Hans Eysenck, the Biological Theorist

Essay by niteowletUniversity, Bachelor'sA, February 2010

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University of PhoenixScientific fact states that most people have a unique characteristic based on each individual's fingerprint. No two people will have an identical match. This fact can also be said about an individual's personality. As a person matures and goes through life experiences, ones personality evolves. Does family upbringing influence an individual's personality or, do ones inherited genes develop personality? Although there are different theories on the personality concept, Hans Eysenck's theory that human nature is influenced by the biological genetic inheritance, would suggest that the answer to the previous question would be, "yes." Although Eysneck's position in maintaining his views created controversy in the field of psychoanalysis, his many contributions to the profession are greatly praised.

Eysenck was "a behaviorist who considers learned habits of great importance, he considers personality differences as growing out of our genetic inheritance" (Boeree, 2006). Therefore, to better understand the personality of people and how the mind works, one must be able to interpret the mechanics of the brain.

Unlike the genes that affect the physical make-up of an individual, such as the color of ones eyes or the hitchhiker thumb, his theory focuses on the biological-brain-behavior in relation to how an individuals thought process affects ones personality.

The foundation of his theory focused on the temperament of an individual by categorizing one as being an introvert or an extravert. He tested his theory with studies that involved measuring the brain wave and cardiovascular activity of the subjects by monitoring their response to an introduced stimuli. For example: he introduced low frequency tones. The results of the test concluded that the physiological difference of an introvert to an extravert is the lower threshold of stimulation to the central nervous system.

According to the Twin Method, a self-assessment data test gathered from...