ABSTRACT
Personality theories are a significant resource that may help us to identify the major reinforcers of social behavior. Although the study of personality theories often appears to be merely an exercise in the history of psychology, we need to remember that it has been these psychologists who have most closely examined the social devices through which people pursue their goals. As we explore these theories for our special purpose, we do not feel the need to be either complete or evenhanded in reviewing these alternative proposals. In this chapter, we wish only to see if we can use these theories to extend our understanding of the biologically based motivational elements within the individual, clarify the changes produced by their developmental history, and thus be in a better position to investigate their effects on social behavior.
