Personality Analysis – Cheap Research Essays

Personality Analysis
Character Analysis Psychology 435: Personality (Naumann)

Overview
This paper is intended to be a comprehensive assessment of what you’ve learned throughout the course. Your task in this assignment is to analyze—from the perspective of a personality psychologist—the behaviors and personalities of the characters depicted in film, TV, or books. You will apply the personality theories that you’ve learned about in this course to understand and interpret a specific character’s personality and behavior.

Assignment
1. Select a major character from a film, TV show, or book. Characters can be from any genre or decade, but you should choose characters that have significant development over the course of a TV show, film, or book. For example, it’s helpful to have some background knowledge about the character’s childhood, relationship with others (parents, friends, romantic partners), and other life information in order to have enough detail to draw upon. You will use this information to provide support for your interpretation and analysis.

2. Evaluate your character’s personality from THREE different personality theories/perspectives. You are encouraged to use concepts discussed from all sections of the course (from the book or lecture) that help explain your character’s personality, beliefs, or behavior. Here are some commonly used concepts (not an exhaustive list).

Overarching Theory Examples of specific concept/construct
Self-presentation strategies self-monitoring; social desirability, impression management
Big Five theory extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness
Birth Order theory first born, middle born, later born, only child
Baumrind’s Parenting Styles authoritarian, authoritative, permissive
Bowlby/Bartholomew’s Attachment styles secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant; secure, preoccupied, fearful, dismissing
Marcia’s Identity Statuses diffusion, foreclosed, in moratorium, achieved
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages trust vs. mistrust, identity vs. role confusion, integrity vs. despair, etc
Sex Roles masculine, feminine, androgynous
Self-contruals independent vs. interdependent self-construals
Psychodynamic defense mechanisms denial, sublimation, reaction formation, projection, displacement, suppression
Cognitive styles growth vs. fixed mindset; optimism/pessimism, rumination
Motivation Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivations
Coping styles emotion focused, problem focused, avoidant; resilience

3. Provide a description of the behaviors and an in-depth analysis of how your character fits into the categorization that you’ve selected. The concept you choose and examples from the medium (film/TV/book) must be described in sufficient detail so that I know what you are talking about (presume that I know nothing about your character).
a. Describe how they behave. Why do you think they behave the way they do?
b. Describe how they react to different situations. Why do you think they differ from how the other characters respond or interpret situations?
c. Describe their relationships with others. What it is it about their past relationships that may influence their behavior and personality now?

Statement about Academic Integrity:
• All students will submit their work using the TurnItIn feature on Canvas. Evidence of academic dishonesty results in receiving a 0 on the submitted assignment and being documented on file in Dean of LAS’s office. Repeated violations, depending on the nature of the incident, will result in more severe penalties.
• For more information, visit: https://nsc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2013-2014/Catalog/Nevada-State-College-Student-Code-of-Conduct-and-Policies/Academic-Standards

Paper Sections & Organization

Opening Paragraph – Introduction/Thesis statement (1 paragraph)
• Brief background information about your chosen character and his/her role in the movie/TV Show/book
• Thesis statement about the three theories/constructs you will use to explain your character’s personality/behavior/beliefs

Theory/Construct #1 (3 – 4 paragraphs)
• Selected Theory & Personality Construct(s) [1 – 2 paragraphs]
o Describe—in your own words—the chosen personality theory and define the characteristics of the specific concept/construct that you believe describes your character. I repeat – DO NOT direct quote your textbook or your instructor’s slides – you should be conveying your knowledge of the concepts without the aid of others’ words.
 You should be discussing the theorist (if known), the core ideas of the theory, and the specific characteristics that are associated with your chosen personality construct. For example, if you are discussing defense mechanisms, you should first discuss Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory and discuss what defense mechanisms are and why we use them. Finally, you would need to define the typical characteristics of the specific mechanism that your character is using (e.g., projection).
 Describe with enough detail that a person who knows nothing about personality psychology could understand.

• Example of personality/behavior & in-depth analysis [2 paragraphs]
o First, briefly describe the relevant scene or set of examples that illustrate how your character fits your chosen personality construct.
 Describe with enough detail that a person who knows nothing about your character could understand.
o Next, argue or explain how your selected scene(s)/example(s) illustrate the personality trait/concept you have labeled your character. You should be able to answer the question: “How do my examples fit (or not) within the definition of this concept?”
 That is, you should be referencing various components of your definition to argue why your interpretation of the character’s personality is correct (and why some other personality trait would not apply). Where possible, you should identify how your examples support (or contradict) findings discussed in the book/lecture.

Theory/Construct #2 (3 – 4 paragraphs)

Theory/Construct #3 (3 – 4 paragraphs)

Brief Conclusion (1 paragraph)
• Short conclusion paragraph ties the paper together effectively by reviewing the three theories that you used to explain your character’s personality

Suggested length:
• 5 pages, with 7 page maximum
• 12 pt font; double-spaced; 1-inch margins

Formatting instructions:
• NO TITLE PAGE – Just type your name at top of page!
• NO REFERENCE PAGE — You may only use concepts discussed in this course (or in the course textbook); therefore, you should NOT be using outside references (e.g., library/internet research or content from other courses). You do NOT need to include in-text citations or a References page.

Rubric & Grade Breakdown
(50 point paper)

Point Value Category
15 Definition of Selected Theory and Concept (x 3)
– must be summarized in own words
– needs to provide accurate and detailed explanations about each theory/concept used (x 3)
– write for a reader that does not know anything about personality psychology

common points lost:
– quotes textbook definition and/or lecture slides instead of summarizing in own words
– definitions are too brief, lacks necessary detail
– missing definition/description of concepts
– incorrect use of concept or definition

10 Description of Personality/Behavior examples (x 3)
– must provide specific, concrete, and detailed examples of personality/behavior
– Author’s examples should paint a clear and meaningful portrait of the character
– write for a reader who does not know anything about this character

common points lost:
– vague examples; makes reader assume or infer too much information about character
– Author’s examples paint a confusing or simplistic portrait of the character

20 Application of concept and analysis of examples (x3)
– references earlier definition of concept to argue why author’s interpretation of personality is correct
– makes clear and detailed connections between the provided examples and interpretation of concepts
– the reader can clearly understand why the chosen concept correctly applies to the collection of examples (and why another concept would not apply)

common points lost:
– Author provides examples but leaves reader to infer why the chosen concept applies
– depth of analysis is lacking; needs to clarify why concept applies, make additional connections
– provides incorrect explanation and analysis of examples

5 Writing Quality and Paper Organization
– includes introduction, thesis sentence, and conclusion
– paragraphs ordered and flow logically; good transitions from paragraph to paragraph
– sentences are short, clear, and easy to follow
– no to minimal grammatical and punctuation errors

50 Total Point Value

Examples of Shallow vs. Deep Analysis
Characters: Meredith & Trent
Movie: Playing By Heart, 1998

Example #1 – Lacks definition, detail, and analysis:
Gillian Anderson’s character Meredith is avoidantly attached. She has been burned in her past relationships and doesn’t trust men. When she goes on a date with Trent, she is closed off.

Problem: Too vague; no detail or elaboration.
1. Does not define what attachment styles are or describe characteristics of avoidant attachment style.
2. The example of her behaviors is too simplistic; makes reader assume or infer too much information; needs to paint a more detailed picture of this character’s behavior.
3. Does not provide any analysis of the behavior to clarify why Meredith is avoidant.
a. Why does being burned in the past lead to issues with trust?
b. How is this related to Meredith’s upbringing and relationships with her parents?
c. How does her attachment style shape her future interactions?

Example #2 – Well elaborated and analyzed:
[Description of broader concept or theory – Attachment Style]
Attachment Theory suggests that the type of interaction infants had with their caregivers is important for shaping their expectations for future relationships. For example, John Bowlby described three types of childhood attachment style: secure, anxious ambivalent, and avoidant. [Should continue elaborating on each of these styles]. Recently, Kim Bartholomew expanded these childhood attachment styles to apply to how adults interact in their romantic relationships. She described four styles–secure, preoccupied, dismissing avoidant, and fearful avoidant — which are classified based on how much anxiety and avoidance a person feels in their relationships.