-
Context
There are multiple approaches to the study and understanding of personality psychology. You will explore both the genetic and evolutionary theories of personality. There is a long and continuing debate over the roles of nature and nurture in the development of personality. Psychologists have long understood the importance of connecting biology and psychology. Many believe personality traits and dispositions, along with subsequent behaviors, have a biological component or are evolutionary in nature. One frequently asked question is whether personality is inheritable. Another critical question asks what role brain function has on personality traits and, subsequently, on behavior.
-
Toggle Drawer
Questions to Consider
To deepen your understanding, you are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of the business community.
-
Toggle Drawer
Resources
Suggested Resources
The following optional resources are provided to support you in completing the assessment or to provide a helpful context. For additional resources, refer to the Research Resources and Supplemental Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom.
Capella Resources
Click the links provided to view the following resources:
Capella Multimedia
Click the links provided below to view the following multimedia pieces:
The following are designed to teach you how to properly format citations in APA:
- APA Citation: Citing a Book | Transcript.
- APA Citation: Citing a Journal Article | Transcript.
- APA Citation: Citing a Website | Transcript.
Library Resources
The following e-books or articles from the Capella University Library are linked directly in this course:
- Aeron, S., & Pathak, S. (2012). Relationship between team member personality and team cohesion: An exploratory study in IT industry. Management and Labour Studies, 37(3), 267–282.
- Blatt, S. J., & Auerbach, J. S. (2000). Psychoanalytic models of the mind and their contributions to personality research. European Journal of Personality, 14(5), 429–447.
- Cramer, P. (1999). Ego functions and ego development: Defense mechanisms and intelligence as predictors of ego level. Journal of Personality, 67(5), 735–760.
- Hingley, S. M. (2001). Psychodynamic theory and narcissistically related personality problems: Support from case study research. British Journal of Medical Psychology, 74, 57–72.
- Kiel, J. M. (1999). Reshaping Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to reflect today’s educational and managerial philosophies. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 26(3), 167–168.
- Krishnakumar, S., & Hopkins, K. (2013). Workplace emotional perception: An ability-based measure.Journal of Business and Management, 19(3), 63–78.
- Vaillant, G. E. (1994). Ego mechanisms of defense and personality psychopathology. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 103(1), 44–50.
Course Library Guide
A Capella University library guide has been created specifically for your use in this course. You are encouraged to refer to the resources in the PSYC-FP2900 – Introduction to the Psychology of Personality Library Guide to help direct your research.
Internet Resources
Access the following resources by clicking the links provided. Please note that URLs change frequently. Permissions for the following links have been either granted or deemed appropriate for educational use at the time of course publication.
- The SAPA Project. (n.d.). Retrieved fromhttps://sapa-project.org/
Bookstore Resources
The resources listed below are relevant to the topics and assessments in this course and are not required. Unless noted otherwise, these resources are available for purchase from the Capella University Bookstore. When searching the bookstore, be sure to look for the Course ID with the specific –FP (FlexPath) course designation.
- Larsen, R. J., & Buss, D. M. (2014). Personality psychology: Domains of knowledge about human nature(5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
- Chapter 9, “Psychoanalytic Approaches to Personality.”
- Chapter 10, “Psychoanalytic Approaches: Contemporary Issues.”
- Chapter 11, “Motives and Personality.”
-
Assessment Instructions
Note: The assessments in this course build upon each other, so you are strongly encouraged to complete them in sequence.
In this assessment, you will examine the genetic and evolutionary approaches to understanding personality. This assessment will prepare you for the application of theory in the next assessment, so it is recommended that you complete this assessment first.
For this assessment, create a chart to explain the genetic and evolutionary approaches to personality. Use bullet points and short phrases to complete the following in your chart:
- Provide a brief description of the theory, and identify the major theorist(s).
- Explain the major components of the theory.
- Explain the strengths, weaknesses, and criticisms of the theory.
- Explain how the theory may be applied within the field of psychology. In other words, in what situations is this theory being used?
- Provide one citation from a current (within 5 years) peer-reviewed, scholarly source.
After you have completed your chart, use critical thinking skills to write a paragraph using APA style and formatting that:
- Discusses the arguments for validity.
- Applies proper APA formatting and style.
- Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations of members of professional communities.
Additional Requirements
- Written communication: Ensure written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
- Formatting: Format resources and citations according to APA style and formatting.
- Number of resources: Include a minimum of two current (within 5 years) peer-reviewed, scholarly resources.
- Number of pages: Submit 2–3 pages.
- Font and font size: Use Times New Roman, 12-point font.
