Verified Document

New Research In Personality Theory Term Paper

Personal Psychology Describe and discuss the nature-nurture dichotomy as it relates to personality psychology; the key associated areas of research; and the key research findings.

The study of personality progresses in tandem with advances in neuroscience and behavioral studies, fields that reflect the nature-nurture dichotomy of human development. The word dichotomy is misleading in that it describes a division between two mutually exclusive and contradictory elements or conditions. Yet, contemporary research in personality indicates that there is not an actual nature-nurture dichotomy. Instead, experts assert that, "Both genetic and environmental factors are important to personality" (Krueger & Johnson, 2008, p. 287). Indeed, new conceptual and methodological advances have shifted research questions from a focus on which influences are the strongest in personality development and expression to a focus on determining how "genetic and environmental influences actually come together to shape personality" (Krueger & Johnson, 2008, p. 287).

Brain mapping technology enables neuroscientists "to associate personality traits with individual difference in brain structure and function" through the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and electroencephalograms (Canli, 2008, p. 311). Innovations in molecular biology and genetics enable the identification of genetic variations that can now be mapped through a synergistic new field of study called "imaging genetics" (Canli, 2008, p. 311). Canli asserts that an agentic view of personality -- in which an individual acts to change his or her own environment -- is missing from these new lines of research. Canli's observation is pivotal to the eventual development of psychological thought that does not rest on "the individual as a passive recipient of environmental and genetic input" (2008, p. 323).
Building on the seminal work of researchers who established…

Sources used in this document:
Sources:

Canli, T. (2008). Toward a "Molecular Psychology" of Personality. In O.P. John, R.W. Robins, R.W., and L.A. Pervin, Handbook of Personality: Theory and Research. (3rd ed.) (pp. 311-323). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Krueger, R.F. And Johnson, W. (2008). Behavioral genetics and personality: A new look at the integration of nature and nurture. In O.P. John, R.W. Robins, R.W., and L.A. Pervin, Handbook of Personality: Theory and Research. (3rd ed.) (pp. 287-310). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

[Type text]
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Personality Theory Describe and Discuss the Basic
Words: 2389 Length: 6 Document Type: Term Paper

Personality Theory Describe and discuss the basic characteristics, tenets and methods of investigation/research for psychodynamic and cognitive perspectives regarding personality psychology, and the benefits/strengths and limitations/weaknesses of each approach. The challenge that the researchers and personality theorists will face is to parsimoniously capture the process-oriented and dynamic nature of personality. Dweck (1996) in an earlier study asserts that "trait theorists have addressed some of the more static, descriptive aspects of personality-how people

Personality Theory Analysis the Trait Theory and
Words: 1179 Length: 4 Document Type: Essay

Personality Theory Analysis The trait theory and the psychoanalytic theory are two theories that attempt to explain personality and behavior, but are two entirely different approaches. The trait theory approaches personality with combinations of personality traits and measurements of individual traits in attempting to explain personality and behavior. On the other hand, the psychoanalytic theory explores the unconscious through behavior, feelings, self-esteem, and social contexts in attempting to explain personality and

Personality Theory From My Point-Of-View, I See
Words: 341 Length: 1 Document Type: Term Paper

Personality Theory From my point-of-view, I see Erik Erikson's epigenetic principle to be the most appropriate theory to most individuals that explains how personality develops. From an online source, the epigenetic principle states that, This principle says that we develop through a predetermined unfolding of our personalities in eight stages. Our progress through each stage is in part determined by our success, or lack of success, in all the previous stages. A

Personality Theory the Objective of This Study
Words: 585 Length: 2 Document Type: Term Paper

Personality Theory The objective of this study is to focus on two perspectives of personality theory and for this study chosen are the two of: (1) traits; and (2) psychodynamic. The limitations and weaknesses of each will be examined and a preference for one chosen and the reason provided. Narratives The work of Johns, Robbins, and Pervin (2008) states in regards to the question of 'what does it mean to know a person?'

Personality Theories of Personality This Paper Analyses
Words: 1355 Length: 4 Document Type: Research Paper

Personality Theories of Personality This paper analyses the process of personality development in detail. It discusses how various genetic, environmental, cognitive, unconscious and socioculture factors affect the process of personality development in different individuals. Theory of Personality Personality can be defined as the sum total of all the characteristics that make an individual unique and different from other individuals. In order to analyze one's personality you do not necessarily need a psychologist to

Personality Theory Carl Sagan Wrote
Words: 1034 Length: 3 Document Type: Research Proposal

The ceased to exist when the star stops to expand and melts -- when it can will itself to shine again and starts looking for ways to become a shining star again -- when it becomes a star, it becomes a nuclear reactor. A nuclear reactor is defined a device in which a nuclear fission chain reaction occurs under controlled conditions so that the heat yield can be harnessed or

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now