Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Is Personality Fixed Throughout One’s Lifetime?
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This 3 page paper argues that contrary to traditional thinking, personality changes over the course of a person’s lifetime. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
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3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_HVperfix.rtf
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that the personality changes throughout life. Discussion The traditional view of personality is that it was "an inherited legacy, fixed at birth and unchanging through life" (Herbert, 2007). This meant
that there were "adventurous people and timid people; competitive Type As and laid-back Type Bs; conscientious, truthful types and -well, scoundrels and liars" (Herbert, 2007). The new theories argue that
these personality traits are in flux, not fixed, but the question is why (Herbert, 2007). One theory, proposed by Carol Dweck, is that our own beliefs "about ourselves and the
world" shape "who we become in life" (Herbert, 2007). That is, our own theories about aptitude and personality "actually shape our character" (Herbert, 2007). To test this theory, Dweck devised
an experiment. First she had "hundreds of preteens take a test," using problems from a standard IQ examination (Herbert, 2007). Most of the students did "okay" on it (Herbert, 2007).
But when Dweck discussed their scores she treated the students very differently: she implied that some had natural talent by saying "What a great score! Youre so smart"; to others,
she said "What a great score! You must have worked very hard!" implying that they had made a substantial effort (Herbert, 2007). The difference between these two statements may seem
subtle, but Herbert notes that "to the developing mind the two messages are night and day" (Herbert, 2007). The statement "Youre so smart" conveys the idea that "peoples abilities and
traits are fixed," with the sentiment "You must have worked hard" emphasizes the "potential for growth and the value of old-fashioned effort" (Herbert, 2007). The results of the experiments were
"immediate and unambiguous: the kids who were told they were smart immediately became cautious, shying away from any further testing that might expose weaknesses. The kids who were praised for
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