Introduction to Personality

Introduction to Personality

Personality is a complex aspect of psychology. Theorists such as Allport, Freud, Jung, Horney, and others tried to explain personality and behavior. Through each of the theories, personality psychology developed. Research continues to explain personality even more. Research is the cornerstone of understanding psychological concepts such as personality. Factors influencing personality development are a topic widely debated in the psychological community. Depending on the theorist’s viewpoint explains where he or she believed personality arose.

Personality Defined

 Psychologists differ as to the definition of personality and few have formally defined personality (Feist & Feist, 2009). Psychologist Gordon Allport is one of the psychologists who have defined personality. Allport defined personality as “the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his or her unique adjustment to his or her environment” (Rothbart, Ahadi, & Evans, 2000, p. 123). Personality consists of traits and characteristics. Traits may be unique, common, or shared. Traits are consistent and displayed in different situations. Traits contribute to the differences in behavior, consistency and stability of behavior (Feist & Feist, 2009).  Characteristics are unique to an individual. Characteristics include qualities such as physical, intelligence, temperament. Together, traits and characteristics create the unique personality of an individual. Personality is an individual’s characteristic pattern of feeling, thinking, and behaving. Personality distinguishes one person from another, thus making personality unique. Personality affects the way an individual acts in situations. Personality is the force behind the consistent behaviors exhibited by an individual in different situations.

Scientific Approach to Studying Personality

Research is the basis for which psychology is understood. Methods used to study personality include observation, interviews, and rating scales. Some psychologists prefer the observational method. This is simply observing behavior and then examining these observations closely. Researchers then use these observations to create theories and hypotheses about human behavior. Psychological tests may also be used in the study of personality. These psychological tests are the standard measures to assess behavior. They are used to help a person learn more about him or herself. Researchers have worked to improve the methods and abilities to predict personality and behavior. The result of this work is the development of assessment techniques such as personality inventories. For these inventories to be useful, they must have reliability and validity. Reliability refers to the measurement consistency of the test. A reliable test gives the same result each time it is given to a specific person or group. An unreliable test would give a different result each time it is given. Validity refers to whether or not the test actually measures what it was designed to measure. There is construct validity and predictive validity. Construct validity refers to the extent the test measures a hypothetical construct (Feist & Feist, 2009). A hypothetical construct has no physical existence. Therefore a hypothetical construct could be extraversion, aggressiveness, or intelligence. Predictive validity refers to the extent that a test could predict a future behavior (Feist & Feist, 2009). Behavioral genetics and qualitative genetic studies are important in personality development research. Behavioral genetics research has resulted in evidence that genetics influence personality (Caspi, Roberts, & Shiner, 2005) .

Factors that may Influence an Individual's Personality Development

Many factors may influence an individual’s personality development. These factors can be internal dispositions or external circumstances (Carson, 1989). Personality traits encompass large range of differences from individual to individual. These traits show a large amount of genetic influence (Caspi, Roberts, & Shiner, 2005). These traits are not immune from experience. Other biological factors, besides heredity, that can influence a person’s personality development are physique, endocrine glands, and the nervous system. Environmental factors that may influence an individual’s personality development include home life, school, maturation, experiences, successes, and failures. It would be easy to pinpoint one exact influence on development. However, that is not possible and many factors contribute to one’s personality development. This is evidenced by the many personality theories created by psychologists. Different theorists believed personality was formed by certain factors, whether biological or environmental. Personality development falls under the nature versus nature debate. The development may be influenced by one or both.

Conclusion

 Personality research is a continuing topic in psychology. The need to understand personality also includes the need to understand behavior. Theorists believe that one’s personality influences behavior. Research continues to further understand personality by using methods such as personality inventories. Factors that influence personality are also important in understanding personality of an individual. Using the work of the early theorists and improving research methods will help the study of personality. 

References

Carson, R. (1989). Personality. Annual Review of Psychology, 40(1), 227-248.

Caspi, A., Roberts, B. W., & Shiner, R. L. (2005). Personality Development: Stability and Change. Annual Review of Psychology, 56(1), 453-484. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/205849630?accountid=35812

Feist, J., & Feist, G. (2009). Theories of Personality (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Rothbart, M. K., Ahadi, S. A., & Evans, D. E. (2000). Temperament and personality: Origins and Outcomes. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 78(1), 122- 135. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.78.1.122

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