Eysenck

Eysenck is a behaviorist who believed in a biological basis for all personality. Along with his genetic acknowledgments, he also mentioned the importance of learned habits and environmental factors in the formation of personality traits. He stressed his belief that genetic inheritance directly affects personality. He utilized physiological measurements and psychometric components to define personality. Eysenck has determined a number of dimensions that personality is derived. These dimensions are known as supertraits. He believed that his three bipolar constructs would accurately determine the personality of any individual. While he recognized that some dimensions of personality are altered through environment he based his three supertraits mainly on genetic and physiological factors. “He estimated that about three fourths of the variance of all three personality dimensions can be accounted for by heredity and about one fourth by environment.” (Feist, 2009, p. 415).
Eysenck had four specific criteria in establishing factors of personality. His first criteria were based on finding validity through techniques of measurement. As he clearly states “psychometric evidence for the factors existence must be established.” (Feist, 2009, p. 408). Second, the factor must fit into a genetic model and possess heredity in order to remove learned characteristics. This factor appears to be a means to an end, according to Eysenck; the factor must have a genetic model. According to this statement, Eysenck would never consider Leary’s personality factors to be of any value, as they have only loose biological ties. His third stipulated criteria are as follows; “the factor must make sense from a theoretical view” (Feist, 2009, p. 408). Finally the factor must possess social relevance, in order to demonstrate a relationship. His criteria appear quite strict in comparison to Timothy Leary’s factors, which are primarily based on biological motivations, themes and reflexes.
Eysenck