PSYC 335 studies the major theories and perspectives on personality, with the goal of explaining and evaluating major concepts. UMGC notes it was formerly PSYC 435.
The challenge is that theories rarely agree. You must describe each fairly, compare them with evidence, and resist treating any single view as the answer.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
| Code and title | PSYC 335, Theories of Personality (formerly PSYC 435) |
| Credits | 3 |
| Prerequisite | PSYC 100 |
| Credit overlap | Credit for only one of PSYC 335 or PSYC 435 |
| Subject area | Personality psychology |
What PSYC 335 Covers
The catalog lists trait, psychodynamic, behavioral and humanistic theories, plus methods of personality research and relevant findings.
| Perspective | Core idea | Typical critique |
|---|---|---|
| Trait | Stable dimensions of difference | Describes more than it explains |
| Psychodynamic | Unconscious conflict and early experience | Hard to test |
| Behavioral | Learning shapes behavior | May underplay inner life |
| Humanistic | Growth and self-direction | Concepts hard to measure |
Key Concepts Explained
Comparing Theories Fairly
A strong comparison uses the same questions for each theory: what drives behavior, how does personality develop, how is it measured and what evidence supports it.
Illustration (invented case): A student who becomes anxious before every presentation. A trait view points to a high level of neuroticism. A behavioral view looks for earlier experiences that paired speaking with embarrassment. A humanistic view asks whether the situation clashes with the student's self-image. Each gives a different prediction and a different kind of evidence.
Personality Research Methods
Questionnaires, observation and case studies each have strengths and limits. Note which method a claim rests on.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
| Assignment type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Theory comparison paper | Fair evaluation | Use a table, then write about the differences |
| Case application | Using theory on a person | Apply each lens, then say which fits best and why |
| Self-reflection tied to theory | Linking concepts to experience | Follow the prompt on how much personal content is allowed |
| Quiz or exam | Concepts and names | Make a one-page map of theories, key figures and ideas |
Typical patterns for the subject; check your syllabus.
One Case, Four Lenses
A practical way to prepare is to fix one imaginary person and write a short analysis through each of the four perspectives the catalog names.
| Lens | Question to ask about your case | Evidence to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Trait | Which stable dimensions describe this person? | Questionnaire-based findings |
| Psychodynamic | What conflicts or early patterns might be at work? | Case material and interpretation |
| Behavioral | What has this person learned, and what keeps it going? | Observed consequences |
| Humanistic | What does growth mean for this person? | Self-reports of goals and values |
Doing this once produces a template you can adapt for papers, discussion posts and exam essays.
Worked Example: A Fair Evaluation Paragraph
Illustration (invented paragraph): "The trait approach is well supported by questionnaire research that shows stable individual differences, and it makes testable predictions. However, it mainly describes how people differ and says less about why. Psychodynamic accounts offer richer explanations of why but are harder to test, so the two perspectives complement rather than replace each other."
The paragraph gives a strength, a limit and a comparison in four sentences. Aim for that pattern in each section.
Terms to Know
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Trait | A stable pattern of thinking, feeling or acting |
| Unconscious | Mental content outside awareness, central to psychodynamic theory |
| Reinforcement | A consequence that makes behavior more likely |
| Self-actualisation | Realizing one's potential, a humanistic idea |
| Reliability and validity | Consistency and accuracy of a personality measure |
Where Students Get Stuck
- Describing without evaluating. Say what evidence supports and challenges each theory.
- Mixing up figures and ideas. A simple table of theorist, theory and key term fixes this.
- Picking a favorite. Argue from evidence rather than preference.
- Using the old course number. If you took PSYC 435, check you are not repeating credit.
Study Tips for PSYC 335
- Refresh PSYC 100 notes on personality.
- Build a four-column table early and add to it each week.
- Practice applying every theory to the same imaginary person.
- Cite original or reputable secondary sources for each theorist.
How We Help with PSYC 335
Send the prompt, rubric and readings. We can prepare a model comparison, explain a theory step by step, or review your draft for balance and APA. See also our psychology assignment help guide.
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Get Your PSYC 335 Comparison Right
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. UMGC lists it as formerly PSYC 435.
No. UMGC allows credit for only one of PSYC 335 or PSYC 435.
PSYC 100.
Trait, psychodynamic, behavioral and humanistic theories, plus personality research methods.
Names and terms matter, but assignments usually reward comparison and evaluation.
Yes. Send the prompt and we prepare a clear model to study from.