Psychology
Identifying human personality helps understand the nature and behavior of human beings so as to help predict how they deal with stress and problems. Arguably, scientific method is among the best methods of studying human personality since it uses statistical data and methods to identify personality. The main reason for supporting scientific evaluation is because it improves accuracy and dependability of the results (Olson & Hergenhahn, 2011).
According to John et al. (2010), scientific method provides a basis and evidence of how the type of personality was arrived at. John et al. (2010) also stipulate that the efficiency of the scientific method is not questionable because it utilizes dependable methodologies. Notably, the free personality test activity helped affirm my support for the scientific method. Having conducted the test several times, the result was the same which was an ESFJ personality.
Was Freud's view of human nature primarily pessimistic or optimistic? How did his view compare or contrast with Jung's?
Freud’s view of human nature was mainly pessimistic. Freud believed that human nature is vitally in conflict i.e. between the ego, superego and the unconscious mind. He argued that we are constantly in attempts to censor and contain our thoughts, fantasies, memories and guilt. According to Freud’s "Beyond the Pleasure Principle" of 1920, he notes that man is a wolf to the man shows his pessimistic ideas.
Unlike Freud, Jung argued that human beings are in the constant attempt to harmonize their psyche. He believed that humans are healed and integrated when they discover their uniqueness, through integration of their ego (conscious and unconscious nature). Nonetheless, they both believed that life was a mystery and not easy to comprehend.
Feuds theory appeals me more since it provides insight on how we deal with the kind of personality we have. It could be through identifying and repressing our thoughts and memories. For example, we do some things to repress our sexual nature such as clothing ourselves decently.
Adler's concept of social interest
The theory attempts to elucidate the correlation between an individual and other persons he deals within his society. It stipulates that the amount of social interest developed by kids depended on the way they were brought up. In keeping with Adler and Brett (1998), the growth and development of the personality one has depends on the ‘family constellation.’ Adler suggests that a parent can enhance the innate potential by being loving to their children. If a caregiver/parent is rude or abusive, a child may develop low social interest. Additionally, frequent guidance talks help foster development of innate potential.
Ideas as to how to foster social interest in a child
Improving social interactions with parents and caregivers improves the ability of children to socialize. It gives a child motivation and enthusiasm to associate with others. Secondly, enrolling a child in a centre-based program helps him/her become more interactive. Additionally, it may be achieved by encouraging a child to express feelings appropriately. Finally, promoting social control and conflict resolution skills may help a child in dealing with problems that may arise when relating with others. The builds confidence in the child thus promoting social interest.
Why Allport disagreed with the use of lower animals, children, and (in his words) "neurotics" as sources of information about personality
Studying personality is a complex process that requires sincerity and willingness to cooperate when the studies are being conducted. As such, it nullifies collection of data from animals, ‘neurotics’ and children who may not be willing to cooperate. Debatably, Henry Floyd Allport considered family and community more of easy to understand and cooperative when collecting statistical data. Personality is more of human behavior, and data collected must be accurate to help understand it. In accordance with Olson and Hergenhahn (2011), accuracy of the information collected is the key to understanding personality. Therefore, Allport is more comprehensive in his reasons for not supporting animals and children as sources of information and thus I support his ideologies.
Why I agree with Allport's beliefs
Allport advocated for studies that involved mathematical empirical studies which he considered more critical in studying human personality. Using mathematical methods requires accurate data collected so as to come up with correct answers. It provides a great basis for Allport to disagree with collecting information from animals, children and neurotics.
Secondly, Allport argued that the heredity is one of the most important aspects of human personality since it is a way of transmitting raw materials e.g. physique. With studying animals and neurons, it would be very difficult to study and get information regarding hereditary characteristics.
The best way of collecting information on human personality, which is also backed up by Allport, is by asking the respondents to describe themselves. Most of personality information is from within such as ego and getting such information from children and animals would be not only difficult but also complicated.
Finally, to understand the behavior of those whose personality is being studied, it is necessary to understand their intentions and conscious plans. I support Allport’s beliefs since getting such information from animals and children would be very difficult. Thus, by the virtue of concrete and reasonable basis for his ideas, I ideally support Allport’s perspective of disagreeing with collecting information from animals, children and neurotics.
References
Adler, A., & Brett, C. (1998). Social interest: Adler's key to the meaning of life. Oxford, England: Oneworld Publications.
John, O. P., Robins, R. W., & Pervin, L. A. (Eds.). (2010). Handbook of personality: Theory and research. Guilford Press.
Olson, M. H., & Hergenhahn, B. R. (2011). An introduction to theories of personality. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall/Pearson.
