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Question: TMA 06 Critically discuss the understandings of individual differences produced by trait theory and personal construct theory. Interrogate these different understandings by reference to the theme of power relations.
Answer: This assignment critically explores the understandings of individual differences produced by trait theory and personal construct theory. Its opening section begins by outlining the basic concepts of both theories in order to gain an insight as to how individual differences are perceived by each approach. The essay then goes on to interrogate the contrasting approaches by reference to the notion of power relations.
It argues how trait theory is limited in fully accounting for individual differences as its psychometric methods are reductionist and disempower those individuals they address with such assessments. The essay goes on to identify some of the strengths and limitations of the personal construct theory and demonstrates how in contrast to the trait theory, it increases personal agency. The essay concludes by evaluating the extent to which each theory is able to account for and e...(short extract)
- Subject: Social psychology: critical perspectives
- Course: DD307
- Level: Degree
- Year: 2nd/3rd
- Mark: 88%
- Words: 1995
- Date submitted: April 18, 2012
- Date written: September, 2011
- References: Yes
- Document type: Essay*
- Essay ID: 4072