In this video I describe 3 different theories of emotion which attempt to explain how emotional experiences occur. The James-Lange theory proposes that a stimulus causes physiological arousal which in turn causes the emotion. The Cannon-Bard theory of emotion proposes … Read More
What is an Emotion?
In this video I introduce the concept of multidimensional scaling to investigate emotions more objectively. This approach involves considering emotional experiences on two dimensions; valence and level of physiological arousal. Valence refers to how strongly an emotion is experienced as … Read More
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator – MBTI
In this video I describe the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, a personality assessment created by Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs. Despite its popularity in career counseling and corporate settings, the MBTI generally isn’t held in high regard by most … Read More
Self-Efficacy, Locus of Control, & Self-Perception
In this video I discuss self-efficacy, internal vs. external locus of control, and self-perception theory. I consider how these theories relate to the process of personality transformation and personal change. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future … Read More
The Self and Reciprocal Determinism
In this video I consider how we view ourselves and how biases, personal constructs, schema, and behavior interact in shaping personality. I provide an example of Albert Bandura’s reciprocal determinism for understanding the relationship between predisposition, the social environment, and … Read More
Humanistic Psychology: Abraham Maslow & Carl Rogers
In this video I provide a short introduction to the ideas of humanistic psychologists Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. Maslow and Rogers both emphasized the role of an intrinsic drive towards self-actualization, or fulfilling one’s greatest potential, in shaping an … Read More
Existential Psychology
In this video I provide a (very) brief overview of existential psychology and how knowledge of our own mortality may play a role in shaping behaviors and societies. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have … Read More
The Socio-Cognitive Approach to Personality
In this video I outline some of the major ideas for a socio-cognitive approach to personality, which emphasizes the role of cognition and the social world. I describe the importance of schema, Kelly’s “personal constructs”, Mischel’s “person variables”, and the … Read More
Genes and Personality
In this video we take a basic look at how to understand the role of genes on personality and how evolution may shape traits and select for a range of variance in a trait rather than extremes. Don’t forget to … Read More
What Causes Trait Differences?
In this video we consider why traits might differ between people, beginning with the possible role of biological systems. Hans Eysenck suggested that introverts and extraverts differed in their levels of cortical arousal, resulting in different needs for stimulation that … Read More