Please answer the following questions in a 200-word response minimum. Try your best to reference the text I will message you privately for how to access the text book.
1. Throughout this course, we will study in depth the different theories of personality. Before we begin this exploration, we need to discuss the fundamental definition of personality. So I ask you, is there a single definition of personality? If so, what is it? If not, why?
2. Chapter two of our textbook covers Sigmund Freud and his historical theory of psychodynamic psychology. This is some of the most important – and most controversial – material we will cover throughout this course. So I am interested to hear the student’s initial reactions after reading this chapter. What aspects of his theories do you agree with and which parts do you feel are outlandish?
3. Chapter three of the course textbook is on Alfred Adler and his Individual theory of personality. After reading this chapter, do you agree or disagree with Adler’s belief that social interest is inherent in people and is the ultimate standard of psychological health? Why?
4. Chapter four covers one of my personal favorite personality theorist – Carl Jung. Carl Jung was a friend of Freud before they went their different ways. Therefore, it is important that we compare and contrast their ideas. What are the similarities and differences between Freud’s and Jung’s theories of personality? Which is more applicable? Why?
5. Watch “Carl Gustav Jung: An Introduction,” located in this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. Say something notable about what you have watched and something that interests you in this video.
Here is the link: http://fod.infobase.com/p_ViewVideo.aspx?xtid=3034
6. Watch segments 1-5 of “Great Thinkers: Human, All Too Human,” located in this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. Say something notable about what you have watched and something that interests you in this video.
Here is the link: http://fod.infobase.com/p_ViewVideo.aspx?xtid=47379&loid=129933
Please participate (respond) to the classmates answers with notable and educational input. (200 word minimum Reponses)
1. Kelly: Hello classmates and facilitator. There is no single correct definition of personality because there are contradicting theories of personality. For example one theorist might believe that personality is innate and that people are born with certain personalities. Another theorist might believe that personality is shaped based on the environment an individual is raised in or other social factors. For this reason theorists have not been able to come up with a single definition. Why is it important to understand personality? It is important to understand personality because it is important to know why people behave and react in certain ways and why people act the way they do toward other people. For example, in a work environment it would be important to understand personality because lets say you work in an environment where every one differs with their personalities. Most people at work would not get anything done and there would be constant arguments.
Everyone has a unique personality. It is what makes a person who they are. Some personalities do not go well with other personalities. I believe that our lives define our personalities. Our past makes us who we are now.
2. Griffin: Hello classmates and facilitator. I think that many of his personal beliefs were a bit outlandish, but I do appreciate the ideas he brought to psychology. I felt that Freud’s opinion on anxiety is accurate and I also like his idea on ego-defense mechanisms. I feel that those aspects of his theory were very accurate and relevant. I particularly agree with his belief on the importance of the unconscious. I think that the unconscious helps us to better understand a person’s personality, as well as their behavior. I believe this because people often do things without even realizing why they do it. I like Freud’s idea because sometimes there are deeper meanings behind a person’s actions. For example, a person who did not feel loved growing up may have a hard time showing love to other people and may develop trust issues. For the most part, I do not like Freud’s psychosexual stages because they do not seem very logical. I just disagree with the role of sex in his theory. However, I agree with the fact that if certain things do not occur when a child is young, the child could grow up to potentially have problems. When people study the unconscious, I believe it can help others face issues that they may be having. I also believe that it can help them gain awareness into their life and it can provide them with answers. I think that a person needs to look at more than just their unconscious feelings though. Also, it is difficult to actually study the unconscious.
