PSYC 2600 Chapter 7: Chapter 7 personality.docx

• School: Carleton University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 2600
• Professor: Chris Motz

Document Summary

Early approaches to personality types (& criticisms of these approaches) Physiological characteristics= functioning of organ systems within the body. Physiological systems = nervous system (brain and nerves), the cardiac system (heart, arteries, and veins), and the musculoskeletal system (muscles, bones) Physiological theories based on simplicity or parsimony: sensation seekers may have chemical deficiency, criticism: human nature is more complex than that. Physiological theories must create a theoretical bridge = specific statements- about which traits are connected to which psychological reaction under which conditions or in response to which stimuli. Ways of measuring physiology (what they can tell us, and their limitations) Two electrodes on palm of hand; difference between two electrical readings: person high in anxiety and neuroticism appear to have a sympathetic nervous system that is in a state of chronic activation. Cardiovascular activity: involves heart and associated blood vessels, measured by blood pressure and heart rate. Blood pressure increase can be caused by activation of sympathetic nervous system.