Personality Reflection Worksheet

1.                  How would you define personality?

         To define personality can be somewhat of a difficult task to complete. Throughout the history of psychology and the history of psychology of personality numerous theorists developed their own theory in regard to personality and how and why personality develops. Theorists such as Erik Erikson, Melanie Klein, Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, Sigmund Freud, and numerous others developed their own distinctive theory of personality, because each theorist has had his or her own individualist view of personality. In the past and currently today, there is no agreed upon definition of what personality is or how individuals’ personalities develop. Therefore, numerous theories are similar and different in regard to the concepts that is, as to what constitutes or defines personality. Therefore, a single definition of personality does not exist; although, personality is a pattern of relatively permanent traits and unique characteristics that hold consistency and individuality in regard to the behavior of an individual (Feist & Feist, 2009).  

2.                  What are some key personality features that define you?

          There are numerous personality features or traits that I can use to define myself. In particular these personality traits are extroverted, enthusiastic, agreeable, dependable, self-disciplined, calm, emotionally stable, conscientiousness, sympathetic, warm, and openness or open to new experiences, but yet complex. Yet still there are other personality traits that can help define why I see myself also as an empathic and compassionate individual who can express such empathy and compassion to other individuals without personal gain or reward.  

3.                  Are your personality features consistent or do they change according to the situation?

          I do believe my personality features are consistent within what I deem as normal circumstances, situations, or environments. Therefore, if I am in a normal circumstance, situation, or environment my personality features remain consistent. Even when I introduce myself into circumstances, situations, or environments that I do not deem as normal my personality features remain consistent. However, when I am unknowingly become part of a circumstance, situation, or environment that is not what I consider as normal then some of my personality features may not remain consistent.   

4.         Have you ever taken a personality test before? If so, what was your reaction to the analysis? If not, what would you expect a proper test to measure?

          Personality tests are one of the five major categories of tests used in psychology. Personality tests are types of tests that yield critical information in regard to the personality of individuals and what personality traits individuals possess. Yes, I have taken a personality test before, and have taken several different types of personality tests. I find it rather interesting to take personality tests and to watch other individuals take such test to find out what the results are. My reaction to the analysis of each test has been similar; whereas, each test has given almost the same results. Therefore, I find personality test to be accurate with measuring what traits I believe my personality consists of.

           5.         What would make a personality test reliable and valid?

          Reliability and validity are critical aspects of tests and personality tests. It is of particular importance and interest that a personality test has reliability and validity. In regard to being reliable or reliability, this refers to how consistent a test is or the consistency of scores that one is expecting to be similar or the same (Friedman & Schustack, 2011). In regard to being valid or validity, this refers to whether a test measures what it claims to measure or does not and whether or not an individual interpret the scores of the test in meaningful ways. Therefore, for a personality test to be reliable and valid it must yield the same results after repeated or retesting, and it must measure personalities like it claims to and such scores must serve a meaningful purpose (Feist & Feist, 2009).

Reference

Feist, J., & Feist, G. J., (2009). Theories of personality (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Friedman, H. S., & Schustack, M. W., (2011). Personality. Classic Theories and Modern Research (5th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.

          To understand the nurture vs nature debate in regard to personality one must understand what personality is. However, there are numerous definitions of what personality is; therefore, a single definition of personality does not exist. Although, personality is a pattern of relatively permanent traits and unique characteristics that are individualistic and consistent to the behavior of an individual (Feist & Feist, 2009). Numerous factors, such as the environment and heredity can influence an individual's personality and have a factor in developing an individual's personality. Gaining an understanding into how such factors affect an individual's personality enables an understand of how the development of personality occurs. I believe that both heredity and environment or environmental circumstances play factor in the development of personality. For instance, numerous tin studies show that twins raised in the same home by the same parents or caregivers can develop differing personalities (Feist & Feist, 2009)   

Reference

Feist, J., & Feist, G. J. (2009). Theories of personality (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Friedman, H. S., & Schustack, M. W. (2011). Personality. Classic Theories and Modern Research (5th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.

Why might understanding the psychology of personality be a valuable tool?

          Personality psychology is the scientific approach of studying psychological means that make individuals unique in regard to other individuals (Friedman & Schustack, 2011). Therefore, understanding the psychology of personality is a valuable tool that enables an individual or individuals to gain an understanding of why an individual is unique in regard to being different than another individual, and enables an individual to gain an understanding of an individual's or individuals' thought processes and why particular behaviors occur that are displayed by such an individual or individuals. For instance, psychologist through an understanding the psychology of personality are able to understand and implement treatments or therapy numerous clients in appropriate means designed for each particular individual instead of being designed as one approach for everyone.  

Reference

Friedman, H. S., & Schustack, M. W. (2011). Personality. Classic Theories and Modern Research (5th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.