Personality - 14109 - PSYC 3800 - K

Abstract

Course Description: Personality refers to characteristic patterns of experience and behavior and the psychological mechanisms that underlie such patterns. This course will introduce students to theory, research methods, and evidence associated with the scientific study of human personality. Course content will include an introduction to research methods in personality science with a focus on measurement and types of data about personality; the trait approach to personality; personality judgment; the structure of personality traits, stability and change in personality; the biological underpinnings and heritability of personality; evolution and personality; culture and personality; theoretical approaches to personality from the psychoanalytic, humanistic, and learning traditions; and real-life implications of personality in areas such as health, relationships, work, and politics. Course meetings will involve a lecture and class discussion component.