The term personality has roots in the Latin word persona which refers to a mask which was worn in theater productions during ancient Greek dramas (Feist & Feist, 2009). The root of this word is not a sufficient definition as it is clear there is more to ones personality than the persona they project for others to see. Psychologists and psychiatrists who study personality have not, to date, encountered a definition that they can agree upon. The reason for this is due to the number of variables which make up a personality and influence behavior. Because of this, no two theorists have taken the same view on the definition, as their own personalities and bias’ cause them to view it differently. Theorists do share the way they obtain data; therefore, they are able to apply an objective way of analyzing data to such a subjective topic. This paper will examine theoretical approaches in studying personality, as well as factors that may influence an individual’s personality development.
Theoretical Approaches in Studying Personality
A theoretical approach on personality means that researchers use the scientific method to collect and analyze data. They use this process to answer questions that are formed by certain behaviors or that other theories have generated (Feist & Feist, 2009). The question is referred to as a hypothesis. The hypothesis must be tested in a way that can be accurately documented, as well as repeated by others. Once data is collected it must be analyzed and categorized, so that it makes sense in relation to the question, or idea, which is being tested. If the data proves the hypothesis, or idea, is true it does not become a theory. A scientific theory must be able to be reproduced by other researchers using the same method. A theory in psychology, such as personality theory, encompasses more than just verifiable scientific data. Because the