Personality Case Study Essay

Personality underside be defined as the characteristic ways of thinking, feeling and acting that make a soulfulness an item-by-item (Fletcher & Garton, 2007). There atomic number 18 a number of different disposition theories that aim to explain an privates personality, such as the Learning supposition studied by B. F muleteer and the quality system studied by Cost and McCrae. By examining these personality theories in relation to a fussy carapace study, it is possible to understand how an individuals personality is influenced and how it develops.An example of a personality skid study is that of Kate, a 20 year old university student. She is described as kind, caring and loyal and prefers watch movies and indication rather than going out to a party. Kate works hard studying psychology at university and volunteers to help children with autism. Kate has a strong relationship with her family and isnt expected to contribute to household expenses. By examining the case stud y of Kate through the Learning and Trait personality theories, it is possible to have a greater rationality of Kates personality characteristics.The Learning conjecture of personality is one theory that can be apply to examine an individuals personality. One of the most influential theorists in this area was B. F Skinner who believed behaviour people think reflects personality is simply behaviour that has been learnt from past experiences with the world (Fletcher & Garton, 2007). The theorists of the learning theory basically believe that if a persons behaviour is positively rewarded, they are more liable(predicate) to repeat the action. However, if their behaviour was punished, it is less likely to happen again.This theory has been criticised for being too simplistic by not taking into account a persons genetics and factors other than a persons environment (such as thought processes, beliefs and motivation) that can influence their personality. Another argument is that personal ity populate of more than just behaviour. However, the learning theory is still a very influential personality theory and Skinners findings are still widely used as the basis for behaviour fitting techniques. In relation to the case study of Kate, Skinner would argue that Kates personality and behaviour is a result of both reward and punishment as a child.For example, she works hard in her studies to contact high results. It is possible that when she was younger, Kates parents rewarded her for achieving sound at school or punished her for receiving a unstable result. Skinner would argue that Kate demonstrates a solid work ethic because she was rewarded for similar behaviour earlier in her life. Another theory of personality that is commonly used is the Trait theory, studied by Costa and McCrae. This theory suggests there a five main dimensions of personality. These are extraversion, neuroticism, openness to experience, agreeableness and conscientiousness.An individuals personal ity is a combination of high and low ratings in each of these dimensions. This theory claims that all these personality traits are stable and enduring. Some criticisms are that this theory isnt specific enough as to how much of an individuals personality is a result of genetics or environment. Also, this theory does consider unconscious thoughts and processes that may influence a persons behaviour. The Trait theory is however a widely pass judgment personality theory which has been the basis for many studies and research. Costa and McCraes trait theory can be applied to the case study of Kate.She is described as being kind, caring and loyal. Kate also prefers watching movies and reading rather than going out. In terms of the Trait theory, Kate would be described as being introverted, conscientious, hard-working and well organised. The Trait Theory and the Learning theory are two very different understandings of personality, both with their get contributions and limitations, but bo th are relevant and useful when trying to understand an individuals personality. for each one theory is applicable to the case study of Kate in attempting to examine her personality type.