PSYCH 2B03 Lecture 23: Lecture 23 PSYCH 2B03.docx

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYCH 2B03
• Professor: Richard B Day

Document Summary

Had a physics background, so he was very focused on methods and defining terms. Hierarchy: actions (physical or thought) correlated with each other/are repeated -> habits are repeated over again as well -> traits are intercorrelated too -> factors of personality. Development: factors and traits are largely genetically built in. These traits lead us to approach certain situations and influence the choices we make (eg. social situations vs. social situations), which shape our habits and choices through experience/learning. Genetics and environment both included in his theory. Pen theory: each letter represents a factor dimension. Each factor consists of intercorrelated traits: introversion vs. extroversion: look at sociability, assertiveness, sensation-seeking, dominance etc. Factor dimension is the spectrum: neuroticism vs. stability: unrelated to continuum 1); anxiousness, depression, low self-esteem, shyness etc. High in these things fall into neuroticism; those who are low fall into emotional stability end. There was no end of the continuum that is better and neither is good in excess.