Compare and Contract the Aims and Methods of Trait Theory with Those of Personal Construct Theory

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Compare and contract the aims and methods of Trait Theory with those of Personal Construct Theory Looking at the Trait theory and Personal Construct theory (PCT) both are concerned with the psychological study of individual differences and personality traits. The trait theory is based in the experimental approach, while personal construct theory is concerned with a phenomenological approach into the study of individual difference (cited in Butt, 2012). This essay will begin by briefly describing the trait theory and PCT, following on from that it will go on to highlight both theories aims and methods used in relation to personality traits. Using Eysenck and Rachman’s trait theory (objective) and Kelly's PCT (subjective) I will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of both theories, and make comparisons in relation to methods used in order to measure or investigate individual differences and the knowledge that each method produces, and how each theory can explain individual differences /personality traits (cited in Butt, 2012). I will also briefly look at both theories in terms of power relations and structure / agency which can have a great influence on individual difference and personality traits. . To conclude, both theories take a different ontological and methodology approach towards individuals, which means that the aims of their research and the knowledge produced by can be quite different. The trait theory it was developed by Eysenck & Rachman, their theory is based in the experimental scientific and psychometric tradition, whereby assessments were used to access personality. This theory on personality was based upon biological explanations whereby he believed that individual’s personality traits were caused by a persons biological and genetic make-up (cited in Butt, 2012). Trait theorists are concerned with the

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