Observations
TUTORIAL!!
ObservationsI have used the scientific process in my life so that I could better understand from where my anger comes in certain situations. The first step is the unsystematic observation, which was done by paying attention to the way I act when I feel angry and when this is most often happening. This was done over a few days and I took notes in order to document a pattern or a regularity that would occur and possibly understand why I become angry. Then I used the second step, which is building a theory. I built my theory based on specific times and corresponding levels of stress. The times evaluated were in the morning, right after waking up, in the late afternoon after a long day of work and in the evening just before bedtime. My hypothesis was that I am most angry and irritable in the late afternoon, after a long day of work. The best possible way for me to evaluate my hypothesis was to ask a friend to stay at my house and observe me. I informed her about my hypothesis and the importance for her to remain as objective as possible. To evaluate my hypothesis I used an experiment. I simply changed one of the variables (took a day off work) and had my friend observe any changes in my demeanor. As I had hypothesized, I am most angry and irritated in the late afternoon, after a long day of work. Therefore, by using the scientific process I now understand the cause and effect of my anger.

References McAdams, D. (2006). The person: A new introduction to personality psychology. (4th ed.).Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Character Evaluation Top Gun is a movie that presents a young and ambitious man, Pete Mitchell, call sign Maverick, who is accepted into one of the most prestigious flight schools that the Navy has to offer.
Extraversion
Extraversion describes one of the traits of Maverick’s character perfectly. He seeks excitement in any possible way, be it as a pilot by performing crazy and irresponsible maneuvers placing his and other’s lives at risk or by riding his motorcycle in a dangerous manner. He is a very friendly person that is definitely not shy as seen in the movie when he makes an advance on Charlotte Blackwood, a civilian consultant for the Navy, by singing a romantic song in front of a big crowd in a club. Therefore, he is very outgoing and sociable. He is also very energetic, vigorous and active in group activities such as volleyball. However, he dismisses any authority telling him what to do. He feels positively about life and enjoys the company of others. Therefore, I think that this specific trait helps him to make the decision in wanting to become a teacher of young pilot recruits.
Neuroticism
Neuroticism I believe is the trait that is less associated with the character of Maverick. I do not think that he is ever nervous or afraid of any oncoming danger, depressed or emotionally unstable. However, there is a time in the movie where his character experienced anger, anxiety and guilt. I based this observation on two factors. The first one is that he never knew the truth of what happened to his father who was also a pilot and second, his best friend (and co-pilot) died during a tragic flight accident. Therefore, he begins to doubt himself as a pilot, thinks of leaving the Navy and seeks consultation from his instructor Viper who served with Maverick’s dad in Vietnam. Viper then clarifies the misconception Maverick held about his father and encouraged him to stay and finish the Top Gun school in his father’s honor. In the end, I do see Maverick at the low end score of neuroticism because he is courageous, mostly calm and very secure.
Openness to Experience Openness to Experience is probably another trait that fits Maverick’s character well. He is definitely very curious about life as reflected in his choice of occupation. In addition, Maverick is very independent as shown in the relationship he has with Goose, his co-pilot, who constantly reminds Maverick that they are a team. Another sign of his openness to experience is expressed in the trill that he seeks in life and in the way he flies; he likes to spice it up by taking unnecessary risks. Conscientiousness When it comes to conscientiousness Maverick’s trait level probably lies somewhere in the middle. He is somewhat reliable, but not always dependable as he is sometimes late, like he was on his first date with Charlotte. I also do not believe that Maverick completely planned his life carefully and he is definitely not cautious. However, I think that he is very confident in achieving all the goals he sets for himself, strives for excellence in his performance as a pilot, but is often seen as irresponsible by others. Therefore, I think that his character is a good mixture of this trait because he has a very strong will power but is often single-minded looking for success as he lives a dangerous, careless and very undependable life.

Agreeableness Agreeableness is a trait that fits Maverick’s characteristics the least. Yes, I do believe that he is nice and honest however, I do not believe that he is selfless, patient or even understanding. He tends to provoke others, especially Iceman, another pilot and does not mind getting into a fight. He also does not perform well working in teams as seen in the way he chooses to fly, independently from others. Therefore, he is seen as a compassionate person although very arrogant; making decisions or judgments independently and with little regard for other’s opinions.

References
Badalato, B., Simpson, D., Bruckheimer, J., & Warren S. (Producer). (1986). Top Gun. [Movie]. Hollywood, California: Paramount Pictures