Psychology chap 13

Personality trait is defined as a characteristic, a depositional tendency to act in a certain way over time and across circumstances. There is a general agreement on having five main personality categories. This system is based on major charictoristic catagories made by putting general trait types into similar groups classifying them together. The five factor theory can easily be remembered by the acronym OCEAN. The O, openness to experience, would be describing a person by their personality with imagination vs down to earth or liking variety compared to routine. Next the C, conscientiousness, would be like are you organized ormore disorganized. The E, extraversion, would be if you are outgoing or shy. A, agreeableness, is like softhearted vs ruthless. Finally the N, neuroticism, is if you are more woried or calm. Certain traits are more consistent than others however your situation may change what would be a normal trait for you. For example if you are normaly a kind accepting person that trait will most likely stay consistent no matter the social situation. However say you are a very outgoing person who likes to be the center of attention you would be more likely to be more reserved in certain situations such as a funeral. The best way we have of studying genetic influence on behavior is studying identical twins. Since they are genetically identical you can study personality traits by the similarities. If they both display the trait it is more likely to be a trait closely linked to genetics. Self esteem is how a person views themself and their charictoristics. It is believed to be based on how we believe others percieve us. People who have high self esteem are more confident and tend to be happier than those with low self esteem. Sigmund Freud came up with the concept of psychodynamic theory of personality. This theory suggests unconcious forces that influence behavior often to recieve pleasure or to aide in survival. Positive psychology is based on studies of things such as faith and values. These studies have found people with this qualities to have a better well being an to be more successful. An idiographic approach would focus more on personal charictoristics. Nomothetic studies more common labeled personalities. Projective measures try to use things to elicit unconcious conflict and wishes. Objective tests require participant to make subjective judgements. Temporments are our tendencies to behave in certain ways. They have a great genetic influence which can be studied in infants.