PERSONALITY ANALYSIS PROJECT

In General:

You must analyze the personality of a fictional  television, movie, or book character by identifying at least two personality traits that character exhibits and then explaining how those traits could have developed. (If you choose to explore the psyche of an alien being, we'll assume their psychological development mirrors that of humans!)

You will be using your information to write a summary of your findings and then presenting your conclusions to the class.

The Process:

Choose a character from a TV show, movie, or book to analyze.

Use a trait theory to identify at least one personality trait the character exhibits. You must prove that the character has the trait by describing demonstrations of it (provide an example from the show or book). Make sure you identify the trait theory model you used (eg. Cattell, Eysenck, the Big Five).

Next, use two different theories of personality (such as Freud's, Jung's, Adler's, Horney's, Maslow's, Rogers', etc) to explain how the traits could have developed. Your application of the theories must include:

  • A brief explanation of the theory.  (In the use of Freudian theory, you need only explain the applicable components, not the entire Freudian view of personality.)
  • The appropriate inclusion and explanation of terms specific to each theory.
  • A clear connection between the theory and the character’s personality trait.
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    The Writing:

    Assume your reader has no specific knowledge of the psychological concepts you will use; as such, be complete but concise in your writing.  More specifically:
    • Maximum of three typewritten pages, 1.5 or double spaced.
    • Use 10 or 12 pt. font
    • Include a  title page with your name, date, etc. and a bibliography

    The Presentation:
    Tell us about your analysis. This should take no longer than 10 minutes and include a visual aid - either a poster/chart illustrating the trait and your explanation of it or a video clip illustrating the person in action (hopefully demonstrating elements of  the trait). Please do NOT simply stand up and read your paper. The paper is for me - the presentation is for your peers and should be structured accordingly. Make it fun!

    Graduation Standard:

    This assignment fulfills the "case study" graduation standard required in psychology.  Therefore, all projects will be given a standard score of 1, 2, 3, or 4.
    • “1” will signify simple completion of all requirements of the assignment.
    • “2” will indicate that the work is complete with a significant degree of quality.
    • “3” denotes an assignment that meets the requirements with extremely high quality.
    • “4” will be awarded for projects that go far beyond the requirements of the assignment, demonstrating extreme initiative, creativity, and a uniquely profound understanding and application of the theories involved.

    Class Grade:

    Your grade will reflect the graduation standard score you recieve.
  • "1" = 65 points
  • "2" = 80 points
  • "3" = 95 points
  • "4" = 110 points
  • The assignment itself is equivalent to a test score of 100 points
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    Date Due:
    Tuesday, May 29th