Psychology Chapter 8 Trait Theory Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are the Big Five personality traits?

Openness to experience (correct)

Extraversion (correct)

Agreeableness (correct)

Neuroticism (correct)

Conscientiousness (correct)

The big five factor model is a _________ analytic trait approach.

factor

What is the fundamental lexical hypothesis?

The hypothesis that important individual differences in human interaction are encoded as single terms in language.

What does NEO-PI-R stand for?

Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness Personality Inventory Revised Signup and view all the answers

Each of the five factors in the NEO-PI is broken into six subdivisions each, called ____________.

facets Signup and view all the answers

What is the Five-Factor Theory?

A theory posited by McCrae and Costa that claims the Big Five traits are universal tendencies possessed by all individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What do McCrae and Costa believe makes the Five-Factor Theory biological?

They believe multiple genes contribute to each trait, with no 1:1 relationship between a gene and a trait. Signup and view all the answers

Cultural invariance claims that external influences have no impact on personality traits.

True Signup and view all the answers

How does the Five-Factor Theory view traits?

As causal factors that influence the life course of every individual. Signup and view all the answers

The Big Five traits remain stable across time and situations.

True Signup and view all the answers

What specific points can be made regarding the stability and change of the Big Five personality traits?

<ol> <li>More stable over short periods than long periods. 2. More stable in adulthood than childhood. 3. Individual differences in stability during development exist. 4. The limits of environmental influence on change remain to be determined. 5. Some reasons for stability are genetic, others are environmental.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 6 Factor Model?

A development in trait psychology that includes an additional trait of honesty along with the Big Five. Signup and view all the answers

What are some strengths of the Big Five Model?

It is comprehensive, widely applicable, and a great tool for prediction, especially in understanding psychopathology. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Mischel, and what is he known for?

Mischel suggested that situations cause people to behave inconsistently, which he discussed in his book Personality and Assessment (1968). Signup and view all the answers

What does the person-situation controversy examine?

It examines the degree to which a person's behavior in a situation is due to their personality or the situation itself. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two aspects of personality traits in the person-situation controversy?

Longitudinal stability and cross situational consistency. Signup and view all the answers

What is longitudinal stability?

The concept that individuals high on a trait at one point in time are also high on that trait at another time. Signup and view all the answers

What is cross situational consistency?

The idea that individuals high on a trait in some situations are also high on that trait in other situations. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mischel and Peake (1983) find in their study?

They found evidence of longitudinal stability of trait-related behaviors but low levels of cross situational consistency. Signup and view all the answers

What are some strengths of trait theories?

<ol> <li>Empirical and based on scientific observation. 2. High heuristic value and easy to test objectively. 3. Helped in understanding individual differences.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are the weaknesses of trait theories?

<ol> <li>Not comprehensive; lacks analysis of personality processes. 2. Focuses on differences among people rather than individuals.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Big Five Personality Traits

The Big Five traits are neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, often remembered using the acronym OCEAN.
The traits provide a framework for understanding human personality and behavior.

Theoretical Framework

The Big Five factor model is a factor analytic trait approach, indicating traits are derived from underlying factors.
Fundamental lexical hypothesis suggests important individual differences have been encoded into language over time.

Assessment Tools

NEO-PI-R (Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness Personality Inventory Revised) is a 240-item self-report tool created by Costa and McCrae, measuring the Big Five.
Each of the five traits is divided into six specific components known as facets.

Five-Factor Theory

Proposed by McCrae and Costa, the Five-Factor Theory posits the Big Five traits are universal tendencies present in all individuals.
It strongly supports the biological basis of traits, suggesting multiple genes contribute to these traits, emphasizing the "nature" side in the nature vs nurture debate.
Cultural invariance claims outside influences do not affect personality traits.

Stability of Traits

Big Five traits are generally stable over time and across different situations, including cultural contexts.
Stability points include that personality remains more stable in adulthood compared to childhood and is subject to genetic and environmental influences.

6 Factor Model

A development in trait psychology adding honesty to the traditional Big Five traits.

Strengths of the Big Five Model

The model is comprehensive, widely applicable, and an effective predictive tool, particularly useful in understanding psychopathology.

Person-Situation Controversy

Mischel argued that behavior varies by situation, initiating the person-situation controversy around the consistency of personality traits.
This controversy distinguishes between longitudinal stability (consistency over time) and cross-situational consistency (consistency across different situations).

Empirical Studies

Mischel and Peake's research showed strong longitudinal stability for conscientious behaviors but low cross-situational consistency.
Similar findings were echoed in Hartshorne and May's earlier study.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Trait Theories

Strengths include empirical support from scientific observation, high testability, and significant contributions to personality assessment.
Weaknesses highlight a lack of comprehensiveness regarding dynamic personality processes and an excessive focus on group differences rather than the individual.

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Description

Explore key concepts related to trait theory with these flashcards focused on the Big Five personality traits. Learn about the fundamental lexical hypothesis and the factor analytic trait approach. Perfect for psychology students looking to enhance their understanding of personality models.