Summarize the Situation Versus Trait Controversy

question 20

Essay

Summarize the situation versus trait controversy. Discuss two criticisms of the trait approach given by Mischel with respect to this controversy. Give a defense of the trait approach and specify how the criticisms and defense have improved our understanding of personality traits.

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Definitions:

Proactive Interference

The phenomenon where old memories hinder the recall of newly learned information.

Retroactive Interference

A phenomenon in psychology where newly acquired information interferes with the recall of previously learned information.

Repression

A psychological defense mechanism where distressing thoughts, memories, or impulses are unconsciously pushed out of conscious awareness.

Semantic Memory

A type of long-term memory involving the storage of general knowledge, facts, concepts, and meanings not tied to specific experiences.