general psychology
Module 5 Discussion: Introduction to Personality
Introduction to Personality
Instructions:
After reading the required resources, answer the following questions:
1. Explain in your own words what you understand by the concepts of personality, character, and temperament. What is the difference between each concept?
2. What are the three (3) major contributors to personality?
3. What are the multiple influences on personality?
4. What are the four (4) methods of a personality assessment? Explain at least one (1) strength and one (1) challenge of each method.
5. Debate with your classmates about the following: can culture affect your personality?
Remember to review the academic expectations for your submission.
Submission Instructions:
· Submit your initial discussion post by 11:59 PM Eastern on Wednesday.
· Contribute a minimum of 150 words for your initial post. It should include at least 1 academic source, formatted and cited in APA.
· Respond to at least two of your classmates' discussion posts by 11:59 PM Eastern on Sunday. Ask a question, and provide a different viewpoint.
Reply
SS
Nov 13 3:14pm
Manage Discussion by Sara Rojas Santiago
Reply from Sara Rojas Santiago
Introduction to Personality
Sara A. Rojas Santiago
Department of Psychology, Ana G. Méndez University
PSYC-112: General Psychology II
Prof. Jose Mora Grana, Ph.D.
November 13, 2024
Introduction to Personality
Hello everyone,
Explain in your own words what you understand by the concepts of personality, character, and temperament. What is the difference between each concept?
Personality is an integral part of our identity as individuals; it encompasses our ideas, thoughts, emotional management, and the actions we take (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 386). Personally, I view personality as a reflection of our internal behavior and how it manifests externally. For example, someone with social anxiety may experience particular feelings and thoughts about large social gatherings, potentially identifying as an introvert (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 386). In contrast, I perceive character as a moral compass, encompassing our values, ethical beliefs, judgments about ourselves and others, and the corresponding ethical behaviors (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 386). Finally, temperament is distinct from both personality and character since it specifically relates to how these internal processes are expressed externally (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 386). It is typically defined as an individual’s emotional responses, innate dispositions, or the way they present themselves behaviorally (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 386).
What are the three (3) major contributors to personality?
According to “Real World Psychology,” 3rd edition, by Catherine A. Sanderson and Karen Huffman (2019, pp. 388-389), three major contributors to personality are brain structures, neurochemistry, and genetics.
Brain Structure: Techniques such as Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) have revealed that various parts of the brain are involved in the development of our personality. For example, traits like impulsiveness can vary significantly between individuals, particularly between those who are more risk-averse and those who are not (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 388).
Neurochemistry: This aspect provides detailed insights into how biological factors influence personality. Research indicates that some individuals have a genetic advantage in regulating certain neurotransmitters, like dopamine. This biological predisposition can enhance traits such as sensation-seeking behaviors, a sense of control over their actions, and a propensity for novelty and extroverted activities (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 389).
Genetics: A relatively new field known as behavioral genetics seeks to illuminate the influence of genetics versus environmental factors on personality traits. Studies indicate that genes can play a significant role in aspects of behavior, including parenting styles, potentially criminal behavior, and compassionate actions such as volunteering or donating to charity (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 389). Additionally, researchers have conducted twin studies to further investigate this relationship, comparing the personalities of children with those of their biological and adoptive parents. Their findings suggest that extraversion and neuroticism show a slight correlation with biological parents, whereas the correlation with adoptive parents is minimal (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, pp. 389-390).
What are the multiple influences on personality?
Personality formation is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, psychological, and social factors (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, pp. 389-390). This is commonly referred to as the biopsychosocial model (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, pp. 389-390).
What are the four (4) methods of a personality assessment? Explain at least one (1) strength and one (1) challenge of each method.
Personality assessments typically involve four methods that are utilized by clinical and counseling psychologists, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, pp. 390-391). These methods include interviews, observations, objective tests, and projective tests (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, pp. 390-391).
Interviews: can be structured in two ways: formally and informally. Formal interviews are structured by the professional, who follows a set of objective questions to evaluate responses and compare them across individuals (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 391). In contrast, informal interviews tend to focus on relaxed and personal questions, such as an individual's hobbies, academic interests, work, and family life (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 391).
· Strengths: Interviews provide valuable insights into personality (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, pp. 392-393).
· Weaknesses: However, they can be time-consuming and expensive (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, pp. 392-393). Additionally, the presence of a professional asking direct questions may affect the individual's responses, as they might alter their composure during the interview (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, pp. 392-393).
Observations: This represents another method used by psychology professionals. This approach entails directly and methodically observing behavior while employing evaluation guidelines to identify specific behavioral examples (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 391).
· Strengths: Interviews provide valuable insights into personality (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, pp. 392-393).
· Weaknesses: However, they can be time-consuming and expensive (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, pp. 392-393). Additionally, the presence of a professional asking direct questions may affect the individual's responses, as they might alter their composure during the interview (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, pp. 392-393).
Objective tests: are a widely utilized tool in psychological assessment, initially designed to detect and diagnose psychological disorders. Their popularity can be attributed to their ability to be administered to large populations while providing standardized evaluation procedures (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 392). A prominent example of such a test is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), which consists of 338 statements requiring respondents to select one of three options: true, false, or cannot say (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 392). In contemporary applications, objective tests are often employed to screen individuals for specific job qualifications (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 392). It is crucial to note that not all objective assessments are intended to reveal abnormalities in personality traits (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 392).
· Strengths: One of the primary strengths of objective tests is their capacity to provide specific and objective information regarding an individual's psychological state (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 393).
· Weaknesses: A notable concern is the tendency of respondents to falsify their answers, either intentionally or unintentionally. Many individuals may lack clear and accurate self-perception, leading to potential distortions in the data collected (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 393). Additionally, social desirability bias—where individuals portray themselves in a manner perceived as more favorable—complicates the validity of results obtained from these tests (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 393). Diagnostic difficulties often arise from the nature of objective assessments. For instance, individuals with severe psychological disorders may score within normal ranges, while those without such disorders might present critical scores (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 393). This phenomenon can be attributed to the extensive range of information contained within objective tests, where overlapping traits may result in ambiguous interpretations (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 393). Furthermore, cultural biases and the inappropriate application of these assessments pose significant challenges. As highlighted in pages 386 to 388 of Sanderson and Huffman's book, it is essential to acknowledge how different cultures interpret behaviors. The authors contrast individualistic cultures with collectivist ones, illustrating the potential for misinterpretation of test results based on cultural context (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, pp. 386-388).
Projective Tests: These assessments utilize stimuli that are inherently ambiguous or challenging to define, such as ink blots (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 392). The aim is to observe how individuals uniquely process and interpret these undefined images; for instance, I might perceive one ink blot as depicting a confident individual, while a classmate might interpret the same image as representing nervousness (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 392). This approach is beneficial because some individuals may conceal their true feelings, and direct questioning can make them uncomfortable and less likely to respond honestly (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 392).
· Strengths: The unstructured nature of projective tests encourages participants to express themselves more freely, which often leads to greater honesty regarding sensitive issues in their lives (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 394).
· Weaknesses: However, these tests can be time-consuming to administer and interpret. Additionally, they often score low in reliability and validity, as they may not accurately assess what they are intended to measure in the first place (Sanderson & Huffman, 2019, p. 394).
References
Sanderson, C. A., & Huffman, K. (2019). Real world psychology (3rd ed. pp. 203-235). Wiley.
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JR
Nov 13 1:34pm
Manage Discussion by Jerryeliz Cordero Reyes
Reply from Jerryeliz Cordero Reyes
The Tapestry of Personality Unravelled: Concepts, Contributing Agents, Influencing Factors, and Assessment
Personality is a multi causal concept of interest to psychologists for the longest period of time. According to Cherry (2021), it involves a set of deeply ingrained patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that describe one individual from the other. Character, sometimes used interchangeably with personality, refers to a set of moral and ethical attributes learned and developed from experience and through a person's own choices. Temperament, on the other hand, is the biological part of our personality foundation; it is comprised of innate traits that determine the way we interact with our environment (Rothbart & Bates, 2006).Their difference would be in their etymology and manifestation. Where as personality is the overall expression of the affective, behavioral, and cognitive pattern, character has to do strictly with the ethical dimension, given that character is sculpted by the ambient values and individual choice. Temperament forms the genetic and neurobiological substrate on which personality is based.
Three Major Contributors to Personality
Three major contributors to personality are genetics, environment, and experiences. Whereas genetics provide the biological predispositions in temperament, it is through the environment and experiences that such predispositions are molded into the complex mosaic of an individual's personality. In the words of Pervin, Cervone, & John (2005), various influences on personality span from the biological point of view of brain structures and neurotransmitter systems to the social aspects entailing family dynamics, culture, and life events, which interact in dynamic ways to shape the singular personality of a person.
Four Major Techniques of Personality Assessment
There are four major techniques of personality assessment: self-report inventories, projective tests, behavioral assessments, and physiological measures. The relative strength of self-report inventories like the Minnesota Multi phasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) consists of standardized information, while scores of these inventories can be biased based on self-presentations. Projective tests, such as the Rorschach Inkblot Test, permit a rich qualitative analysis of personality but are based on subjective interpretation and have questionable validity. Behavioral assessments can offer ecological validity since they provide observation of a person in a naturalistic setting, whereas internal states may not be captured this well. The biological underpinnings of personality characteristics may be indicated by physiological measures, but they usually require complex equipment and expertise to interpret.
Does Culture Affect Personality?
The question of whether culture affects personality remains debatable. Culture forms the contextual background in which personality develops and molds the expression of traits and behaviors acceptable or desirable within a culture. However, the extent to which culture shapes personality, in comparison with universal biological factors, is still an open issue for scholarly comment and debate. It therefore follows that an understanding of personality demands a subtle approach in relation to its components: character, temperament, contributors, and influencers. The various approaches towards personality assessment all have their strong points and challenges yet contribute to our overall understanding of the complex construct that it is. As we continue with the culture-personality interplay, it becomes evident that personality is not only a reflection of who we are but also where we come from.
References
Butcher, J. N., Dahlstrom, W. G., Graham, J. R., Tellegen, A., & Kaemmer, B. (1989). Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2): Manual for administration and scoring. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
Cherry, K. (2021). What is personality? Very well Mind. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-personality-2795416Links to an external site.
Pervin, L. A., Cervone, D., & John, O. P. (2005). Personality: Theory and research (9th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Rothbart, M. K., & Bates, J. E. (2006).Temperament. In N. Eisenberg (Ed.), Handbook of child psychology: Vol. 3, Social, emotional, and personality development (6th ed., pp. 99-166). John Wiley & Sons.
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AR
Nov 11 7:14pm
Manage Discussion by Ajeliz De Leon Rodriguez
Reply from Ajeliz De Leon Rodriguez
Hello everyone,
1. Understanding Personality, Character, and Temperament:
· A person's personality is the culmination of their own set of characteristics, feelings, and actions. It's a general term that includes a person's thoughts, feelings, and interactions with the outside world. Personality can be influenced by relationships, experiences, and personal development, even if it remains relatively constant over time. • A person's moral and ethical traits are demonstrated by their choices and deeds. It is intimately tied to one's values, such as kindness or honesty, and frequently represents one's inner convictions about what is good or wrong. Character, as opposed to personality, is more deliberately created and is subject to substantial change over time.
· The biological basis of personality is temperature. It's an innate aspect of a person's emotional and behavioral responses that is frequently noticeable from an early age. For instance, some people are more cautious or sensitive by nature, while others are more gregarious or composed. Since temperament is heavily impacted by heredity, it tends to be more stable than other features.
Differences:
A person's entire self, including their temperament and character, is referred to as their personality. While temperament is the underlying emotional sensitivity that biologically shapes a person's personality, character is more about a person's values and ideals.
2. The Three Major Contributors to Personality:
· Genetics: Inherited qualities have an impact on many facets of personality. For example, even though they were reared in distinct contexts, twins with the same genetic makeup frequently exhibit identical psychological traits. • Environment: A person's social connections, culture, and environment all have a significant impact on how they behave. Personality development is influenced by experiences in school, with friends, and with family. • Personal Experiences: A person's self-perception and worldview are shaped by their personal experiences, which can include trauma, difficulties, and triumphs. Over time, these events may cause personality traits to change and evolve.
3. Multiple Influences on Personality:
Cultural background, social class, education, and even historical context can all have an impact on personality in addition to genetics, environment, and individual experiences. Social relationships, mental and physical health, and other elements can also have a subtle or significant effect on personality.
4. Four Methods of Personality Assessment:
Self-report questionnaires ask respondents to score their own ideas, feelings, and behaviors. The Big Five Inventory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) are frequent examples. Strength: It is simple to use and may assess a variety of characteristics. Difficulty: Subjects may respond in ways they believe to be socially acceptable rather than honestly due to self-perception bias.
Projective tests, such as the Rorschach Inkblot Test, ask the subject to evaluate ambiguous stimuli if they are presented. People are supposed to project their thoughts and emotions onto the stimulus. Strength: Able to reveal subconscious sentiments and thoughts that are difficult to access through self-report. Difficulty: Because interpretation is subjective and largely dependent on the evaluator's expertise, it may produce inconsistent outcomes.
· Behavioral Assessments: These evaluations watch how a person behaves in either controlled or natural environments. In order to comprehend personality in practical contexts, behavioral tests are frequently employed. Strength: Instead than depending just on self-report, it offers unbiased information about an individual's true behavior. Challenge: The person may change their conduct if they are aware that they are being watched, and it may be restricted to the particular circumstances that were observed.
· Clinical Interviews: In these one-on-one sessions, a psychologist probes the subject's feelings, ideas, and actions. A thorough, nuanced grasp of personality is made possible by this approach. Strength: Enables the assessor to monitor responses in real-time and captures intricate facets of personality. Difficulty: Time-consuming and dependent on the interviewer's ability to prevent biases.
Can Culture Affect Your Personality?
Our views, values, and social standards are shaped by culture, and this in turn affects how we display our personalities. For instance, collectivism is valued in some cultures, which makes people value modesty and peace within the community. Conversely, boldness and personal success may be more prized in individualistic cultures. Additionally, culture shapes our perceptions of what constitutes normal or acceptable behavior, which can direct the formation and expression of our personalities. In a debate, you could talk about how personality traits like independence, assertiveness, or even introversion and extroversion are impacted by cultural norms. For example, think about how an extrovert in a collectivist culture can adjust to put the group before their innate need for attention.
References:
Ewen, B. R., & Ewen, R. B. (2009). An introduction to theories of personality. Taylor & Francis Group. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/uestepr-ebooks/reader.action?docID=1602192Links to an external site.Links to an external site.
Sanderson, C. A., & Huffman, K. (2019). Real world psychology (3rd ed.). Wiley. ISBN-13: 978-1119577751 https://bulk-store.vitalsource.com/products/real-world-psychology-catherine-a-sanderson-karen-v9781119577737Links to an external site.Links to an external site. Chapter 12: Personality
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Nov 10 8:48pm
Manage Discussion by Leidiana Baez
Reply from Leidiana Baez
Personality, character, and temperament are related yet distinct concepts in understanding human behavior. Personality refers to the overall patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that distinguish individuals from one another. It is shaped over time by both genetic predispositions and life experiences (Feist, Feist, & Roberts, 2018). Character, on the other hand, is more about moral qualities and values; it reflects an individual’s ethical beliefs and integrity. Character is often viewed as the "moral compass" that guides behavior in different situations. Lastly, temperament is the innate, biological aspect of personality that determines an individual’s emotional reactivity and typical mood patterns, often evident from early childhood (Shiner & Caspi, 2012). While personality develops over a lifetime, temperament is generally stable, and character is shaped through social and moral experiences.
Major Contributors to Personality
Three primary contributors to personality include brain structures, neurochemistry, and genetics. Brain structures, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, influence emotional responses and decision-making processes. Neurochemistry, including neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, affects mood and behavior, influencing personality traits like extraversion or anxiety (Feist et al., 2018). Genetics also play a significant role, as certain personality traits are heritable, passed down through genetic predispositions that interact with environmental influences.
Multiple Influences on Personality
Personality is shaped by multiple factors, including life experiences, cultural background, family dynamics, and social interactions. These influences interact with biological factors to create a unique personality for each individual. Environmental factors, such as trauma or significant life changes, can also lead to shifts in personality over time.
Methods of Personality Assessment
There are four primary methods of personality assessment: interviews, observations, objective tests, and projective tests. Interviews involve direct questioning to gather information about an individual’s personality. A strength of interviews is the opportunity for in-depth understanding, but a challenge is the potential for interviewer bias (McCrae & Costa, 2008). Observations allow for real-time assessment of behavior in natural settings, providing valuable context, though they may be limited by observer bias and situational constraints. Objective tests, such as the Big Five Inventory, use structured questions to assess personality traits. These tests are reliable and consistent, but they may lack insight into deeper personality dynamics (John, Naumann, & Soto, 2008). Projective tests, like the Rorschach Inkblot Test, encourage individuals to interpret ambiguous stimuli, potentially revealing unconscious motives. However, these tests can be subjective and difficult to interpret accurately.
References
Feist, J., Feist, G. J., & Roberts, T. A. (2018). Theories of personality (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
John, O. P., Naumann, L. P., & Soto, C. J. (2008). Paradigm shift to the integrative Big Five trait taxonomy. In O. P. John, R. W. Robins, & L. A. Pervin (Eds.), Handbook of personality: Theory and research (pp. 114–158). Guilford Press.
McCrae, R. R., & Costa, P. T., Jr. (2008). The five-factor theory of personality. In O. P. John, R. W. Robins, & L. A. Pervin (Eds.), Handbook of personality: Theory and research (pp. 159–181). Guilford Press.
Shiner, R. L., & Caspi, A. (2012). Temperament and the development of personality traits, adaptations, and narratives. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 6(11), 798-811.
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