1.

Define personality, describe how it is measured, and explain the factors

that determine an individuals personality.
a) Definition of Personality
Personality is often defined by characteristics such as outgoing or charming.
However, psychologists define personality as the growth and development
of a persons whole psychological system.
The sum, total of ways in which an individual reacts and interacts with
others, the measurable traits a person exhibits
b) Measuring Personality
We can attempt to measure personality through a variety of methods.
There are two ways to measure personality:
I.
II.

Self-reporting Surveys
Observer-ratings surveys

I.

Self-reporting Surveys
The most common method is self-reporting surveys in which individuals
evaluate themselves on a series of factors.
One weakness of this measure is that the respondent might lie or practice
impression management to create a good impression.
Another problem is accuracy.
A perfectly good candidate in a bad mood, when taking the survey and will
make the scores less accurate.

II.

Observer-ratings surveys
Another, more accurate, method is when others observe the individual and
provide an independent assessment of their personality.
Research suggests that observer-ratings surveys are a better predictor of
success on the job.

Important Notes for Final Term

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 The implication is clear: use both observer ratings and self-report ratings of
personality when making important employment decisions.
c) Personality Determinants
The following are the personality determinants:
I.
II.
III.

Heredity
Environment
Situation

I.

Heredity
Heredity refers to those factors that were determined at conception.
Physical stature, facial attractiveness, gender, temperament, muscle
composition and reflexes, energy level, and bio-rhythms etc.
This Heredity Approach argues that genes are the source of personality.

II.

Environment
Environmental factor such as surroundings and culture exert pressures on
our personality formation for example the norms among our family, friends
and social groups etc.

III.

Situation
A third, the situation, influences the effects of heredity and environment on
personality.
An individuals generally stable and consistent, does change in different
situations.

Important Notes for Final Term

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