MEP - Introduction to Personality Lesson

Introduction to Personality

Learning Targets:

  • Describe and compare research methods that psychologists use to investigate personality.
  • Identify the contributions of major researchers in personality theory. 

AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2020. (n.d.). https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-psychology-course-and-exam-description.pdf

Research Methods                                                                        

Personality is a fascinating topic that has intrigued scholars for centuries. It refers to the unique set of traits, characteristics, and Getting to Know Your Personality.png behaviors that define an individual and differentiate them from others. Personality can influence the way people think, feel, and behave in various situations, making it a crucial area of study in psychology.

Studying personality requires the use of a variety of research methods because it is a complex and multifaceted construct. Three commonly used methods for investigating personality include case studies, surveys, and personality inventories.

Case studies are in-depth investigations of individuals or small groups. Using this method, researchers can gain a comprehensive understanding of a person's unique traits, characteristics, and behaviors. Often, case studies involve collecting qualitative data,  such as interviews, observations, and written documents. Case studies can provide rich and detailed information about individuals but can also be time-consuming.

Surveys are another method for investigating personality. A survey asks a lot of questions about people's personality traits, attitudes, and behaviors. Researchers can identify patterns and trends across a large sample of individuals using survey data. Surveys, however, can be limited by response bias, where participants may not answer honestly.

In personality inventories, various aspects of personality are measured. The inventories typically ask participants to rate statements about themselves based on multiple-choice questions or Likert scales. Using personality inventories, researchers can compare individuals or groups on their personality traits. There is a risk of social desirability bias in personality inventories, where participants answer questions to appear desirable.

Major Researchers in Personality Theory 

 

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