WEEK 1 :  Activity A.  Personality Theories ( 100 points)  

 

The candidate will read the following lecture prior to class. During the teleconference, candidates will participate, share in discussion, provide examples, produce background knowledge, and analyze concepts from the lecture.

 

 

Understanding PERSONALITY is significant in the vast development and understanding of  psychology.  How do we define personality?  This question is similar to the question concerning what is self.   The definition of self can be viewed as similar to the definition of personality.

      

Personality Definition:  Personality refers to an individual's enduring pattern of behaviors, thoughts, and emotions.

     

Personality psychology is a subfield of psychology, and personality psychology involves personality theories and personality research findings.

      

                                                                           Personality Theories

 

 

There are a number of theories that may explain individual differences in behavior.   Theories of personality can be placed into at least five categories: Psychoanalytic personality theories, humanistic personality theories, trait personality theories, learning personality theories, and cognitive personality theories.  These personality theories can be considered important psychological theories.

 

 

A focus of each type of personality theory is indicated below:

 

 

Psychoanalytic personality theories:  the unconscious mind.

 

 

Humanistic personality theories:   personal responsibility and personal growth.

 

Trait personality theories:   personality characteristics that exist on a continuum.

 

Learning personality theories:   learning as a result of environmental influences.

 

Cognitive personality theories:  differences in how people process information.

An example of a psychoanalytic personality theory is Freud's defense mechanisms.  Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory can be viewed as a humanistic personality theory.  Observational learning can be viewed as a learning personality theory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An example of a trait personality theory is the Big Five personality traits.  

 

 

Example:   “The Lady Who Is Always Late For Work”

 

A trait theory may explain the late behavior with respect to being low on the dimension of conscientiousness.  A humanistic personality theory may explain the late behavior with respect to failing to take responsibility for one's negative behavior.  A psychoanalytic theory may explain the late behavior in terms of an unconscious defense mechanism.  A learning theory may explain the late behavior with respect to observing other employees being late for work.  Finally, a cognitive theory may explain the late behavior with respect to beliefs about the importance of the job.

 

 

Personality Traits

 

There are many possible attributes that could be considered personality traits.  What is a personality trait?

    

Some examples of personality traits include the following adjectives that may describe some people:  intellectual, shy, outgoing, funny, kind, curious, sensitive, and selfish.