User:Panzo.8/sandbox

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_development I think it might be important to add to this page that shared environmental influences do play a role in personality and are not always of less importance than genetic factors. However, shared environmental influences often decrease to near zero after adolescence but do not completely disappear as T.J Bouchard stated in one of his articles. Bouchard, T. J. (2004) Genetic influence on human psychological traits. A survey. Current Directions in Psychological Science 13(4), 148-151. Retrieved September 14, 2014, from http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/dmessinger/c_c/ rsrcs/rdgs/temperament/boucard.04.curdir.pdf Also I think it would be beneficial to discuss more views on the topic of personality development. It is interesting how you briefly explained some of the factors that can affect personality. There was a study described in an article that concluded that the Big Five personality traits were largely influenced by genes with a small amount of influence coming from environment factors. This could be good to add when you briefly discussed the Big Five traits. You could also add how there are certain traits that are influenced by environmental factors more so than the Big Five traits. Essays, UK. (November 2013). Heredity and environment on the development of personality psychology essay. Retrieved from http://www.ukessays.com/essays/psychology/heredity-and-environment-on-the development-of-personality-psychology-essay.php Those are just a few suggestions, I hope you find them helpful!

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolutionary_psychology A few suggestions I have are in regards to the section titled personality. In an essay on ukessays.com the author said, "In conclusion, both the environment and genetic configuration are essential determinants of an individual’s personality. One also has to examine the interaction between genetics and environment for a clear understanding on personality development. Different people with certain genotypes tend to blend into an environment which they deem to be suitable or comfortable. Therefore, it is possible to say that genes make the environment one will venture in. However, this can also be seen from a different point of view. Individuals, who are already born into a certain type of environment, unknowingly bring out or develop certain personality traits to blend in and fit into their environment. Thus, it is very difficult to determine the actual contributions of gene and environment to personality traits." I feel adding some of this information may be very informative to the readers. Essays, UK. (November 2013). Heredity and environment on the development of personality psychology essay. Retrieved from http://www.ukessays.com/essays/psychology/heredity-and-environment-on-the development-of-personality-psychology-essay.php I also think it might be important to add to this page that shared environmental influences do play a role in personality and are not always of less importance than genetic factors. However, shared environmental influences often decrease to near zero after adolescence but do not completely disappear as T.J Bouchard stated in one of his articles. Bouchard, T. J. (2004) Genetic influence on human psychological traits. A survey. Current Directions in Psychological Science 13(4), 148-151. Retrieved September 14, 2014, from http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/dmessinger/c_c/ rsrcs/rdgs/temperament/boucard.04.curdir.pdf I hope you find this suggestion beneficial.


 * added to article: It is important to note that shared environmental influences do play a role in personality and are not always of less importance than genetic factors. However, shared environmental influences often decrease to near zero after adolescence but do not completely disappear as T.J Bouchard stated in one of his articles.

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_basis_of_personality Under the category of experimental techniques, I feel it may be beneficial to discuss whole genome expression analysis or insert a link describing it. There is an article written by Alison M. Bell and Nadia Aubin-Horth and in it they discuss how using this analysis is a great way to uncover more about personality. The article explains the basics of genome expression analysis and how it can be used to tackle three important evolutionary questions about personality. The three questions include: 1. Why do individuals behave consistently? 2. What maintains heritable variation in personality traits? 3. Can we compare personality axes across species? The article addresses the genetic mechanisms involved and how using whole genome expression can tackle these questions. The authors state, "Whole genome expression profiling involves studying variation in expression in a large number of genes, and is an attractive approach for studying personality because behavioural traits are often polygenic, sensitive to the environment and subject to epistatic interactions. Whole genome expression profiling provides us with a large-scale perspective on the molecular mechanisms that are associated with behavioral variation. Large-scale transcription surveys are efficient, in that they allow us to study many candidate genes simultaneously...Measuring whole genome expression in different environments might reveal insights into the molecular mechanisms that are involved in response to variable selection pressures." If you find this as relevant and interesting as I do, I think it would benefit this page to mention it. Bell, A.M., & Aubin-Horth, N. (2010). What can whole genome expression data tell us about the ecology and evolution of personality?. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. Retrieved September 10, 2014, from http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/365/1560/4001.full.pdf+html.


 * added to article: Another interesting method that has become more sophisticated and affordable to researchers is the method of whole genome expression analysis. This method involves collecting data for a large number of genes simultaneously which provides many advantages in studying personality. In an article written by Alison M. Bell and Nadia Aubin-Horth, they describe the advantages very clearly by stating, "For one, it is probable that the genetic basis of personality is polygenic, so it makes sense to simultaneously study many genes. In addition, gene products rarely act alone. Instead, they perform their function by interacting together in pathways and networks. As a result, the molecular changes that characterize a phenotype are frequently not based on a single marker or gene, but rather on an entire pathway. Whole genome expression profiling therefore has the potential to reveal new candidates genes and pathways."

FINAL DRAFT STARTS HERE
When it comes to the meaning of personality, there is not one definitive definition. However, many of the definitions do share common principles. Encyclopedia Britannica gives a more general definition of personality as the characteristic way of thinking, feeling, and behaving along with one’s moods, attitudes, and opinions. Another important aspect of personality is individuality. This is the unique center of every person, and if one were to describe what makes them unique they were most likely start off describing their personality. Then, they would include things such as their heritage, race, occupation, talents, beliefs, political preference, and many more. Understanding how personality and individuality evolved is an important and difficult area of research as well as trying to determine the factors that influence one’s personality and individuality. It’s important to be familiar with the main theories used to uncover more truths to this field of study. There are many theories, however, three will be the main focus of this paper. These will include the trait theory, biological theory, and the evolutionary theory. Trait theory states that traits involved with personality are unique to individuals and are relatively stable over time. An individual’s personality and individuality is a result of the vast number of combinations and interactions of many personality traits. These traits are what define a person and influence their behavior. Biological theory states that genetics and the brain are what determine an individual’s personality. Evolutionary theory investigates if natural or sexual selection is acting to cause the variance in an individual’s personality. For this paper, a third type of selection introduced in an article by Fellmann and Walsh, will be added called emotional selection. Evolutionary theory as a whole looks at human evolution to gather insight to explain the complex thing that is human personality. Before looking at the factors that influence personality and individuality, a background of how exactly it evolved is necessary. A fascinating evolutionary perspective in particular can attempt to explain simplistically why humans have personality and individuality. This perspective traces personality and individuality back to when the early humans were learning how to function in complex social groups. Many specialists from different fields have a general agreement that early humans saw themselves as a part of the group to which they belonged, rather than seeing themselves as individuals with independent personalities. In terms of personality at this time, the whole group was identical. A member of the group associated themselves as one with the tribe and therefore the responsibility rested in the group and not the individual. Kropotkin explained the important of this by stating that because the primitive man identified his existence with the existence of his tribe it has allowed for mankind to reach the remarkable level present today. A small step of differentiation that later led to personality and individuality was the division of labor. This differentiation was necessary in order for the group to function in a much more efficient way. This differentiation became adaptive since it increased the groups functionality. These early humans then continued to develop personality and individuality, which stemmed from their group and the social interactions they encountered. Individual life, and thus individuality and personality essentially arose from collective life. There are many variations in human personality and individuality and this can be explained by natural selection to some degree. Evolution introduced variations of the human mind, natural selection acted on these by choosing which were the most beneficial and which led to a greater fitness. Since humans are so complex, many opposing personality traits proved to be beneficial in different ways. An example of this is that in some situations a more aggressive personality could be beneficial, yet a more submissive personality could be beneficial in another situation. Another type of selection helps to take on the evolutionary aspect of human personality and individuality. This type of selection is referred to as emotional selection. It considers emotions as the core emergence of humans in the world. It is the emotions of humans that have led to the evolution of human personality and individuality. “The ability to adapt to all conditions of life is usually called, ‘intelligence,’ but is founded in the complexity and flexibility of the emotional system. The concept of emotional representation as a way of selectively modeling the environment is the key idea underlying our understanding of human individuality.” Now that the evolution has been laid out as clearly as possible, mostly because there is still a lot that is unknown, the factors influencing personality can be addressed. There are many questions being studied to determine what affects human personality and to what degree. This paper will address and explore only a few of the many questions. The main focuses will be on the most gripping and studied aspects of what exactly influences an individual’s personality. One question that will be explored is whether the environment plays a role in influencing one’s personality and individuality. A second question that needs to be discussed is if genetic factors determine one’s personality. These first two questions together can further explain whether the determining factor of personality is internal (genetic) or external (environmental). A third question, perhaps the most intriguing, also addresses an internal aspect to personality, except this time it involves chemical influences such as neurotransmitters in the brain. The final question, which is reliant on the findings of the previous questions, is if there are in fact multiple factors at play rather than just one in the determination of personality and individuality. Included in many of the articles studied for this paper, the same five personality traits were often used in conducting experiments. These five personality traits are extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness. Each of these traits can be briefly described, and it’s important to keep in mind that the opposite of each of these traits also exists. This way, even more personality traits are encompassed. Extraversion refers to a more outgoing personality with positive emotions. It can be characterized by the quality and quantity of interpersonal relationships. Agreeableness is characterized as having a kind, sympathetic, and friendly personality. Conscientiousness is a trait that includes high motivation, dependability, responsibility, perseverance, and good organization. Neuroticism is emotional instability, nervousness, irritability, and an increased inclination to stress and worry. Openness involves being insightful, curious, original, imaginative, and open to new life experiences and stimuli. Because human personality is very variable and complex, these five traits help to lay a basic foundation so that research can continuously be conducted and so that new discoveries can be made. After informing of what personality is, along with the theories, evolution, important questions, and traits, it is now possible to explore the factors that influence the individualistic and complex personalities of humans. After much research, a consensus was reached among most that human personality is significantly influenced by genetic factors. One of the most important findings in the last 3 decades is that virtually every aspect of personality is heritable. This means that much of personality is passed down from one generation to the next through one’s genes. According to Fellmann and Walsh, humans come into the world with fixed genetic dispositions rather than arriving as a complete blank slate. Due to all the research conducted, it is widely accepted that approximately 30-40% of the variability in personality is genetically determined. Some studies have indicated it being much closer to 50%. Personality traits are said to be polygenic because they are influenced by more than one gene. It is helpful to focus on a polygenic model when studying the genetics of personality because it is the interaction of multiple genes that determines the dimensional aspects of personality. Personality traits are also polymorphic. Polymorphism is when two or more different phenotypes, observable characteristics, are expressed in the same population, at the same time, and provide variation in that population. As noted earlier, personality differences are complex in design and are continuously variable between individuals, which indicate the presence of many polymorphisms at many loci. It is the polymorphisms at the many loci that are likely responsible for the genetic variation in personality. It’s interesting that human genes are 90% identical from one individual to another and yet there is so much variation in humans. According to evolutionary genetics in an article written in 2007, balancing selection is an evolutionary factor that helps in maintaining the genetic variance in most, if not all, personality traits. It’s important to note that another aspect of internal influence has been found in regards to personality. Neurotransmitters in the brain also play a role in human personality. In two articles in particular, there was mention of serotonergic and dopaminergic systems. These systems are attracting more attention as underlying neurobiological substrates of personality traits and there are some links to psychopathology as well. So now it has been established that genetic factors play a large role in personality and neurotransmitters have recently been found to play some role. Surprisingly, the environment plays a large role as well. In fact, the complex personality traits originate mostly from interplay between multiple genetic factors and the environment. The environment is an important influence and some examples of environmental variables include: parenting style, season of birth, childhood sexual abuse, life experiences, and many more. It has been stated a few times by different authors that environmental factors are the dominate influence on personality early on in one’s life, but as one gets older, the genetic factors gradually increase while the environmental influence decreases and is near zero after adolescence. However, many also disagree in regards to this. Many believe that life experiences play a large role in personality and individuality even after one gets older. An example of this could be a traumatic event. Other than life experiences, it is also believed that culture is extremely important in human personality and individuality throughout ones life. Through many different studies, it has been concluded that the two most important influences found were both genetic and environmental factors. These two work together to shape the personality and individuality of humans. This area of study is fairly new, and because of this, more information is likely to be discovered in time. Neuroscience, for example, studies the brain more closely in order to uncover more information regarding the unconscious and conscious mind and they have also taken on the task of trying to discover more information in regards to how the brain and all its components affect personality and individuality. A very inspiring quote from David Eagleman, a neuroscientist at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas says, “If you were to read a cardiology book to learn how your heart pumps, would you feel less alive and more despondently mechanical? I wouldn’t. Understanding the details of our own biological processes does not diminish the awe, it enhances it. Like flowers, brains are more beautiful when you can glimpse the vast, intricate, exotic mechanisms behind them.”

Edits To Wikipedia Page
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_development A Brief Evolutionary Perspective: A fascinating evolutionary perspective in particular can attempt to explain simplistically why humans have personality and individuality. This perspective traces personality and individuality back to when the early humans were learning how to function in complex social groups. Many specialists from different fields have a general agreement that early humans saw themselves as a part of the group to which they belonged, rather than seeing themselves as individuals with independent personalities. In terms of personality at this time, the whole group was identical. A member of the group associated themselves as one with the tribe and therefore the responsibility rested in the group and not the individual. Kropotkin explained the important of this by stating that because the primitive man identified his existence with the existence of his tribe it has allowed for mankind to reach the remarkable level present today. A small step of differentiation that later led to personality and individuality was the division of labor. This differentiation was necessary in order for the group to function in a much more efficient way. This differentiation became adaptive since it increased the groups functionality. These early humans then continued to develop personality and individuality, which stemmed from their group and the social interactions they encountered. Individual life, and thus individuality and personality essentially arose from collective life. In order to explain some of the variations in human personality and individuality it's possible to look at the evolutionary process of natural selection. Evolution introduced variations of the human mind, natural selection acted on these by choosing which were the most beneficial and which led to a greater fitness. Since humans are so complex, many opposing personality traits proved to be beneficial in different ways. An example of this is that in some situations a more aggressive personality could be beneficial, yet a more submissive personality could be beneficial in another situation. Another type of selection helps to take on the evolutionary aspect of human personality and individuality. This type of selection is referred to as emotional selection. It considers emotions as the core emergence of humans in the world. The emotions of humans are what have led to the evolution of human personality and individuality. “The ability to adapt to all conditions of life is usually called, ‘intelligence,’ but is founded in the complexity and flexibility of the emotional system. The concept of emotional representation as a way of selectively modeling the environment is the key idea underlying our understanding of human individuality.” With these basic understandings introduced, hopefully it will help make more sense out of the development of personality.