Question

According to Allport's trait theory, all people are unique, with personalities that grow and differ. To demonstrate this, he designated personality traits into three tiers: cardinal, central, and secondary.

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

• Select a notable or well-known public figure (past or present) and construct a profile of the individual by illustrating how they embody the three tiers of personality traits.
• Cardinal traits: What are the passions, goals, or obsessions that are most dominant in this person? How have they contributed to this person’s motivations or accomplishments?
• Central traits: If you were to write a letter of recommendation for this person, which traits would you emphasize?
• Secondary traits: Describe traits the public maybe aware of, but that are not fundamental to understanding this person’s impact.
• Do you agree or disagree with Allport’s belief that psychoanalysis and/or behavioral theories are not enough to describe this person’s personality? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Person: Malala Yousafzai, Human Rights Activist and Nobel Laureate

·   Cardinal traits:

The cardinal traits of Malala can be described as perseverance (as she never stepped down and continued to fight for her cause despite many hurdles and a near-death experience), activism (for education, women, and many causes), and a thirst for education.

Her goals were human rights advocacy, especially for the education of women and children in the Swat Valley (and worldwide). Currently, her goals and passion include education, having completed a degree at Oxford, and becoming an international figure spreading awareness through speeches and writing.

·   How they have contributed to motivations or accomplishments:

Her relentless writing, learning and speaking up allowed her to become a respected and well-known figure in her country, revealed the doings of the Taliban, and led to an international outcry against the Taliban. Her curiosity and thirst for knowledge allowed her not only to amass an education from a leading institution but also publish many of her writings and speeches as exemplary notes to many,

·   Central traits:

Her central traits would include empathy, intelligence, bravery and dedication towards her cause. Considering the place where she was brought up, the kind of obstacles she faced while doing something as simple as going to school, and her ability with words and ideas, these are some central traits that could be emphasized.

·   Secondary traits:

She has been described as a witty person, with a sense of humour and a positive outlook on life. This adds to her courageous and bold demeanour but is only visible when one listens to her interviews or reads her books. She started identifying as a feminist after listening to Emma Watson speak. Additionally, she can also be described as ambitious.

·   Agreement or disagreement with Allport’s belief that psychoanalysis and/or behavioural theories are not enough to describe this person’s personality:

(Note: You may provide your personal opinion here. The following is simply an example)

I agree that psychoanalysis and/or behavioural theories are not enough to describe this person’s personality. While psychoanalysis would try to venture into her childhood experiences and dreams, behaviourism might perhaps focus on the reinforcements she received, such as fame and validation.

While her childhood and relationship with her father might have been consequential to certain parts of her personality, it can certainly not describe the entirety of it.

On the other hand, reinforcements might have shaped her actions as well, but this is too narrow an approach to understand her motives and personality. This being said, even Allport’s approach may fall short in describing her. A postmodernist approach would perhaps be the most appropriate, seeing as her personality was shaped by socio-political factors such as religious persecution, gender inequality, political tensions, and cultural beliefs.