Gordon Allport: An Overview of the Famous Psychologist
Gordon Allport was an influential American psychologist and one of the most influential figures in the field of psychology during the 20th century. He is best known for his groundbreaking work on personality theory and personality psychology. Allport was born in 1897 in Montezuma, Indiana and attended Harvard University, where he received his PhD in psychology in 1921.
Early Life and Education
Allport was the oldest of four children born to a Methodist minister and his wife. As a child, Allport was an avid reader and enjoyed studying a wide range of topics, from philosophy to psychology. He was also an excellent student, graduating from high school at the age of 16.
Allport attended Harvard University, where he studied psychology under the renowned psychologist William James. Allport was heavily influenced by James’s work, particularly his theories on personality. After graduating with his PhD in 1921, Allport went on to teach at Harvard and publish several books and articles on the topic of personality.
Personality Theory
Allport is best known for his groundbreaking work on personality theory, which he developed in the 1930s. In his seminal book, “Personality: A Psychological Interpretation”, Allport proposed that there are three distinct levels of personality: the id, the ego, and the superego. He argued that the id is the most basic level of personality, and is responsible for our instinctual drives and desires. The ego is the conscious part of the personality that mediates between the id and the superego. The superego is the moral part of the personality, and is responsible for our sense of right and wrong.
Allport also argued that personality is shaped by both nature and nurture. He argued that our personalities are shaped by both our genetic makeup and our environment, and that both play a role in determining our personalities.
Influence on Psychology
Allport’s work had a profound impact on the field of psychology, and his theories are still widely used today. His work helped to shape the field of personality psychology, and his work on the three levels of personality is still used as the basis for many theories of personality today.
Allport also had a significant influence on the field of social psychology. He argued that our personalities are shaped by our interactions with other people, and that our behavior is influenced by both our individual personalities and the social environment in which we live. His work helped to shape the field of social psychology, and his theories are still used today.
Legacy
Allport was a highly influential figure in the field of psychology, and his work has had a lasting impact on the field. His theories of personality are still widely used today, and his work on social psychology has shaped the field for generations. Allport’s work has helped to shape the field of psychology in profound ways, and he will always be remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of psychology.
FAQs
What was Gordon Allport’s field of study?
Gordon Allport was a psychologist who specialized in the study of personality and social psychology.
When did Gordon Allport live?
Gordon Allport lived from 1897 to 1967.
What did Gordon Allport contribute to psychology?
Gordon Allport contributed to the field of psychology by developing one of the first theories of personality, the Trait Theory. He also wrote several influential books on social psychology, including The Nature of Prejudice and The Person in Psychology.
What did Gordon Allport believe about personality?
Gordon Allport believed that personality is composed of a combination of both innate and acquired traits. He also believed that each individual is unique and that personality is shaped by both internal and external forces.
What awards did Gordon Allport receive?
Gordon Allport received numerous awards during his lifetime, including the American Psychological Association’s Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award in 1954, the National Medal of Science in 1964, and the American Psychological Foundation’s Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in Psychology in 1966.
What books did Gordon Allport write?
Gordon Allport wrote several influential books on social psychology, including The Nature of Prejudice, Becoming: Basic Considerations for a Psychology of Personality, and The Person in Psychology.
What were Gordon Allport’s views on prejudice?
Gordon Allport believed that prejudice is a learned behavior that is based on fear and ignorance. He argued that it is possible to reduce prejudice by increasing understanding and contact between different groups of people.
What is the Gordon Allport Intergroup Relations Prize?
The Gordon Allport Intergroup Relations Prize is an annual award given by the American Psychological Association to recognize outstanding research on prejudice and intergroup relations.