Karen Abinsay

IV BSOT

Human Behavior

November 24, 2014

CHAPTER 1: THE NATURE OF PERSONALITY THEORY

Although the development of personality theory began with origins
from great classical scholars (i.e. Hippocrates, Plate, Aristotle; Aquinas,
Locke, Nietzsches, etc.), there are 5 modern sources that have influenced
personality theory:
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Clinical observation: Beginning with Charcot and Janet but

including most importantly Freud, Jung, and McDougall - has
done more to determine the nature of personality theory than
any other single factor.
Gestalt tradition & William Stern: These theorists were
greatly impressed with the unity of behavior and therefore were
convinced that a fragmented study of small elements of
behavior could never prove enlightening.
Experimental psychology & learning theory: With these
paths came increased concern with carefully controlled
empirical research, a better understanding of the nature of
theory construction, and a more detailed appreciation of how
behavior is modified.
Psychometric tradition: Focusing on the measurements and
study of individual differences, this source has provided
increasing sophistication in assessing dimensions of behavior
and the quantitative analysis of data.
Genetics & physiology: These have played a crucial role in
attempts to identify and describe personality characteristics

What is Personality?
Is assessed by the effectiveness with which he or she is able to elicit
positive reactions from a variety of persons under different
circumstances. (Social skill)
The most outstanding impression that he or she creates in others.
What is most typical and deeply characteristic of the person.
Is defined by the particular concepts contained within a given theory
that are considered adequate for the complete description or
understanding of human behavior.

Karen Abinsay
IV BSOT

Human Behavior

November 24, 2014

What is a theory?
Is an unsubstantiated hypothesis or a speculation concerning reality
that is not yet definitely known to be so.
Is a set of conventions created by the theorist; is only useful of not
useful; contains a cluster of relevant assumptions systemically related
to each other and a set of empirical definitions.
3 Functions: It leads to the collection or observation of relevant
empirical relations not yet observed; permits the incorporation of
known empirical findings within a logically consistent and reasonably
simple framework; prevents the observer from being dazzled by the
complexity of natural or concrete events.
What is a theory of personality?
A set of assumptions concerning human behavior together with rules
for relating these assumptions and definitions to permit their
interaction with empirical or observable events.
4 groups:
1. Psychodynamic Theories: emphasize unconscious motives
and resulting intrapsychic conflict.
2. Structural Theories: focus on the different behavioral
tendencies that characterize individuals.
3. Experimental Theories: emphasize the way the person
perceives reality and experiences his or her world.
4. Learning Theories: emphasize the learned basis of response
tendencies, with an emphasis on the learning process rather
than the resulting tendencies.

Ref: Calvin S. Hall et al, Theories of Personality 4 th Edition