Personality Theories And Trait Theories - 2232 Words

The entire notion of Personality rests upon a number of assumptions: 1) that traits and types exist 2) that traits and types are stable over time 3) that these traits and types are consistent across different situations. At least two of these assumptions are so problematic that they challenge the very existence of Personality. Critically evaluate this statement. Personality, a word first coined in the C14th, has so broad a meaning that its definition varies significantly depending on which theoretical approach or method of classification it is being used for. To the average individual, their personality is simply what guides and forms their emotions, cognitions and behavioural acts, yet psychologists have no universal definition and loosely apply it as an overall heading, whilst focusing on its role in personality theories. In order to write this essay it is important to establish the differences between Type Theories and Trait Theories. A personality type is a group of key qualities an individual possesses, that when established, may allow a rough prediction of human behaviour. Types are discrete and mutually exclusive- you are either Type X or Type Y. These types, and indeed traits, are thought to be constant as said by Tieger and Barron-Tieger in their book â€Å"Do what you are† -The Type to which you are born will be the one you take to your grave. Trait theories conversely identify qualities that people possess on a spectrum that can form part of a prediction as toShow MoreRelatedPersonality Traits And Theories Of Personality1513 Words   |  7 PagesThe term personality has been defined several times in different ways throughout the history of psychology. A definition that captures much of what is meant by personality was described as â€Å"more or less stable, internal factors that make one person’s behaviour consistent from one time to another, and different from the behaviour other people would manifest in comparable situations† by Child (1968) (Eysenck, 1994). This definition is very broad and it includes personality traits as well as intelligenceRead MoreThe Trait Theory Of Personality Essay778 Words   |  4 PagesESSAY TOPIC: Describe the trait theory of personality. Select one â€Å"factor† or â€Å"trait† from a prominent trait theory and discuss the relative strengt hs and weaknesses of someone who strongly exhibits this trait. 1. Introduction Traits are described as the unique and constant characteristic tendencies that shape and influence a person’s mood and behaviour (Ewen 2013, p. 110; Olesen, Thomsen O’Toole 2015, p. 45). Prominent personality psychologists Gordon Allport, authored the first American reviewRead MoreThe Theory Of Personality Traits1948 Words   |  8 PagesThe study of personality is very important in the field of psychology because it aims to provide an account for individuality of human beings (Pervin and John, 1999). There are many psychological definitions which attempt to explain personality in terms of characteristics or typical qualities of an individual. Gordon Allport, defined it as â€Å"a dynamic organization, inside the person, of psychophysical systems that create the person’s characteristic patterns of behavior, thoughts and feelings’ (AllportRead MoreBiological Personality Trait Theory753 Words   |  3 Pageswith a personality. This means that all individ uals have their own characteristics, moods, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Personality is both an individual experience, as each person experiences specific combinations that are unique, and a global experience, as humans often share similar traits (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2014). As humanity has expanded, so has interest in discovering what causes the developments of specific personality traits. While some have believed that personality is strictlyRead MoreEssay on The Trait Theory of Personality2121 Words   |  9 PagesThe study of personality traits is beneficial in identifying the many variables that exist from human to human; the combinations of these variables provide us with a true level of individuality and uniqueness. In the field of psychology, trait theory is considered to be a key approach to the study of human personality (Crowne, 2007; Burton, Westen Kowalski, 2009). This paper aims to identify a number of significant contributors who have played crucial roles in both the development and applicationRead MoreCharacteristics Theories Of Personality Traits907 Words   |  4 Pages Traits perspectives The Five-Factor model is a condensed representation of different types of personalities. The emerging consensus is that the structure of personality may incorporate five superordinate factors (Carver Scheier, 2012). Traits, in general, have been used to denote consistent patterns of behavior, especially expressive or stylistic behavior (John Robins, 2008). Trait psychologists focus on the variety of traits. On the other hand, motive psychologistRead MoreTrait Theory and Brand Personality Framework1679 Words   |  7 Pagesabout Trait Theory and Brand Personality Framework in personality. Details of the two theories will be explained first, along with some real examples of how firms make use of personality traits to strengthen their brands. The shortcomings of the two existing theories will then be analyzed, and some measures developed by recent researchers will be introduced in order to overcome the weaknesses. I chose this topic because I am interested in psychology and p ersonality traits. Many personality testsRead MoreBig Five Theory Of Personality Traits955 Words   |  4 PagesAmong the many established trait theories, the most widely known and used is the Big Five Theory of Personality Traits. It is a five-factor model composed of the broad personality traits of openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. There are a variety of ways to assess one’s broad dimensions of personality in these five categories. One of which is Psych Central’s personality assessment that consists of fifty questions in which there is a statement ofRead MoreEysenck s Personality Theory And Allport s Trait Theory Essay1563 Words   |  7 PagesPersonality distinguishes one individual different from another. Some personalities are more positive than others; however personality ultimately defines a person. Ample amounts of research and theories focus on personality. Researchers trust that investigation concerning personality provides a road map to truly understanding the individual. In an attempt to analyzing Michelle Obama’s personality, this paper will discuss the extrovert and introvert personality through using Eysenck’s PersonalityRead MorePsychology, Trait Theory And The Study Of Human Personality Essay1614 Words   |  7 PagesIn psychology, trait theory (also called dispositional theory) is an approach to the study of human personality. Trait theorists are primarily interested in the measurement of traits, which can be defined as habitual patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion.[1] According to this perspective, traits are relatively stable over time, differ across individuals (e.g. some people are outgoing whereas others are shy), and influence behavior. Traits are in contrast to states which are more transitory dispositions