Differences between people are a fascinating and long-standing area of psychological inquiry. However, previous research has largely been confined to studies at the descriptive level. This book tries to explain individual difference, rather than merely describe them. Explanations are derived from two major competing frameworks: the biological and social approaches to individuality. The book is based on the contributions of specialists from Europe and North America invited to represent the biological and social points of view. Thus, a direct confrontation is obtained of two approaches that, hitherto, have proceeded with virtually no reference to each other. Attention is paid to behavior genetics, psychophysiology and temperament, as well as to social learning, behavioral strategies and person-environment interactions. Differences and commonalities between the biological and social approaches are scrutinized and a common framework is outlined to stimulate future research. Due to its innovative character, the book is particularly relevant for investigators in the field. In addition, it may be fruitfully used in advanced graduate level courses in personality psychology.

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Preface. Biological and Social Approaches to Individuality: Towards a Common Paradigm; J. Hettema, I.J. Deary. Genetic and Environmental Influences on Adult Personality: Evaluating the Evidence; T.J. Bouchard, Jr. Behavioral Genetics: Variables, Mechanisms and Disorders. Commentary; I.J. Deary. From DNA to Social Behaviour: Conditions for a Paradigm of Personality Research; H.J. Eysenck. The Genes and P. Commentary; J.C. Loehlin. Reply to J.C. Loehlin; H.J. Eysenck. Personality from Top (Traits) to Bottom (Genetics) with Stops at Each Level Between; M. Zuckerman. Identifying Basic Dimensions of Personality. Commentary; G.L. Van Heck. The Location of the Regulative Theory of Temperament (RTT) among other Temperament Theories; J. Strelau. The Regulatory Theory of Temperament: the View from the Top. Commentary; R.M. Stelmack. Biosocial Adaptation: a Strategic-Tactical Approach to Individuality; J. Hettema. Strategies and Tactics for Person-Situation Interaction. Commentary; R.J. Larsen. Strategic Individual Differences: the Role of Personality in Creating and Solving Adaptive Problems; D.M. Buss. Evolutionary Psychology: Where to? Commentary; A. Angleitner. Reply to A. Angleitner; D.M. Buss. Linking Biological and Social Approaches to Personality: Evolution, Gender, and Cognition; D.T. Kenrick. Can Biology help Personality? Commentary; W.K.B. Hofstee. Marginal Deviations, Aggregate Effects, Disruption of Continuity, and Deviation Amplifying Mechanisms; G.V. Caprara. The Long Road from Marginal Deviations to Major Effects. Commentary; I. Mervielde. Reply to I. Mervielde; G.V. Caprara. Personality: an Interactional Perspective; N.S. Endler. Have Trait Psychologists been Ignorant of Context? Commentary; B. de Raad.Subject Index.