Personality is defined by Dictionary.Reference.com as ‘the organised pattern of behavioural characteristics’ of an individual. Primarily, personality refers to the persistent characteristics of a person which explain why they behave in a particular way. Overall, the aspect of personality is usually explained through two main theory approaches: nomothetic and idiographic.
Mullins (2010), illustrates the nomothetic approach as a ‘measurable and specific perspective’ that deals with the identification of traits and personality as a collection of characteristics. This theory is primarily based on the idea that personality traits are hereditary, a result of nature rather than nurture, as nomothetic approaches view ‘environmental and social influences as minimal’ and view personality as largely inherited and ‘resistant to change.’ (Mullins, 2010).
The idiographic approach, however, relies firmly on the idea that personality traits are developed through nurture rather than nature. Primarily, idiographic approaches are concerned with ‘understanding the uniqueness of individuals and the development of the self-concept’ (Mullins, 2010), and study the societal context in which a person lives and how this affects their personality.
As a result, these two theories illustrate various contrasts and differences between the nature and nurture approaches to personality. Primarily, the ‘nature’ theory insinuates that people have a personality ‘type’, a measured set of traits, and that, thus, as is stated within the nomothetic approach, it would be possible to measure and predict the ways personality types behave in certain circumstances. In turn, the nature approach insinuates that personality traits are hereditary and ‘resistant to change’. Such a viewpoint, however, does not accumulate for the difference in personality traits in families, such as the common case of direct siblings often having different personality traits from each other and their parents, such as preferences etc.
The idiographic approach, or the nurture-based theory, however, insinuates that individual personality traits are developed as a result of the environment the person is in. For example, people are likely to be influenced by the opinions and ideas of the company they keep etc. However, such an approach does not take account of the also common occurrence of hereditary traits that are often found in offspring from their parents, even in the case of separation from birth, such as personal tastes or habits.
As a result, it is possible to summarise that, to an extent, both nature and nurture are dominant influences on personality, as although people often have some hereditary personality traits from their parents, individual personalities are then further developed as a result of social or environmental influences a person experiences.
Although personality is proven to be complex and highly unique in regards to separate individuals, there are many scientific tests available to measure one’s unique personality. One such test is the BBC’s ‘Big Personality Test’ which can be accessed here:
The test follows the line of scientific theory that one’s individual personality is made up of five main traits:
- Openness – Being ‘open’ to experiences
- Conscientiousness - how dependable, organised and hard-working a person is likely to be.
- Extroversion - characterised by positive emotions and ‘the tendency to seek out pleasure-stimulating or risk-taking activities’ (bbc.co.uk).
- Agreeableness – measure of how sympathetic and considerate a person is likely to be.
- Neuroticism – relating to a person’s response to threatening or stressful situations.
However, as individuals, people are likely to have different levels of each trait, which illustrates the nature of their overall personality.
Having taken the personality test myself, the following graph illustrates the levels of each trait in my personality, as found by my test results.
Test Results:
- Openness: 4.7/5
Having scored highest within the trait category of ‘openness,’ my score is said to illustrate that I tend to be imaginative and curious about a wide range of things, ‘from appreciating different art forms to exploring new places, cultures and foods.’ It was further said that people scoring highly within this category find generating lots of imaginative ideas very easy, and I feel that the results have reflected accurately on my personality in relation to the statement ‘ prone to daydreaming.’
- Conscientiousness- 4.6/ 5
My results illustrate that I tend to be extremely dependable and organise. In turn, a high level of conscientiousness means that the lives of such people are said to be ‘well-planned’ and they approach things in a thorough manner. I am also said to be methodical and thorough in the workplace, with ‘everything in its right place.
- Extroversion: 2.9/5
Having scored just under a medium level of extroversion, my personality has shown me to be someone who enjoys ‘time away from lots of people’ i.e. feeling drained after social activities, and with ‘quiet time’ being used to relax. A low score in Extroversion is also evidenced to mean I am more suited to ‘intellectual or studious pursuits’.
- Agreeableness – 3.8/5
My score is said to portray that I am likely to ‘show concern for the feelings of others’ and am inclined to help those in need. However, my level of score also illustrates that although I find it easy to get along with most people, I’m most likely not averse to speaking my mind.
- Neuroticism - 2.8/5
A medium score within this trait category is said to mean that I am ‘comparatively’ level-headed about perceived threats, but may find myself worrying when faced with uncertainty or unfamiliar situations. My results also state that neuroticism, combined with high scores in traits such as Conscientiousness, as indicated by my scores, can result in a strong work ethic and ‘will to succeed.
Overall, my research into personality has illustrated that as well as being complex and individual to each person, our personalities are made up of distinct traits, the levels of which being unique to each individual. In turn, I have summarised that personalities are likely to consist of both hereditary traits passed down from parents, and those developed and adapted as a result of our natural environments
References
BBC.co.uk [n.d] The Big Personality Test [online]. Available from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/whatamilike/index.shtml [Accessed 01 May 2011]
Dictionary.reference.com [n.d] Personality [online]. Available from: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/personality [Accessed 01 May 2011]
Mullins, L J. (2010) Management and Organisational Behaviour. 9th ed. Essex: Pearson
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