Personality Theory

1.1 Discussion. The Ultimate Hero

Getting Started

When you think of the ultimate person, the ultimate hero, who comes to mind? A parent? A great and loyal friend? For many, the person of Jesus, God in the flesh, comes to mind immediately. What characteristics come to mind? Goodness? Compassion? Gratitude? Humility? Strength? What kind of strength of character did it take for our Lord to say, “Forgive them; they know not what they are doing” while he was hanging on a cross? Yes, for many, Jesus is the ultimate hero.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Describe the characteristics of your “ultimate hero."

Resources

· Bible

· Video & Transcript: The Ultimate Hero

Background Information

When we think of heroes, even comic book heroes, we think of physical strength and superpowers. We think of winning battles against all odds and performing heroic deeds such as saving someone from a burning building. But what about the “superpowers” of humility and forgiveness? What could be more powerful than God coming to Earth in human form, dying on a cross for our sins, and forgiving us of those sins? Yes, truly, acts of humility and forgiveness are from God. They are holy powers . . . superpowers.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Watch the video,  The Ultimate Hero  (1:31 min).

a. Transcript of the video .

3. Navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following:

a. Who comes to mind when you think of “the ultimate hero”?

b. What characteristics does the ultimate hero possess?

1.2 Discussion. What Is Personality?

Getting Started

Let’s start with a commonly accepted definition of personality: “It describes a person’s usual pattern of behavior, feelings and thoughts.” While that brief description gives you a starting point, there isn’t much life in it. That’s where this discussion picks up. You get a chance to roll up your virtual sleeves and interact with fellow classmate to explore your own conceptions of personality as you observe it in other people as well as identify core personality traits in yourself. As you share these observations and insights, you will also have the privilege of learning about the personality traits of others in the course.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Communicate self-understanding of personality traits.

Resources

· Textbook:  Personality Psychology: Understanding Yourself and Others

· Video & Transcript: Personality

· Video & Transcript: Introduction to Psychometrics

· Web page: How to Write an Engaging Discussion Post

· Website: Academic Writer

· Website: OCLS Evaluating Sources Page

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Read Chapters 1 and 2 in your textbook.

3. Watch the videos:

a. Personality  (4:56 min)

i. Transcript of the "Personality" video .

b. Introduction to Psychometrics  (2:45 min)

i. Transcript of the "Introduction to Psychometrics" video .

c. Both of the above videos are from the OCLS library databases.  You may have to login, using your MyIWU login.

4. To learn the guidelines to apply to your weekly discussion posts, review the  How to Write an Engaging Online Discussion Post  web page.

5. Navigate to the discussion topic and respond to the following discussion prompts:

a. How do you define the concept of personality?

b. What one word best describes your personality? Explain.

c. What is the difference, if any, between a person’s personality and their temperament?

d. How much of your personality is a result of inborn temperament and how much has been shaped by your environment? Explain.

6. Your initial post should be between 400 to 500 words.