Psychology Chapter: Personality Traits and Theories

Study Notes

Personality Traits

Personality is defined as distinctive and relatively enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.
These patterns are consistent across time and situations, and reflect internal explanations for behavior.
Personality traits are stable characteristics that describe individuals. These are cognitive, emotional, and behavioural.
Trait theories aim to identify fundamental traits that capture individual differences.

Trait Theories of Personality

Trait theorists try to pinpoint the fundamental traits that underlie and categorize different personality characteristics.
Key figures in trait theory include Allport and Odbert (1936)
Factor analysis is used to identify clusters of correlated traits that reveal underlying dimensions of personality.

Factor Analytical Approches to Personality

Factor analysis is a statistical technique used to group related personality traits.
It identifies clusters of highly correlated characteristics, independent of other clusters.
Researchers use this to find underlying traits that shape personality.

Cattell's 16 Personality Factors

Cattell (1965) developed a model of 16 personality factors derived from extensive data analysis.
His method involved using factor analysis on data from large participant groups self-reporting and assessments from individuals acquainted with the participants.

Eysenck's Extraversion-Stability Model

Eysenck proposed two fundamental dimensions: Extraversion and Stability (or Neuroticism).
Different combinations of these traits create diverse personalities.

Five-Factor Model (Big Five)

McCrae and Costa (2003) developed the widespread Five-Factor Model (or Big Five).
This is a hierarchy of personality traits.
The Big Five are Openness; Conscientiousness; Extraversion; Agreeableness; and Neuroticism.

30 Facets of Personality (within the Big Five)

Openness: Imagination, artistic interests, emotionality, adventurousness, intellect, and literalism.
Conscientiousness: Self-efficacy, orderliness, dutifulness, achievement striving, self-discipline, and cautiousness.
Extraversion: Friendliness, gregariousness, assertiveness, activity level, excitement-seeking, and cheerfulness.
Agreeableness: Trust, morality, altruism, cooperation, modesty, and sympathy.
Neuroticism: Anxiety, anger, depression, self-consciousness, vulnerability, and impulsiveness.

HEXACO

HEXACO is another theoretical model that identifies personality traits.

Stability of Personality

Personality tends to be stable over time, especially as individuals age.
Robert and Delvecchio (2000) noted that stability increases with age
However, consistency in behaviour across various situations is not always evident.

Situational Influences on Behaviour

Situational context plays a significant role in influencing behaviour.
These influential factors highlight the complexity of linking traits to behaviour.
Behaviour is a combination of internal and external factors.

Evaluating Trait Theories

Trait theories offer a useful framework for understanding personality differences.
However, disagreements remain on the ideal number of basic personality dimensions.
Some theories focus strongly on the impact of a trait in isolation, omitting the influence of interacting factors.

Biological Foundations of Personality

Twin studies indicate a genetic contribution to personality differences
Identical twins share a more similar genetic makeup compared to fraternal twins, suggesting the impact of genes on personality.

Heritability of the Big Five

Approximately 40% - 50% of the variation in personality traits can be attributed to genetic differences.

Culture and Personality

Cultural factors significantly influence personality.
Values, norms, beliefs, and social expectations within a culture shape behaviour.
Individualistic cultures prioritize individual choices; collectivist cultures emphasize group decisions.

Cross-Cultural Research on Personality

Study results on the correlation between traits and behaviours are not consistent across cultures.
Fewer studies have investigated this across various cultures.

Culture and the Big Five

The Big Five personality traits are considered culturally universal (though some traits show moderate cultural variation).
Researchers have found similar personality dimensions in differing cultures and languages.

Gender Differences in Personality

Women generally score higher on Neuroticism and Agreeableness compared to men.
Slight gender difference in extraversion facet scores.
Extraversion differs across warmth and positive emotion scores (higher in women), and excitement seeking/assertiveness scores (higher in men).
Gender differences in personality tend to be small to medium.
Research aligns with conventional gender stereotypes.

Personality Assessment Methods

Personality assessment involves various psychometric measures to evaluate psychological traits.
Assessment tools should be valid and reliable.

Interviews

Structured and unstructured interviews yield valuable information about personality.
Participants respond in their own words, allowing for a richer understanding.

Behavioural Observations

This method observes behaviours without relying on self-reporting.
Careful training is needed for observers to ensure accuracy and agreement.
Consistency and agreement between observers is essential to validity.

Personality Scales

These scales (e.g., questionnaires) are commonly used in research and clinical settings.
Scales collect data from many individuals and ensure similar response conditions.
Standard scoring offers standardized analysis and data comparison.
Limitations are length, potential dishonesty, and reduced scope of individual responses.

Description

Explore the fundamental aspects of personality traits and the key theories that define them in this quiz. Delve into the details of trait theory, including contributions from figures like Allport and Odbert. Understand the statistical methods, such as factor analysis, that help categorize personality characteristics.