Unit 4 - Lesson 4
AP Psychology Lesson: Theories of Personality: Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Social Cognitive, and Trait
Unit: Social Psychology and Personality | Lesson: 4 of 6 | Topic: Theories of Personality: Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Social Cognitive, and Trait
AP Exam Weighting: 15%–25% of exam score
Instructions: Complete this lesson during class by filling in the blanks and answering questions. All information needed is provided or will be researched in class. This lesson prepares you for the AP Psychology exam by exploring how personality theories explain behavior. Use the provided spaces to write your answers clearly, focusing on applying concepts critically.
Warm-Up
Purpose: Get you thinking about how personality shapes behavior.
Questions:
- What makes your personality unique compared to your friends?
- How might your personality affect your response to stress?
Your Answers: Write a short response (1–2 sentences) for each question.
Key Concepts
Instructions: Read the information below and answer the questions to learn core AP concepts. For definitions, write them in your own words based on the content or look up a different definition if directed by your teacher (e.g., via apa.org or Google Scholar).
Content: Personality is a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Psychodynamic theory (Freud) emphasizes unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences (e.g., id, ego, superego). Humanistic theory (Rogers, Maslow) focuses on self-actualization and personal growth (e.g., striving for potential). Social cognitive theory (Bandura) highlights learning and self-efficacy (e.g., believing in one’s abilities). Trait theory (Allport, Big Five) describes personality through stable traits (e.g., openness, conscientiousness). Example: A confident student (high self-efficacy) persists in tasks (social cognitive). Personality influences behaviors like decision-making or relationships. Environmental and cultural factors shape personality development.
- Define personality in your own words: _______________________________
- Define psychodynamic theory in your own words: _______________________________
- Define self-efficacy in your own words: _______________________________
- Explain how humanistic theory influences a behavior, using a specific example:
- Explain how trait theory influences a behavior, using a different example:
- How does social cognitive theory explain personality development?
- Why might unconscious conflicts (psychodynamic) affect behavior?
- How could cultural factors influence trait expression in personality?
Guided Activity
Instructions: Work in pairs to complete the two tasks below. Write your answers and be prepared to share one key point from each task with the class.
Task 1: Scenario Analysis: Scenario: A student perseveres in a tough class due to strong belief in their abilities. Analyze how social cognitive theory and humanistic theory contribute to this behavior. For example, consider how self-efficacy or self-actualization drives their persistence.
Your Response for Task 1: Explain the role of each theory in the behavior.
Class Share for Task 1: Note one point you’ll share.
Task 2: Case Application: Imagine a shy person avoids risks due to consistent traits. Apply the concepts of trait theory and psychodynamic theory to explain their behavior. For example, evaluate how stable traits or unconscious fears shape their actions.
Your Response for Task 2: Apply the concepts to explain the person’s behavior.
Class Share for Task 2: Note one point you’ll share.
Class Assignment: Refer to the assignment file for this lesson
Instructions: Complete the tasks below to deepen your understanding of personality theories.
Study Summary 1: A 2016 study found that high self-efficacy (social cognitive theory) predicted better academic performance in stressful conditions.
Question 1: How does this study demonstrate the role of social cognitive theory in behavior, and what might moderate self-efficacy’s effects?
Study Summary 2: A 2019 study showed that individuals high in conscientiousness (trait theory) were more likely to maintain healthy habits.
Question 2: Evaluate how this study illustrates the impact of trait theory on behavior, and suggest one limitation of its findings.
AP Exam Connection: This practices analyzing and evaluating research, a key skill for FRQs.
AP Exam Practice
Instructions: Answer the question below. We’ll review answers as a class to learn exam strategies.
Free-Response Question (FRQ):
Explain how psychodynamic, humanistic, and social cognitive theories interact to influence a specific behavior (e.g., decision-making, relationships, or stress response). Provide one example for each theory (psychodynamic, humanistic, social cognitive) and analyze how they interact to shape the behavior.
Closure
Instructions: Write a brief summary (2–3 sentences) of two key ideas you learned today about how personality theories explain behavior.
Extended Practice
Instructions: Complete the tasks below based on today’s lesson to reinforce AP skills.
- Review your answers from this lesson.
- Write a detailed paragraph (5–7 sentences) applying today’s topic to a real-life behavior (e.g., how your personality affects your school or social life). Include references to psychodynamic, humanistic, and social cognitive theories, and explain their interaction.
- Find a short article or study on personality theories (e.g., via apa.org) and write 2–3 sentences summarizing its relevance to today’s lesson. Cite the source (e.g., website or article title).