On the Nature of Human Nature: Comparing Formal and Informal Theories of Personality
نویسندگان
چکیده
The present study assessed university students’ views on human nature according to a standard set of theoretical dimensions, namely free will vs. determinism, causality vs. teleology, uniqueness vs. similarity, conscious vs. unconscious, pessimism vs. optimism, and biological vs. social influences. Based on the responses from 618 introductory and personality psychology students, results showed that the typical student theory of human nature (a) endorsed free will and goodness in others, (b) advocated the uniqueness of individuals, and (c) recognized the influence of causality, unconscious forces, and social relationships on personality. Cluster analysis uncovered two main clusters of theories, partitioned according to their endorsement of social influence and unconscious determinism. The student theory was most similar to the theories of Erikson, Horney, and Dollard and Miller. These findings are comparable to those obtained using Finnish students. Limitations are outlined, and suggestions for future research are given.
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