PERSONALITY
Personality is a concept which may be seen as consisting various characteristics that explain why a person behaves in a particular manner. Some of these characteristics are: conscientiousness, agreeableness, independence and self-control. Studies of personality can be divided into two main approaches: nomothetic (nature) and idiographic (nurture).
Nomothetic approach, also known as nature, is the idea that our personalities and traits are down to our genetic predispositions. In other words, they are handed down to us by our parents.
Idiographic approach, also known as nurture, is the idea that our personalities are influenced heavily by environmental factors; so the way we have been brought up and the culture around us. People think and behave in certain ways because they are taught to do so.
There have been different views expressed about the approaches of personality. Scientists have been able to distinguish between the nomothetic and idiographic approach. People have unique personalities, a way of experiencing the world and participating in it that is all their own. So for example, it would be difficult to change someone’s personality if it is has been inherited through their genetic make-up. On the other hand, the idiographic view suggests that some traits possessed by only one person hence having a unique psychological structure. In addition, some traits may differ in importance from person to person. Peoples’ personalities can adapt to change therefore it is difficult to compare and distinguish between two people’s personalities. The lifestyle someone lives can influence the way they behave. Also, the way they have been brought up can relate to their behaviour. (Shady Guirguis, 2004)
I believe that some traits are passed down from our parents as people tend to have similar personalities to their family members. My personality is similar to my father in the sense that we are quick thinkers and tend to approach things methodically. However, there are also nature factors that relates to how I behave. Once people gain lifetime experiences in different environments, their personality can change. As for me, I believe I have a mixture of both the nature and nurture that makes up my personality but nurture is the more dominant factor that makes up my personality. This is because I enjoy socialising with my friends and exploring different things.
ONLINE PERSONALITY TRAIT TEST
Openness- I scored 3.2 out of 5 for Openness. People with scores like yours tend to have a less broad range of interests. They usually stick to what they know rather than being overly enthusiastic about trying new things. You may find that generating lots of imaginative ideas is not your biggest strength.
Conscientiousness- I scored 3.9 out of 5 for Conscientiousness. You scored high on Conscientiousness. People with scores like yours tend to be extremely dependable and organised. It's likely that your life is well-planned and you approach things in a thorough manner. At work, you probably approach tasks methodically and thoroughly, with everything in its right place.
Extroversion- I scored 3.5 out of 5 for extroversion. People with scores like yours are likely to be comfortable meeting new people and will usually enjoy social occasions. You are likely to have a generally positive outlook on life and may display a greater gift for leadership compared to those with low scores on this trait.
Agreeableness- I scored 4.4 out of 5 for Agreeableness. People with scores like yours are likely to find it very easy to get along with other people. You probably find that you are sensitive to the feelings of others and that people find it easy to warm to you. As a 'people person' you will probably be very comfortable in situations that require teamwork.
Neuroticism- I scored 2.3 out of 5 for Neuroticism. People with scores like yours are often seen as being calm and even-tempered. They cope well with stressful situations and may seem tranquil despite adverse circumstances.
Personality as a concept is difficult to determine, especially because there is not an actual place where it is stored or created. However, the evidence collected from observation and careful study can lead us to believe that there is no one method by which personality achievement and differences can be explained; only by a mix of internal and external factors, inclined and random can personality be formed.
REFERENCES
Nature vs Nurture (2010) [online]. Available from:
M.Simpson (2010) PowerPoint presentation.
Mullins, L. (2010) Management and Organisational Behaviour. 9th ed. England: Prentice Hall
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