PSY 212 - Personality Psychology

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
This course meets the Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirement.

Study models of the personality in psychological science, including trait, humanistic, and learning models of personality. Learn how personality is measured and how personality is related to life outcomes such as health and relationship quality.

Prerequisite(s): PSY 111 or permission of department chair.

Note: Typically offered at MC and OL; fall, spring, and summer terms.

Course Outcomes:

Define personality.
Describe the person-situation debate, how the debate was resolved, and the conditions under which personality can best predict behavior.
Explain different ways personality is assessed.
Describe trait models of personality, including the Big Five personality traits.
Describe the use of twin studies in studying personality.
Explain how genes and the environment can interact to shape personality traits.
Describe the contributions of humanistic psychology, including Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, to our understanding of personality.
Describe how learning processes shape personality.
Explain how personality changes from young adulthood to old age and why.
Describe how personality predicts life outcomes.
Describe how the self-concept differs between individualistic and collectivistic cultures.
Explain how attachment influences adult relationships and personality.