PSY 425: Guidelines for Personality Theory Paper

Overall Structure of the Paper (Total 150 pts): Your paper should be 7-10 pages of text and adhere to APA format (e.g., double-spaced; Times New Roman, 12-point font; 1-inch margins; in-text citation of the textbook; references page). You do not need to include a title page and abstract; however, you should include a reference page and cite your sources in the text of your paper. The primary source for this assignment is our class textbook and class assignments (e.g., case studies and videos). You also may use outside sources, just be sure that these sources are cited appropriately in APA format.

Your paper must be submitted to Blackboard (in either word document or PDF format) – papers sent via email will not be accepted. You will include introductory paragraphs and supporting paragraphs. Please see the sections below for more details on what to include for each section.

• Introductory Paragraphs (10 points each; 30 points total): For the introductory/opening paragraphs, you will address the following:

1.) Name and briefly describe the main points of your personality theory. That is, what are the main philosophical assumptions of your theory?

***Overall, this section is meant to summarize the main points in regards to the questions below. So, hit the highlights, and emphasize what is most important, to you, in understanding personality. (10 points) 2.) Name your theory and state a specific definition of “personality” in your theory. Tell me what you will be calling your theory, and give an actual definition. It will be easy for me to know you are defining it if you say, “My definition of personality is…” or something similar. This can consist of

anything that you have created, a mix of theories that we have read, or you can use an existing definition from the text that fits best with your beliefs – just do not forget to indicate who originally said it. (10 points)

3.) Finally, tell me how the main points of your views can be integrated and/or organized to fully describe human personality. How do all of these bits and pieces fit together with each other? How did you decide to use what you did (i.e., which theorists/theories are you using as a theoretical foundation/guide)? Did you combine some ideas? Did you leave others out? Why? (10 points)

• Supporting Paragraphs (10 points; 120 total): For the supporting paragraphs, you should answer the 12 questions It might be helpful to organize these questions as separate paragraphs with headings for each question. As you answer the questions below, keep in mind that you will do the following for each question:

1.) Give a developed opinion (i.e., what you think and how your theory addresses the questions). For example, you will describe why you personally prefer YOUR theory (or aspect of this theory) and not some other perspective. You will discuss what about yourself, your values and philosophical beliefs, and/or your life experiences have led you to develop this theory. Your responses should include your own opinion and your personal reasons for having that opinion (5 of the 10 points each).

2.) Provide factual support (i.e., taken from the descriptions in our textbook about theorists/theories discussed this semester) for each question. Your responses should explain the facts behind your opinion (5 of the 10 points each). To demonstrate these facts please choose to provide at least one of the following:

• EITHER a brief review of the theories of others and also of the relevant research findings from the text that support your opinion.
• OR a discussion of what is wrong and/or missing from the fact(s) in the text that led you to take the alternative position that you did.

Questions to answer in supporting paragraphs (opinion and factual support for each question needed):

• What types of research methods are preferred by psychologists studying/testing your theory? Why?
• In what way(s) does your theory address “traits” as units of personality? Why this method?
• In what way(s) does your theory address the role of cognition in personality?
• In what way(s) does your theory address the notion of the “unconscious”?
• In what way(s) does your theory deal with motivational issues?
• How does your theory examine behaviors/social learning?
• Does your theory emphasize nature, nurture, or an interaction between them?
• In what way(s) does your theory account for developmental issue?
• In what ways(s) does your theory address aspects of the self?
• In what way(s) does your theory address the concept of gender?
• In what way(s) does your theory address personality disorders and adjustment?
• Evaluate your theory of personality. That is, is your theory a GOOD theory? What are the strengths and weakness of your theory?