The Individual & Society: The Psychology of the Self as Individual – Critiquing Contemporary Personality Theory (Presentation Slides)

CPD Lecture - Psychological Perspectives on the Social Construction of the Self and Other - Study Guide

26 Pages Posted: 18 Jul 2017 Last revised: 29 Oct 2019

Date Written: July 11, 2017

Abstract

This double-lecture introduces the concept of social cognition and personality theory as a way to study human behaviour through examining social interaction as a function of the dynamic between the self and other. The theories, issues, and studies examined centre on two key debates to understanding all human behaviour: (i) is human behaviour situation or disposition based? and (ii) how can it be that individuals are unique if we can psychologically predict and prescribe behaviour by extricating general principles through the study of social behaviour? Taking a tour through theories of personality set out to resolve these debates, the lectures critically examine interactionist theories, contextual theories, and specifically contemporary theories focused on traits and their underpinning biological determinants as core to any theory of personality. The theories are compared and contrasted for strengths and weaknesses, and the Five Factor Model (FFM) of personality is detailed and comprehensively critically evaluated. The lecture series ends with an overview of the discussion and critique of how personality theory can be construed (or not) as a science.

Keywords: Situationism, Dispositionism, Five Factor Model FFM, Personality Theory, Psychology

Suggested Citation

Cowley-Cunningham, Michelle B., The Individual & Society: The Psychology of the Self as Individual – Critiquing Contemporary Personality Theory (Presentation Slides) (July 11, 2017). CPD Lecture - Psychological Perspectives on the Social Construction of the Self and Other - Study Guide, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3000401 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3000401

Michelle B. Cowley-Cunningham (Contact Author)

Royal Statistical Society ( email )

NCFB
Dublin
Ireland

University of Oxford ( email )

CSLS
Oxford
United Kingdom

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