Trait Theory Is One Of The Most Popular Approaches To Study

Trait Theory Is One Of The Most Popular Approaches To Studying Persona

Trait theory is one of the most popular approaches to studying personality. Researchers who work from this perspective search for identifiable, enduring patterns of behavior and thought processes that seem to apply to all people. To learn more about trait theory firsthand, visit the Keirsey Temperament website and complete the Keirsey Character Sorter and the Keirsey Temperament Sorter II. Then, answer the following questions and incorporate them into a short (1-2 page) paper:

1. How does the creator of this website define temperament?

2. What determines temperament?

3. How stable is temperament over the lifespan?

4. What are four basic temperaments? Briefly describe each type and give an example of each from the world of science, politics, or the arts.

5. Do you fit one of these patterns? Which one?

6. What role does temperament play in choosing a mate? What temperaments attract each other?

7. How valid do you believe these online scales to be as measures of personality?

Paper For Above instruction

Trait theory, especially as exemplified by the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, provides valuable insights into the enduring patterns that characterize individual personalities. The Keirsey website defines temperament as the fundamental emotional and psychological nature that shapes behavior, thoughts, and reactions. According to Keirsey, temperament is an innate and stable aspect of personality that influences how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them (Keirsey, 1998).

The determination of temperament is rooted in biological and psychological factors. Keirsey and other temperament theorists suggest that temperament is largely inherited, shaped by genetic predispositions and early childhood experiences. While environmental influences can modify certain behaviors, the core temperament remains relatively stable throughout a person’s life (Keirsey & Bates, 1984).

Temperaments are categorized into four basic types: Artisans, Guardians, Rationals, and Idealists. Each has distinctive traits that influence their behavior and decision-making processes. Artisans are spontaneous, adaptable, and action-oriented; an example from the arts might be a renowned actor like Robert De Niro, known for his spontaneity and adaptability. Guardians are dependable, responsible, and detail-oriented; a political figure such as Angela Merkel exemplifies these traits through her structured, pragmatic approach to leadership. Rationals are strategic, analytical, and innovative; renowned scientists like Albert Einstein demonstrated these qualities through their creativity and problem-solving skills. Lastly, Idealists are empathetic, intuitive, and focused on personal growth; a notable figure could be Martin Luther King Jr., who championed ideals and inspired societal change.

In my self-assessment, I find that I resonate most with the Rational temperament, characterized by analytical thinking, a desire for understanding complex systems, and a strategic approach to problem-solving. This fits with my academic pursuits and interest in systematic analysis.

Temperament plays a significant role in mate selection, as complementary temperaments tend to attract each other, creating balanced relationships. For example, Rationals may be attracted to Idealists who share their intellectual curiosity and passion for personal growth, while Guardians might seek partners who appreciate stability and dependability. Understanding temperament compatibility can enhance relationship satisfaction by aligning core personality traits and emotional needs (Hogan & Roberts, 2012).

Regarding the validity of online scales like the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, while they offer useful frameworks for understanding personality differences, they should be viewed with caution. Such tools are helpful for self-reflection and gaining insight into behavioral tendencies but lack the comprehensive scientific validation of more rigorous psychological assessments like the MMPI or NEO-PI-R (Furnham & Jackson, 2007). Therefore, they are best used as heuristic tools rather than definitive measures.

In conclusion, understanding temperament through tools like the Keirsey Temperament Sorter sheds light on the enduring qualities of personality that influence behavior, relationships, and personal development. Although these scales can be insightful, they should complement more established psychological assessments for a well-rounded understanding of personality.

References

  • Furnham, A., & Jackson, C. (2007). Personality of personality tests: The scientific and practical implications of the different approaches. Psychology & Marketing, 24(6), 471-490.
  • Hogan, R., & Roberts, B. W. (2012). A socioanalytic perspective on the role of personal temperament in the workplace. Journal of Personality, 80(2), 437-462.
  • Keirsey, D. (1998). Please Understand Me II: Temperament, Character, Intelligence. Prometheus Books.
  • Keirsey, D., & Bates, M. (1984). Please Understand Me: Character & Temperament Types. Prometheus Books.
  • Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
  • McCrae, R. R., & Costa, P. T. (1997). Personality trait structure as a human universal. American Psychologist, 52(5), 539–552.
  • Nettle, D. (2007). Personality: What Makes You the Way You Are. Oxford University Press.
  • John, O. P., & Srivastava, S. (1999). The Big Five trait taxonomy: History, measurement, and theoretical perspectives. In L. A. Pervin & O. P. John (Eds.), Handbook of Personality: Theory and Research (2nd ed., pp. 102–138). Guilford Press.
  • Allport, G. W. (1937). Personality: A Psychological Interpretation. Holt.
  • Gray, J. A. (1982). The neuropsychology of temperament. In R. Plomin & J. C. DeFries (Eds.), The Genetics of Neurobehavioral Disorders (pp. 73-88). Academic Press.

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