The interface between personality and cognition

The interface or lack thereof between personality and cognition is discussed. It is suggested that personality and cognition have tilled separate vineyards. This paper reviews both historical and contemporary perspectives on trait psychology, cognitive social learning personality models, field‐dependence versus field‐independence cognitive styles, and interactionism. In reviewing these areas of personality research, it becomes evident that, until recently, there has been very little overlap between the fields of personality and cognition. Methodological and substantive reasons for this are presented. Recently, research has been conducted to relate personality to cognition, but the results have been equivocal and the various theories unintegrated. Proposals on how to integrate these two distinct fields are presented. It is suggested that part of the problem of uncovering the relationship between personality and cognition is a result of methodological hurdles. Thus, future research methods and hypotheses are proposed, which will help overcome these difficulties.