Semester 2 2025 – DUE 2025; 100% correct solutions
and explanations.
QUESTION 1
1. Introduction
The scientific study of personality seeks to understand the consistent
patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that make each person
unique. Over time, different theoretical approaches have emerged,
each offering unique insights into the factors that influence
personality development and individual differences. Among these
are cognitive theories, social cognitive theories, and occupation-
oriented personality theories. These perspectives use empirical
evidence, systematic observation, and theoretical reasoning to
explain how personality is shaped, maintained, and expressed.
2. Cognitive Theories of Personality
Cognitive theories emphasise the role of mental processes—such as
perception, memory, interpretation, and problem-solving—in
shaping personality. They view personality differences as arising
from the ways in which individuals process information about
themselves, others, and the world.
2.1 Core Assumptions
Personality is influenced by how we think, rather than just by
unconscious drives or biological instincts.
People actively interpret and structure their experiences, and
these interpretations affect their behaviour.