Understanding Personality Definitions in Psychology

The question asks us to identify the psychologist who defined personality as "the sum total of innate and acquired dispositions". Definitions of personality vary among different psychologists, each focusing on slightly different aspects of human nature and behavior.

Let's look at the key terms in the definition provided:

• Innate dispositions: These are qualities or tendencies that a person is born with. They are part of a person's natural makeup, potentially influenced by genetics.
• Acquired dispositions: These are qualities or tendencies that a person develops or learns through experiences, interactions, and environment over time.

The definition suggests that personality is a combination of both what we are born with and what we learn or gain throughout life. It views personality as a cumulative product of these two factors.

Identifying the Psychologist

We are given four options for the psychologist who might have provided this definition:

1. Mortin Prince
2. Allport
3. Valentine
4. Cattell

Many influential psychologists have offered definitions of personality. For instance, Gordon Allport is famous for defining personality as "the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his characteristic behavior and thought." Raymond Cattell is known for his work on personality traits using factor analysis.

Upon reviewing various definitions of personality in psychology, the specific definition stating that "Personality is the sum total of innate and acquired dispositions" is attributed to Valentine.

Conclusion

Therefore, based on the attribution of this particular definition, Valentine is the psychologist who stated that personality is the sum total of innate and acquired dispositions.