Personality Theory Basics
What, according to your textbook, is a robust and useful theory?
What goes into creating a theory?
What is the difference between a theory and an idea?
Human nature is a broader concept than personality. The assumptions about human nature are reflected in the theories you will read. Looking at the list of six “dimensions for a concept of humanity” in the first chapter of your textbook (Feist et al., 2021), explain one of the dimensions in your own words and give an example.
Source
Feist, J., Feist, G. J., & Roberts, T. (2021). Theories of Personality (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill. Personality Theory Basics
-
What is a robust and useful theory according to the textbook?,
-
What goes into creating a theory?,
-
What is the difference between a theory and an idea?,
-
What is one dimension for a concept of humanity from Feist et al. (2021)?,
-
What is an example illustrating this dimension?
Comprehensive Answer:
According to Theories of Personality by Feist, Feist, and Roberts (2021), a robust and useful theory is one that is internally consistent, comprehensive, falsifiable, and practical. Such a theory should explain observed phenomena, predict future outcomes, and integrate existing research findings into a coherent framework.
Creating a theory involves systematic observation, gathering empirical evidence, identifying patterns, and formulating general principles that explain and predict behavior. This process requires rigorous testing, peer review, and refinement based on new data.
The key difference between a theory and an idea is that an idea can be a personal opinion, assumption, or untested concept, while a theory is grounded in evidence, has undergone systematic evaluation, and can reliably explain and predict phenomena.
One of Feist et al.’s six dimensions for a concept of humanity is determinism vs. free will. This dimension examines whether human behavior is shaped by forces beyond our control (e.g., genetics, environment) or by conscious choices and personal agency.
For example, a psychologist working from a deterministic perspective might argue that a person’s tendency toward anxiety stems from inherited temperament and early life experiences, while a free will perspective would emphasize the individual’s ability to adopt coping strategies and change their behavioral patterns despite predispositions.