What Defines Your Personality?

Solution Preview

? How would you define personality?
You will need to put this in your own words. I would say that a personality is something unique to each individual and constantly changes. It is based on certain ways of dealing with life and understanding the world around us.

? What are some key personality features that define you?
Gordon Allport's Trait Theory
In 1936, psychologist Gordon Allport found that one English-language dictionary alone contained more than 4,000 words describing different personality traits.1 He categorized these traits into three levels:
? Cardinal Traits: Traits that dominate an individual's whole life, often to the point that the person becomes known specifically for these traits. People with such personalities often become so known for these traits that their names are often synonymous with these qualities. Consider the origin and meaning of the following descriptive terms: Freudian, Machiavellian, narcissism, Don Juan, Christ-like, etc. Allport suggested that cardinal traits are rare and tend to develop later in life.2

? Central Traits: These are the general characteristics that form the basic foundations of personality. These central traits, while not as dominating as cardinal traits, are the major characteristics you might use to describe another person. Terms such as intelligent, honest, shy and anxious are considered central traits.

? Secondary Traits: These are the traits that are sometimes related to attitudes or preferences and often appear only in certain situations or under specific circumstances. Some examples would be getting anxious when speaking to a group or impatient while waiting in line.
http://psychology.about.com/od/theoriesofpersonality/a/trait-theory.htm

Using the information above you can write about your own personality.
For example, I am an honest person with an introvert personality. At times I can become very angry when someone is mistreated. Introvert would be a main characteristics while angery could be a secondary trait.

? What key concepts or "constructs" are used to explain your personality?
This refers to observable behaviors and things about us that others can notice such as facial expressions. I am known for my facial expression and not as much body language. People will also see constructs such as anxiety and calmness.

? Are your personality features consistent or do they change according to the situation?
This is something I discussed at the top of the page about secondary traits that change with situations. Maybe you are a nice and calm person but if you see someone being mistreated ...