AP Psychology Flashcards: Social-Cognitive and Trait Theories of Personality
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
A psychologist describes a client as being high in openness but low in conscientiousness. Which specific personality theory is the psychologist likely using?
The psychologist is likely using the Big Five theory, as openness and conscientiousness are two of the five core traits in this model.
Card 1 of 10
All Flashcards (10)
A psychologist describes a client as being high in openness but low in conscientiousness. Which specific personality theory is the psychologist likely using?
The psychologist is likely using the Big Five theory, as openness and conscientiousness are two of the five core traits in this model.
What three key factors are involved in reciprocal determinism as described in the social-cognitive theory?
The three factors involved in reciprocal determinism are self-concept, self-efficacy, and self-esteem.
What is reciprocal determinism?
Reciprocal determinism is the process described by social-cognitive theory where self-concept, self-efficacy, and self-esteem interact to shape personality.
What is the Big Five theory?
The Big Five is a trait theory that proposes personality is composed of five enduring characteristics: agreeableness, openness, extraversion, conscientiousness, and emotional stability.
What is the fundamental difference between how social-cognitive and trait theories view the formation of personality?
Social-cognitive theory views personality as being shaped by interacting cognitive factors (reciprocal determinism), while trait theories view it as a set of stable, enduring characteristics.
A student's belief in their ability to succeed in a course (self-efficacy) influences their study habits, which in turn affects their grades and overall view of themselves (self-concept). Which theory best explains this interaction?
The social-cognitive theory best explains this, as it focuses on how reciprocal determinism involving factors like self-efficacy and self-concept shapes personality and behavior.
According to trait theories, what is personality?
Trait theories conclude that personality involves a set of enduring characteristics that lead to an individual's typical responses.
What are the five traits of the Big Five theory?
The Big Five theory proposes that the traits of agreeableness, openness, extraversion, conscientiousness, and emotional stability make up personality.
What do trait theories mean by "enduring characteristics"?
Enduring characteristics are stable, long-lasting personal qualities that lead to a person's typical patterns of behavior and response.
How does the social-cognitive theory define personality?
Social-cognitive theory posits that personality is shaped by reciprocal determinism, which involves the interplay of self-concept, self-efficacy, and self-esteem.