The Relationship of Cortical Activity and Personality in a Reinforced Go-Nogo Paradigm

2005 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Hewig ◽  
Dirk Hagemann ◽  
Jan Seifert ◽  
Ewald Naumann ◽  
Dieter Bartussek
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Activation ◽  
Negative Reinforcement ◽  
Cortical Activity ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Behavioral Inhibition System ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Feedback Stimulus ◽  
State Activity ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity ◽  
Relationship Of

Abstract. The reinforcement sensitivity theory proposes two biological systems for the regulation of emotion, motivation, and personality: the behavioral activation system (BAS), which responds to stimuli related to positive and negative reinforcement, and the behavioral inhibition system (BIS), which responds to conditioned stimuli of punishment and nonreward. Recent findings provided evidence for increased bilateral frontal cortical trait activity in high BAS subjects. We hypothesized that increased bilateral frontal cortical state activity might be found in high BAS subjects in response to stimuli related to positive and negative reinforcement. The cortical reaction of 38 subjects to a reinforced Go-Nogo task was analyzed. A trial consisted of three subsequent stimuli: a cue stimulus (indicating positive, negative, or no reinforcement), an imperative stimulus (Go or Nogo/Inhibition), and a feedback stimulus (success/failure). Alpha power was extracted as a measure of cortical activity. In addition, BAS and BIS were measured using questionnaires. There was an increased cortical activity in response to the cues for reinforcement. High BAS subjects showed an even higher bilateral frontal cortical activity in response to the cues for positive and negative reinforcement as compared to neutral trials. This finding further corroborates a relation of bilateral frontal cortical activity and the BAS, which has now been demonstrated for cortical trait and state activity.

scholarly journals Latent structure and construct validity of the reinforcement sensitivity questionnaire

Psihologija ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 555-575
Author(s):  
Dusanka Mitrovic ◽  
Snezana Smederevac ◽  
Petar Colovic
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Activation ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Latent Structure ◽  
Behavioral Inhibition System ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Potential Conflict ◽  
Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity ◽  
Best Fitting ◽  
Fitting Model

The Revised reinforcement sensitivity theory contains three basic systems: Behavioral inhibition system (BAS), Behavioral activation system (BIS) and the Fight/ Flight/ Freeze (FFF) system. In this model, BIS is a system for detection of potential conflict or threat, and FFFS differs three basic patterns of reaction to actual or perceived danger. In Study 1, which was aimed at the examination of the latent structure of the RSQ, was conducted on a sample of 472 participants of both genders. The best - fitting model suggests that, at the top level of hierarchy, three dimensions exist, which are analogous to the BIS, BAS and FFF. The last dimension contains three subordinate dimensions, which represent the subsystems of the FFF. Study 2, in which 203 subjects participated, was aimed at examination of the relations between the dimensions of the Revised reinforcement sensitivity theory and dimensions of the PEN model. Confirmatory factor analyses of the RSQ and EPQ-R dimensions revealed that the best-fitting model comprised three latent dimensions, the first one being analogous to the BIS - Neuroticism, the second one to the BAS - Extraversion, and the third to the Aggressiveness- Psychoticism. The structure of the latent dimensions is in accordance with the expectations. The results state that fear and anxiety (which neurophysiological distinction is emphasized by Gray), are substantively similar on the behavioral level. Also, the results suggest that the Freeze dimension is probably closer to the BIS system than to the FFF.

scholarly journals Relation of Reinforcement Sensitivity on Vocational Interest and Self-Efficacy

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 230-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dustin F. Baker ◽  
Lisa M. Larson ◽  
Matthew T. Seipel
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Behavioral Inhibition ◽  
Behavioral Activation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Behavioral Inhibition System ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Vocational Interest ◽  
Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity ◽  
Enterprising Self

Using the constructs of the behavioral activation system (BAS) and behavioral inhibition system (BIS), as defined by the reinforcement sensitivity theory of personality, the purpose of this study was to determine new linkages between personality traits and interest/self-efficacy across Holland’s hexagon. Specifically, it was proposed that (a) the BAS would positively relate to global liking of vocational interest and negatively relate to global disliking of interest; (b) the BAS would positively relate to enterprising interest and social/enterprising self-efficacy; and (c) the BIS would negatively relate to realistic interest and self-efficacy in a sample of 265 college students. The hypotheses were mostly supported. The BAS was found to be meaningfully positively related to (a) global liking of vocational activities, (b) enterprising interest, and (c) social and enterprising self-efficacy. The BIS was found to be meaningfully negatively related to realistic interest but not realistic self-efficacy. Limitations, implications, and future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Fear and Anxiety in Social Setting

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Ranđelović ◽  
Snežana Smederevac ◽  
Petar Čolović ◽  
Philip J. Corr
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Situational Factors ◽  
Behavioral Approach ◽  
Behavioral Inhibition System ◽  
Negative Events ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Free Recall Task ◽  
Probability Of Occurrence ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dispositional and situational factors on cognitive biases. The theoretical background was based on Kimbrel’s Mediated Model of Social Anxiety and the revised reinforcement sensitivity theory by Gray and McNaughton. Two experiments were conducted. Study 1 (78 participants [85.9% females, aged 19–21 years]) included the induction of potential social threat, while in Study 2 (121 participants [85.1% females, aged 19–23 years]) real threat was used. The Reinforcement Sensitivity Questionnaire was employed as a measure of personality traits (Behavioral Inhibition System [BIS], Behavioral Approach System [BAS], Fight, Flight, and Freeze). Cognitive biases were assessed with the Dot Probe Task (attentional bias), Incidental Free Recall Task (memory bias), and Social Probability Cost Questionnaire (judgmental bias). The probability of occurrence of negative events was higher in the experimental group. BIS contributed positively to the prediction of probability of occurrence of negative events; and Freeze was positively related to attention bias toward pleasant stimuli. The results of the second study showed that experimentally induced circumstances of social threats did not affect cognitive biases. BIS and Freeze contributed positively to prediction of probability and distress in social context, while BIS was positively related with probability of occurrence of negative social events.

scholarly journals Compared the Activation System Dependent People

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 15-19
Author(s):  
Rezgar Majidi ◽  
Yahya Yarahmadi
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Activation ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Ordinary People ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Behavioral Activation System ◽  
Tukey Test ◽  
Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Activation System ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity

The purpose of this study compared, the activation system dependent people, glass, opium and ordinary on the basis of revised reinforcement sensitivity theory was. Therefore, of among the population of through available sampling a total of 90 people in three groups of 30 selected, and data were collected using a questionnaire Gary – Wilson. The results of analysis of variance showed that between the activation system dependent people, glass, opium and ordinary there is a significant difference. Also Tukey test results showed that between ordinary people and dependent people of glass, and ordinary people and dependent people of opium in behavioral activation system were significant differences, but in the activation system between the members of glass and opium, significant difference was not observed

scholarly journals Dimensionality of the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure and Its Relationship to Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 256-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Gerson ◽  
Anke C. Plagnol ◽  
Philip J. Corr
Keyword(s):  
Social Comparison ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Behavioral Approach ◽  
Behavioral Inhibition System ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity

Abstract. The aims of this study were, first, to reassess the factor structure of the Iowa-Netherlands Social Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM) and, second, to explore the associations of its factors with the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) of personality. Data from 337 respondents were collected via online questionnaire. Structural equation models were used to assess the factor structure of the INCOM and test for relationships with RST traits. The results confirmed previous findings that the INCOM contains two factors: Ability, which relates to the comparison of performance, and Opinion, which relates to the comparison of thoughts and emotions. The two-factor model was found to be superior to the commonly used one-factor solution. The models further revealed significant relationships with RST factors: positive associations between the Ability factor and the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and Behavioral Approach System (BAS) Reward Reactivity; positive associations between the Opinion factor and BAS Reward Reactivity and Goal-Drive Persistence, and a negative association with BAS Impulsivity. These findings indicate that using the INCOM as a single scale is likely to miss significant unique relationships. Our findings also provide new insight into how individual differences in personality may influence social comparison behavior.

scholarly journals Problems of the defining the dimensions of the Gray's reinforcement sensitivity theory

Psihologija ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Snezana Smederevac ◽  
Dusanka Mitrovic
Keyword(s):  
Big Five ◽  
Behavioral Inhibition ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
Behavioral Approach ◽  
Behavioral Inhibition System ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Psychometric Characteristics ◽  
Factor Solution ◽  
Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity

Jeffrey Gray has modified Eysenck's system by rotating the dimensions of extraversion and neuroticism by 45 degrees, which resulted in two new dimensions: impulsivity (behavioral approach system) and anxiety (behavioral inhibition system). The main purpose of this study was to examine psychometric properties of the BIS/BAS scale, inventory for assessment of dimensions included in Gray's theory, in order to, also, test the foundation of the Gray's constructs themselves. 476 participants were included, age 17 to 77. All subjects completed The BIS/BAS scale (Carver & White, 1994) and The Big Five Inventory (BFI; John, Donahue & Kentle, 1991, according to: John & Srivastava, 1999). Analysis of the BIS/BAS scale failed to replicate the original four-factor solution. Three factors were extracted, named Behavioral inhibition system (BIS), BAS-Striving for excitement and BAS-Drive. Psychometric characteristics of the BIS/BAS scale are not satisfactory. Result of the joint factor analysis of dimensions of the BIS/BAS scale and dimensions of the BFI questionnaire are three factors named active striving for reward, sensation seeking and anxiety. In general results can be considered supportive rather to Eysenck than to Gray, but they could also be ascribed to the failure in questionnaire operationalisation of the constructs of Reinforcement sensitivity theory.

scholarly journals Main body

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil D Shortland
Keyword(s):  
Public Discourse ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Behavioral Inhibition System ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Cognitive Response ◽  
National Elections ◽  
Political Issues ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity ◽  
High Uncertainty

Recently, misinformation has increasingly impacted public discourse and public safety. From the COVID-19 pandemic to national elections, society is increasingly examining the negative impact of misinformation. Exposure to misinformation has been linked to conflicting perceptions of social, economic, and political issues, which leads to polarization, radicalization, and even acts of violence. While research has examined the development and spreading of misinformation, little has been done to examine the processes of being exposed to, and influenced by, misinformation. This paper uses Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory to examine the effect of individual differences in personality traits related to the behavioral inhibition system on the behavioral and cognitive response to exposure to misinformation online. Trait BIS was related to how much individuals positively engaged with misinformation, as well as intentions for activism and radicalism. These findings suggest that high uncertainty/anxiety may increase engagement with and influence by misinformation.

Validation of the Measure of Revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Constructs

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Snežana Smederevac ◽  
Dušanka Mitrović ◽  
Petar Čolović ◽  
Željka Nikolašević
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Inhibition ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Behavioral Approach ◽  
Behavioral Inhibition System ◽  
Personality Questionnaire ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity ◽  
Components Analysis

The paper presents validation of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ), measuring the constructs of the Revised Reinforcement Sensitivity theory (RST). The research was conducted on a sample of 565 participants, using three measures of the constructs of the Revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory – the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Approach System (BIS/BAS) scale, Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ), and Reinforcement Sensitivity Questionnaire. The results of confirmatory factor analysis suggest good internal validity of the RSQ, while the results of principal components analysis show that the RSQ scales are significantly related to other RST measures.

scholarly journals At Long Last – A Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Explanation of Procrastination

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 234-241
Author(s):  
Catherine Bennett ◽  
Alison M. Bacon
Keyword(s):  
Academic Procrastination ◽  
Behavioral Inhibition System ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽  
Approach And Avoidance ◽  
Avoidance Motivation ◽  
Sensitivity Theory ◽  
High Reward ◽  
Reinforcement Sensitivity ◽  
Approach And Avoidance Motivation ◽  
And Performance

Abstract. Procrastination can result in poor wellbeing and performance in academia and the workplace. The present study combined personality and motivational explanations by examining procrastination through the lens of Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST), which assumes that personality traits are underpinned by basic systems of approach and avoidance motivation. Students ( N = 336; Mage = 21.34) and non-students ( N = 187; Mage = 37.98) completed the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ), measures of unintentional and general procrastination and, for students only, a measure of academic procrastination. In both samples, high impulsivity and high Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) activation was associated with reports of general procrastination. In students, high Reward Reactivity (RR) was additionally associated with Unintentional Procrastination (UP), while low Goal-drive Persistence was associated with all forms of procrastination. These data suggest a role for both approach and avoidance motivations in procrastination. Results are discussed in terms of RST and implications for intervention.

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