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"Personality is the sum of the overt and covert responses that can be reliably elicited by an

individual's reinforcement history." This comment would most likely be uttered by a proponent
of the ________ approach to personality.

a. humanistic
b. psychodynamic
c. type
d. learning theory

1 Answer

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Final answer:

A proponent of the learning theory approach to personality, which emphasizes reinforcements and consequences in shaping observable behavior, would likely make the given statement about personality.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about personality being the sum of responses elicited by an individual's reinforcement history would likely be uttered by a proponent of the learning theory approach to personality. This perspective, as opposed to humanistic or psychodynamic approaches, focuses on observable behavior and the idea that personality is shaped by reinforcements and consequences in the environment. Behavioral theorists like B.F. Skinner conceptualize personality development as a continuous process influenced significantly by the external environment and prior learning experiences. In contrast, the humanistic approach, such as that by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes self-actualization and free will, while the psychodynamic approach, primarily associated with Sigmund Freud, focuses on unconscious motivations and early childhood experiences. The referred statement reflects a clear learning theory perspective, particularly behaviorism, which views personality as a collection of learned behaviors.

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