Individual Differences

• What are individual differences in psychology?

  Variables distinguishing one person
• Cultural differences are largely considered to be learned
• Cultural characteristics can be influenced by genes and evolution.
• What is an evolutionary advantage that might explain certain cultural behaviors?

  Increased fitness
• Biological explanations of culture are controversial because they may support stereotypes and racism
• Biological development and maturation are key topics in individual differences.
• What is the primary male growth hormone that shapes the brain in the womb?

  Testosterone
• Men have higher levels of testosterone, which is linked to aggression
• Women produce testosterone, but usually in smaller amounts than men.
• What does brain lateralization refer to?

  Function in one hemisphere
• Women's brains have more serotonin receptors
• What biological difference might explain why women are more likely to suffer from depression?

  More serotonin receptors
• Personality traits like extroversion and neuroticism have been linked to brain structures
• What brain process is associated with extroversion?

  Ascending Reticular Activating System
• Describe the functioning of the ARAS in extroverts versus introverts.

  1️⃣ Extroverts have an under-active ARAS, seeking stimulation

  2️⃣ Introverts have an over-active ARAS, avoiding stimulation
• The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is responsible for responding to stress.
• What personality trait is associated with an inefficient ANS?

  Neuroticism
• Psychoticism is linked to hormone activity, particularly testosterone
• Match the personality trait with its associated brain structure or system:

  Extroversion ↔️ ARAS

  Neuroticism ↔️ ANS

  Psychoticism ↔️ Hormone activity
• Phineas Gage's case demonstrates the importance of the brain for shaping personality.
• What part of Gage's brain was damaged in the accident?

  Frontal lobe
• Gage's personality changed after the accident, becoming more fitful and irreverent
• Gage's skull and tamping iron are preserved as evidence of the accident.
• What is the prefrontal cortex responsible for?

  Self-control and rational behavior
• Critics argue that the description of Gage's personality change was not published until after his death
• Brain plasticity allows the brain to heal itself after damage.
• What is one non-biological explanation for addiction mentioned in the text?

  Social learning
• Drug addiction is linked to a high score on the psychoticism trait
• Creative individuals may believe that drug-taking enhances their imagination.
• What combination of personality traits might create a "perfect storm" for drug-taking?

  High E, high N, high P
• Introverts find it easier to quit drugs because they require less stimulation.
• Empathic people with low P scores are more likely to be influenced to quit drugs by loved ones.
• What is one objection to biological explanations of individual differences?

  Overemphasized significance
• Eysenck's Extroversion and Neuroticism traits are supported by studies of brain functioning.
• There is not much evidence for addictive personalities.
• Some people may find it harder than others to resist temptation due to individual differences.
• What does AO3 stand for in psychological research evaluation?

  Evaluating, assessing, and objecting
• Eysenck's Extroversion trait is backed up by studies of brain functioning.
• Extroversion predicts behavior in different situations.
• Who conducted MRI scans to study the Big Five traits?

  Colin DeYoung