Scientific Study of Personality Case

Scientific Study of Personality

                                Introduction

This paper will define personality and provide an overview of the definition of personality; it will discuss the three most commonly used methods used in the research of personality the methods that will be discussed are studies, correlational design, and experimental designs or true experiments. This paper also explain each method differs, it also include what type of information each method provides, this paper will conclude with what advantages and disadvantages of each method.

                                        Psychologists’ definition of personality

According to the APA.org personality refers to individual differences in characteristics patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior (APA.org, n.d.). The study of personality focuses on two broad areas: one is the understanding of individual differences in particular personality characteristics, such as sociability and irritability (APA.org, n.d.). The other is the understanding of how the various parts of a person come together as a whole (APA.org, n.d.).

                                An overview of the definition of personality

        In order to give an overview of the definition of personality it is better to start with the meaning of personality, the word personality comes from the Latin word persona, which is referred to as a theatrical mask work by performers in order to either project different roles or to disguise their identities (Cherry, 2015). An overview of the definition of personality is a simple one: personality refers to a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Personality is what makes an individual unique and different from everyone else.

                                        Case Studies

        Clinicians feel that case studies and clinical research is the best method to truly delve into a person’s personality as it enables the clinician to dissect any fragment of personality. This is the method that is used when treating a person and/or developing a personality theory. When a professional treats the patient using this method it gives them the ability to come back at a later time and develop a more detailed theory.

        This method like any other methods has its advantages and disadvantages, case studies and research can accomplish a lot of goals that are outlined in different approaches. This approach can create new knowledge, test a hypothesis, and may also solve problems. When this method is used the clinician or researcher can conduct the study while avoiding the issues with statistics and issues that may be found in empirical approaches (Schwartz, Cieciuch, & Vecchione, 2012).

        One disadvantage of this method is that the professional can rely too much and their interpretations of the results. This is the point that reliability and validity factors come into question.

        The advantages of this method is that a laboratory cannot create anything that is artificial and that the professional is able to study the person in full detail, leading to a more comprehensive and reliable method (Schwartz, Cieciuch, & Vecchione, 2012).

                                        Correlational design

        Correlational design is the second method of approach to personality; this is done by using questionnaires and correlational research. This is used when case studies and in- depth research is not available for a person: this is a desirable method. This method is used to understand human nature and the choices a person makes can determine several components of their personality.

        One disadvantage of this method is that sometimes it can be viewed as though the person was tested in an environment where they felt uncomfortable or when they are having a bad day.

        A person could answer questions based on his or her current mood versus their normal reaction.

        The advantage of this process is that there are many results that can help understand a person’s personality. This process is known as mainly as a strategy versus a particular tool to measure personality (Cervone & Pervin, 2010).

        This method helps by being able to understand the variable and its surroundings many people have taken some type of personality test while applying for a job. By doing personality tests it can help an employer correlate if a person is an ideal fir for the job or position based on the assessment.