Week 9 Seminar Theories of Personality
WHERE DO WE GET OUR PERSONALITY? Heredity Environment Culture Heredity Environment Culture
Genetic Influences on Personality 123 pairs of identical twins compared to 127 pairs of fraternal twins Measured on “Big Five” personality dimensions Results suggest that personality differences in the population are % genetically determined. 123 pairs of identical twins compared to 127 pairs of fraternal twins Measured on “Big Five” personality dimensions Results suggest that personality differences in the population are % genetically determined.
Environmental Influences on Personality The power of parents. The power of peers. Situations and circumstances. The power of parents. The power of peers. Situations and circumstances.
The Power of Peers Adolescent culture includes different peer groups organized by different interests. Peer acceptance is so important to children and adolescents that being bullied, victimized or rejected by peers is far more traumatic that punitive treatment by parents. Adolescent culture includes different peer groups organized by different interests. Peer acceptance is so important to children and adolescents that being bullied, victimized or rejected by peers is far more traumatic that punitive treatment by parents.
Question What are some of the most commonly used methods for obtaining information regarding individual personality?
PERSONALITY TESTS Projective Objective Designed to further understand the personality of individuals. Projective Objective Designed to further understand the personality of individuals.
Projective Tests Projective tests –Based on the assumption that the test taker will transfer (“project”)unconscious conflicts and motives onto an ambiguous stimulus. –Examples include the Thematic Apperception Test and the Rorschach Projective tests –Based on the assumption that the test taker will transfer (“project”)unconscious conflicts and motives onto an ambiguous stimulus. –Examples include the Thematic Apperception Test and the Rorschach
The Rorschach Inkblot Test Ambiguous stimuli Person is asked to report what they see This type of test is called projective –No clear image, so the things you see must be “projected” from inside yourself Ambiguous stimuli Person is asked to report what they see This type of test is called projective –No clear image, so the things you see must be “projected” from inside yourself Sample Rorschach Card
Thematic Apperception Test Person is asked to tell a story about the “hero” in the picture People project their personality onto the picture and description of what is going on. Person is asked to tell a story about the “hero” in the picture People project their personality onto the picture and description of what is going on.
Objective Personality Scales Answer a series of question about self –‘I am easily embarrassed’ T or F –‘I like to go to parties’ T or F Assumes that you can accurately report There are no right or wrong answers From responses, develop a picture of you called a ‘personality profile’ Answer a series of question about self –‘I am easily embarrassed’ T or F –‘I like to go to parties’ T or F Assumes that you can accurately report There are no right or wrong answers From responses, develop a picture of you called a ‘personality profile’
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Most widely used personality instrument –Now the MMPI - 2 Clinical & Employment settings Measures aspects of personality that, if extreme, suggest a problem –e.g., extreme suspiciousness Long test ‑ 567 questions Most widely used personality instrument –Now the MMPI - 2 Clinical & Employment settings Measures aspects of personality that, if extreme, suggest a problem –e.g., extreme suspiciousness Long test ‑ 567 questions
MMPI Score Profile
Question How should assessment information be used in therapy?
Question What precautions should be taken when a therapist interprets and uses the results of a client's personality inventory?
WRAP-UP Any questions we missed or last questions or comments before we end our time this week?