There Are Three Theoretical Approaches to Understanding Personality

question 27

Essay

There are three theoretical approaches to understanding personality.Describe each of these approaches.What are the shortcomings of the approaches? In your opinion which one is most appropriate?B.Cattell has studied personality traits,gathering many measures of traits through behavioral observation,records of people's life histories,questionnaires,and objective tests.On the basis of his research,Cattell has concluded that 16 basic traits underlie individual differences in behavior.The research resulted in the development of Cattell's 16 PF (16 personality factors)questionnaire,which measures the degree to which people have these traits.Among the traits he identified are reserved-outgoing,practical-imaginative,relaxed-tense,and humble-assertive.All 16 of Cattell's traits are bipolar; that is,each trait has two extremes (e.g.,relaxed-tense).
Trait theories have been criticized as not being real theories because they don't explain how behavior is caused.The mere identification of such traits as tough-minded,conservative,expedient,reserved,or outgoing doesn't offer insight into the development and dynamics of personality.Furthermore,trait approaches haven't been successful in predicting behavior across a spectrum of situations,due to the fact that situations (the job,the work activities)are largely ignored in trait theories.
Psychodynamic Personality Theories The dynamic nature of personality wasn't addressed seriously until Sigmund Freud's work was published.Freud accounted for individual differences in personality by suggesting that people deal with their fundamental drives differently.To highlight these differences,he pictured a continuing battle between two parts of personality,the id and the superego,moderated by the ego.

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Definitions:

Cognitive Capacities

The mental abilities or processes that are part of human cognition, such as memory, reasoning, and perception.

Primitive Thought

Early stage cognitive processes that are not refined or sophisticated, often relying on basic instincts and immediate responses rather than logical analysis.

Prototype

An original model or first form of something from which later versions are developed or copied.

Key Attributes

Essential qualities or features that define and differentiate an object, concept, or person.