Gordon Allport

From Freepedia

Gordon Willard Allport (November 11 1897 - October 9 1967) was an American psychologist. He was born in Montezuma, Indiana. His works include Becoming, Pattern and Growth in Personality and The Individual and his Religion.

Allport is considered a trait theorist, discussing traits which he believed predominate a person's personality. These were referred to as central traits, traits which help in the development of personality. When one becomes an apparent force, it is referred to as a cardinal trait. Central traits and cardinal traits are influenced by environmental factors.

In addition to his contributions to personality, Allport made contributions to social psychology, especially in the study of attitudes.

A committed Christian, he also made contributions to the Psychology of Religion. Some of his writings on these topics reflect his interest in the social psychology of prejudice.