Personality

Jeremy Gamble

Craig Harston, Ph.D., MBA

PSY 1101 – Introduction to Psychology

22 November 2010

“Is Personality Based On Science”

If ones personality is based on science, then why are there still hundreds of personality theories? To me “personality is not a science, not in the same sense of how mathematics and chemistry are.” (Boeree). If personality was an exact science we would be able to form our own, exactly how we would want it to be. We would be able to raise our children to be modern day heroes with outstanding characteristics, and perfect social behaviors. Unfortunately this is not the case. I feel that we use science as a method to try and find an understanding why, and how people shape such different personalities, and behavioral patterns.

I believe that some personality traits can be traced down to genetics. Alcoholism and mental illness for example can play a great role in your personality, and how you behave. These are traits that scientific studies have shown that clearly have a genetic link from family member to family member. Birth twins are known to have genetic personality traits common to each other as well. The children could be separated at birth for whatever reason, and are highly likely to have similar personalities, maybe working in the same industry, or even acting identical even if they have never met before. “The twins are also more likely to share phobias of the same type.”(Smith). Some personality traits passed genetically include intimacy, achievement, aggression, harm avoidance, and traditionalism. Due to the facts of how genetics can play a great role in ones personality “scientist have developed a new discipline of study called behavior genetics.” (Gerow). This study looks at how personality might be related to heredity.

Most personality traits and behaviors that people inherit are not passed down genetically, but are acquired through being a product of their environment. I believe that you learn certain ways to act...