such as the Rorschach and TAT.

56-3:
1.  How has the view of the unconscious changed into today's belief in dual processing?
2. Explain the research studies that supported Freud's view of:
a. the defense mechanism of projection
b. unconsciously defending ourselves against anxiety

2/18 Stages of Development

Mother Goose and Freud Handout---done in class.

Stages of development

Inside Out overview of personality