| Date | May 2017 | Marks available | 1 | Reference code | 17M.3.SL.tz0.6 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | time zone 0 |
| Command term | Define | Question number | 6 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Define the term personality.
Explain the interactionist approach to personality.
Markscheme
those ‹relatively› stable and enduring aspects of individuals which distinguish them from other people, making them unique ‹but at the same time permit a comparison between individuals›. ‹Gross, 1992›✔
OWTTE
personality / behaviour is due to interaction between the person and their environment✔
personality can be modified as the person responds to environmental situations✔
experiences cannot be understood if personal and situational factors are separated✔
genetic and environmental influences are intertwined✔
the interaction of cognitive factors with environmental situations results in the expression of personality✔
personality traits can be used to predict behaviour ‹in some situations›✔
Examiners report
Many did not understand the interactionist approach to personality but predictably made a guess at people who interact with others. Most were able to describe the interaction between the individual and their environment. This was commonly awarded 1/3 marks.
