definition: phenomenoligically speaking
...urable. Like mentioned before, it is only an assumption of how a subject is, not a fact. In “Portals to Personality: Theories for Women and Men”, Gail Hicks states that phenomenologically disposed people believe that “. . . there is no objective reality unless it is perceived by a subjectivity”(p.3). Phenomenologists are concerned with the uniqueness of the individual and the idea of free will (Hicks, 199-). Alfred Adler also stressed the uniqueness of the individual in his work, where “. . . behavior is understood in terms of its larger context . . .”(Fadiman, p.103). Another factor to consider is the Hawthorne effect, which occurs when the subject’s behavior is influenced by the fact that the subject knows that an experiment is taking place and the information given is of some importance to the experimenter (Goodwin, 1995). According to Goodwin (1995), an operational definition is “a definition of a concept or a variable in terms of precisely described operations, measures, or procedures”(p.453). In attempting to operationally define personality, it would be almost impossible to precisely describe any specific characteristic included in that definition. In psychology, many terms that are used are insubstantial and uncertain. Personality, attitude, self, consciousness and unconsciousness are just a few examples. There is no way that one can examine or test any subject on this and get an accurate outcome. However, many people are able to have knowledgeable discussions about personality without any defining characteristics being listed. In fact, this paper is being written without the assistance of an operational definition. An operational definition of personality would be based on assumptions made by the person or people defining the term. Even ignoring these assumptions, to reach a truly operational definition would require that the language in use be brief and non-descriptive. If the definition becomes so broad, is based on many assumptions and cannot explain or predict behavior, it is not frugal and, therefore, not useful for a discussion about personality. In many different scientific disciplines, defining the terms used for completion is not necessary. In sociology, people are studied in minute detail. The everyday actions and reactions in groups and as individuals are monitored in order to determine a cause and effect relationship regarding specific behaviors. Behavior, like personality, is a highly complex phenomenon. It would be difficult to predict behavior; there are many factors that have to be considered. However, the study of sociology is a constant thing. I n the same like manner, some people believe that God exist and some don’t. The ones that do believe are because of their own personal experience. Others that haven’t had a close encounter find it hard to believe. To operationally define “God” would be impractical, if not impossible, because God means so many things to so many different people. To some, it could be simply something or someone that is praised. In a sense, personality is much the same. People view personality based on their own experiences and knowledge. Personality is a complex, emotional topic into which each individual brings distinct ideas when approaching the sub...