PSYB30H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 12: Reticular Formation, Psychoticism, Factor Analysis
Document Summary
Eysenck tried for a model of personality that can be tested. Advocated biosocial approach that included genetics and environment. Pointed out that the study of human behaviour must use scientific methods. Insisted a scientific model of personality with two aspects: description of personality from factor analytic studies, causal analysis based on experimental tests. A model of personality must reflect individual differences interacting with normalities of human behaviour. Was commited to the hypothetical-deductive methods in which one begins with a tentative hypothesis which can be deduced into predictions that can be tested. Believed psychology must understand individual differences in order to distinguish which responses in an experiment are due to manipulation of independant variable and which are due to differences. His theory was frequently discounted, but this meant that it was scientific because it was subject to error: he constantly revised his theories.
