Personality Theory and Research
11:10-12:30, TR (PSY 450-001)
Fall 2006
Instructor: Dr. McFarland
Office: TPH 255; Office Hours: 1-3 p.m. (MWF); 8-10 a.m. (TR)
Phone: 745-4408; E-mail: sam.mcfarland@wku.edu
WELCOME! I hope you enjoy the course and learn a lot! I look forward to having you in class and to
getting acquainted with you. Please keep my office hours, phone number, and e-mail available. Please
get in touch whenever you need my help.
I.
Course Description:
This course offers an overview of theories and research in the study of human personality. Both
classical and modern theories will be covered, along with research on these theories.
II.
Text and Required Readings:
Personality Psychology (2nd Edition) by Larsen & Buss is the required text. All 20 major
chapters will be covered, with major attention to the first 19. With just 25 class periods for
lectures, we will cover most chapters in one to one and a half days. The dates by which particular
chapters should be read are given in the class schedule.
III.
Lectures:
Almost all classes will be lectures. There will be only about 50-60% overlap between the
lectures and the text. Many topics in the text will not be covered in the lectures, and the lectures
will include additional material and research that is not presented in the text. The information
load will be heavy. In order to do well in this course, you will need to study the text, attend all
lectures and take good notes, and prepare thoroughly for the exams.
IV.
Assistance for Students with Disabilities:
Students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or auxiliary
aids or services) for this course must contact the Office for Student Disability Services, Downing
University Center, Room A-200. The OFSDS number is (270) 745-5004. A letter of
accommodation from the Office for Student Disability Services is required before
accommodations will be provided.
V.
Exams (500 points):
Four exams, including the final, will be evenly distributed across the semester. On each exam
students will be expected to answer six of eight definitions (30 points), three of five short answer
questions (36 points), and one of three discussion questions (34 points). The first three exams
will each cover three or four chapters from the text and related lectures and readings and will
have a maximum grade of 100 points. The final exam will be cumulative and will have a
maximum grade of 200 points.
VI.
Reading Critique or Research Paper (150 points):
Personality Theory is designated as a "W" (writing) course by the Psychology Department. "W"
courses require that 20% of the course grade be determined by writing, that students must earn a
grade of 60% or better on the writing assignment to pass the course, and that students have an
opportunity to revise their writing based upon feedback from the instructor.
Each student is required to write either (a) a 10-page typewritten summary and critique of a book
from a list supplied by the instructor, or (b) a 10- to 12-page research paper on a selected topic in
personality research.
For students choosing (a), approximately two-thirds of the critique should summarize the book's
major contents and the remainder should give your own thoughtful reactions to the book. Most
of the grade will be determined by the accuracy and thoughtfulness of your own reactions. Wellreasoned and insightful reactions will receive higher grades than will superficial ones. The grade
will also be determined to a lesser degree by matters of style; spelling, grammar, organization
and neatness will all be considered. The book must be selected by September 28 and completed
by November 9. In writing book critiques, students are encouraged to refer to the attached
“Qualities of an ‘A’ Personality Book Critique.” Critiques will be returned with opportunity for
revision, but students should make every effort to write critiques that do not require revision.
Students choosing (b) should talk with me soon about how to select an appropriate and
interesting topic. The paper topic must be selected by September 28 and the final paper is due
by November 9. The qualities of a superior research paper are described in the attached
"Characteristics of an 'A' Research Paper." All student research papers should follow the
guidelines contained in that attachment. Papers will be returned with opportunity for revision.
Graduate students are required to write two critiques, or to write a 16- to 20-page paper.
Graduate student research papers will be graded on a 300-point scale. I will work out due dates
for these critiques and details of the paper with you.
VII.
Grades:
With four exams and the book critique/research paper, the maximum possible grade for
undergraduates for the course is 650 points. Grades will be assigned on a point-accumulation
basis on the following scale:
A = 585 to 650 points (90% to 100%)
B = 520 to 584 points (80% to 89%)
C = 455 to 519 points (70% to 79%)
D = 325 to 454 points (50% to 69%)
F = Fewer than 325 points (less than 50%)
With the extra book critique or longer research paper, the maximum grade for graduate students
is 800 points. Grades for graduate students will be based on the same percentages as those for
undergraduates.
A = 720 to 800 points (90% to 100%)
B = 640 to 719 points (80% to 89%)
C = 550 to 639 points (70% to 79%)
D = 400 to 549 points (50% to 69%)
F = Fewer than 400 points (less than 50%)
Note: Please keep all graded exams and papers until the end of the term, just in case I lose my
grade book or we have a disagreement about your grade.
VIII. Attendance Policy:
Class attendance is essential in order to do well in the course. Missing a day will likely cost you a letter
grade on the next exam. Attendance will be checked daily from a seating chart. Following two
absences, you will be asked about your absences. Following four, you may be asked to drop the course.
If you must miss an exam, you must let me know before the exam. Preferred method: e-mail message.
However, you may phone me or leave a message with the Psychology Department secretary (745-2695)
if you can't reach me. A make-up exam will be given only after you present a valid reason why you
could not leave a message prior to missing the exam.
Once again, I hope you both learn a lot and enjoy the course.
IX. Class Schedule:
Week:
August 29
Topic:
Requirement:
Course Overview
Personality Defined
Methods for Personality Study
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
September 5
Trait Theories of Personality Chapter 3
Issues of Trait Theory
Chapter 4
September 12
Personality Stability and Change
Chapter 5
September 19
Exam #1 (September 19)
Genetics and Personality
Chapter 6
September 26
The Physiology of Personality
Chapter 7, Research topic due.
October 3
Evolution and Personality
Chapter 8
October 10
Freud
Chapter 9
October 17
Neo-analytic approaches
Exam #2 (October 19)
Chapter 10
October 24
Murray, Maslow, Rogers
Cognition and Personality
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
October 31
Happiness and Depression
Understanding the Self
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
November 7
Personality and Interpersonal Chapter 15
Relationships
Book or research paper due.
November 14
Exam #3 (November 14)
Gender and Personality
Chapter 16
November 21
Culture and Personality
Chapter 17
November 28
Personality and Coping
Chapter 18
December 5
Personality Disorders
The Future of Personality
December 12
Final exam: Friday, December 15, 8:00 a.m.
Chapter 19
Chapter 20