Examine and explain the biological approaches to personality. Evaluate the criticisms they face as a science and the benefits they may contribute to the future of recovery from brain injury.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Biological approaches look at the role of genes, hormones, and brain structures in personality. A great deal of research has been conducted on the role of biology in temperament. Hans Eysenck proposed that personality is rooted in biology and genetics. He proposed three superfactors, or dimensions, that are present from birth: (1) psychoticism (the propensity to have a psychotic episode), (2) extroversion-introversion, and (3) neuroticism-stability. He believed that each of these comes about from changes in the biology of the person. Behavioral genetics is also a biological approach to personality, as it strives to determine the role of genetics in personality development. The most common research approach in this area is to compare the personalities of people with varying degrees of relatedness.
Researchers are also studying the human genome to see if they can find specific genes associated with personality. Personality neuroscience refers to the study of individual differences in personality using neuroscientific methods. Scientists are beginning to examine the neural circuitry involved in certain personality traits.
Criticisms of the biological approach center around a general concern that information learned from these approaches could possibly be used to create a world of selective-breeding programs, where you could choose the type of child you have. It is also difficult to conceive that we are merely a product of our genes, so further advances that consider environmental factors may be preferred. However, scientists remind us that there is a tremendous potential payoff, as their research may lead to improved interventions for people who have had a serious mental illness or brain injury.