Transcript Slide 1
Nature vs. Nurture? A ‘human nature’? Is personality real or a construct? What motivates us? Conscious vs unconscious? Group vs individual? Nomothetic vs. idiographic More global and general Long history of interest Many large-scale theories Theories don’t guide research Theories generated/tested differently Theorists clinicians, not scientists Influenced by theorist’s personality Study of personality divided into theoretical and empirical (a-theoretical) approaches. Theories difficult to test: Postdictive, not predictive Vague, abstract concepts “a characteristic pattern of thoughts and behaviors that make us unique” (Kluckhorn & Murray, 1953) Based on ‘persona’ Personality studies the variety and consistency in human conduct: like every human being like some human beings like no other human being Construct Construct O O O O O O Type Approach: Limited number of distinct personality types Emphasis on biological bases of personality Oldest approach The Four Humours Blood Yellow Bile Hippocrates Phlegm Black Bile Galen Trait Approach: Personality = internal characteristics and tendencies Emphasis on biological factors Say little about development Behaviorist Approach: Personality = consistent patterns of behavior Emphasized experience and learning Influenced by Watson, Skinner Cognitive Approach: Personality = style of information selection & processing Cognition can be potentially replicated on a computer. Emphasis on memory, thinking, problem-solving, language use. Evolutionary Psychology Approach: Emphasizes biological bases of personality Focus on adaptive function of personality through evolution Growing in influence in the field Psychoanalytic/psychodynamic approachs: Emphasis on unconscious, emotional conflict Emphasis on early experience Behavior and symptoms are symbolic Based on case studies, clinical evidence Humanistic Approach: Personality = manifestation of the Self, inner unity Stress positive motivation and reaching of full potential Search for personal meaning Idiographic approach Two views of science: Realist (Popper) Constructionist/Paradigmatic (Kuhn) Popper: Falsification; science is based on theory, predictions Kuhn: science is bound by paradigms Stages: pre-paradigmatic (prescientific), paradigmatic (normal science), revolutionary (paradigm shift).