Module 8: Personality

How does personality develop? There have been many discussions and theories within the field of psychology about the fundamental issues of personality development. Some theories emphasize the role of early childhood experiences, while others focus on the contributions of past and present events. Some theories have proposed temperaments are inborn and predispositions are genetic. Some also point to the role of environment in shaping personality. Modern research methods continue to help confirm or refute these ideas. In this module, you will look at these theories and explain their contributions to the study of personality.

Getting Started

Before you begin studying different personality theories, take a moment to think about what your opinions on the topic are. Consider your answers to the following questions:

• Do you believe your basic personality traits are set, or do you feel they will change as you age? For example, when you imagine your high school reunion, do you think your personality will remain consistent to how it is today?
• Is your personality determined by inherited traits or the result of your environment? For example, do you have a parent or relative with similar personality traits? If so, is how you were raised a factor?
• Do you believe you have free will to choose and change your personality traits? For example, are you shy or outgoing? Can you dictate which one?
• Is your personality unique? For example, do you think no one has a personality like yours or do personality traits fall into broader patterns?

 

Key Vocabulary

To view the definitions for these vocabulary terms, visit the course glossary.