Personality: Trends in theory and research

Characteristics of personality research were surveyed and compared with previous reports in an attempt to identify trends. Current research in personality is guided by microtheories which explore the variables influencing specific influencing with traditional theories of personality being less evident. Experimental research designs are more prevalent and the majority of studies were conducted in laboratory settings within single sessions on college students. Dissatisfaction with the current status of research and the proper focus of "personality" is considered and partially supported. However, rather than leaving the mainstream of psychology with an excursion into personology, a continued association between personality and experimental psychology is advocated.