Psychology: Personality Theories Test

Questions and Answers

What are Trait Theories?

Personality traits are more or less permanent characteristics that influence how we see the world and respond to it.

Which of the following are basic assumptions of Trait Theories? (Select all that apply)

Personality traits are temporary

Every trait applies to all people to some extent (correct)

Trait theories are not scientifically based

Trait descriptions can be quantified (correct)

Which personality traits did Ancient Greeks classify?

Sanguine

Melancholic

Choleric

Phlegmatic

All of the above (correct)

Ancient Greeks felt the Ancient Greek Traits were caused by ______________.

humors (body fluids) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term sanguine mean?

Cheerful Signup and view all the answers

What does the term melancholic mean?

Depressed Signup and view all the answers

What does the term choleric mean?

Irritable Signup and view all the answers

What does the term phlegmatic mean?

Unemotional Signup and view all the answers

Who is Gordon Allport?

Trait theorist who researched the idea that individual personalities are unique. Signup and view all the answers

Gordon Allport's traits fall into how many categories?

3 Signup and view all the answers

What are cardinal traits?

Extremely strong traits that dominate a person's behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What are central traits?

Highly characteristic of people and apply to many situations. Signup and view all the answers

What are secondary traits?

Weakest and least characteristic traits. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Raymond Cattell?

Researched whether some traits predicted others and proposed 16 key personality dimensions. Signup and view all the answers

What are surface traits?

Traits used to describe behavior that we see regularly. Signup and view all the answers

What are source traits?

Traits that produce surface traits. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Hans Eysenck?

Researched genetically influenced dimensions of personality. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major dimensions of personality identified by Eysenck?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Match the following traits with their characteristics:

Extraversion = Outgoing, talkative Introversion = Thoughtful, reserved Emotional Stability = Calm under pressure, relaxed Instability = Highly emotional Signup and view all the answers

What are Eysenck's 'Big 5 Traits'?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Proponents of trait theory believe that while genetics play a large role in our personality, _______________ also plays a role.

environment Signup and view all the answers

By the time we get to be ___________ our traits are pretty much set.

adults Signup and view all the answers

Trait theories, especially the '__________' traits, think we are born with our traits.

Big 5 Signup and view all the answers

Who was Hippocrates?

A Greek physician who believed personality manifested itself in 4 basic humors. Signup and view all the answers

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy, personality is determined by what?

Balance of earth, wind, fire, water, and metal Signup and view all the answers

What are Doshas?

Three mind-body principles in Hindu medicine that suggest personality. Signup and view all the answers

What two popular 20th century theories emerged from the drive for a more scientific approach to understanding personality?

Social-Cognitive Perspective Signup and view all the answers

How do Trait Theorists define personality?

Through stable and lasting behavior patterns and conscious motivations. Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the first major trait theorist?

Gordon Allport Signup and view all the answers

What trait theory do the mnemonics OCEAN and CANOE refer to?

Big 5 Personality Traits Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe how the Big 5 Traits are measured.

Each of the Big 5 traits are put on a spectrum, with one end representing one type of person and the other end representing the opposite. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Robert McCrae and Paul Costa?

Theorists responsible for the Big 5 Theory. Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic associated with Agreeableness?

Trust Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic associated with Extraversion?

Sociability Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Trait Theories

Personality traits are enduring characteristics that shape perceptions and responses to the world.

Basic Assumptions of Trait Theories

Traits are applicable to all individuals to varying degrees.
Trait characteristics can be quantified for measurement purposes.

Ancient Greek Personality Classification

Four primary personality traits identified:
- Sanguine (cheerful)
- Melancholic (depressed)
- Choleric (irritable)
- Phlegmatic (unemotional)

Humors Theory

Ancient Greeks attributed personality traits to four bodily fluids known as humors.

Gordon Allport's Contributions

A key trait theorist emphasizing the uniqueness of individual personalities.
Advocated for studying mentally healthy individuals rather than seeking universal personality laws.
Categorized traits into three groups: cardinal, central, and secondary.

Trait Categories According to Allport

Cardinal traits: Overarching characteristics that define a person, evident in most behaviors (e.g., Mother Teresa).
Central traits: Core characteristics that most people possess, typically 5-10 traits.
Secondary traits: Less defining, situation-specific traits.

Raymond Cattell's Research

Proposed 16 fundamental personality dimensions to describe human personality.
Differentiated between surface traits (observable behaviors) and source traits (underlying core characteristics).

Hans Eysenck's Dimensions of Personality

Focused on genetically influenced personality traits.
Identified two major personality dimensions:
- Extraversion vs. Introversion
- Emotional Stability vs. Instability
- Added Psychoticism vs. Social Sensitivity.

Eysenck's Big 5 Traits (CANOE)

Included the traits:
- Conscientiousness
- Agreeableness
- Neuroticism (emotional stability vs. instability)
- Openness
- Extraversion

Role of Environment

Trait theory proponents recognize the influence of environment along with genetics in personality development.

Trait Stability in Adulthood

Personality traits are largely stable by adulthood.

Big 5 Traits Nature

Proponents believe traits are innate, evident from birth.

Historical Figures and Theories

Hippocrates suggested personality corresponds to four basic humors.
Traditional Chinese Medicine claims personality balances elements (earth, wind, fire, water, metal).
Hindu medicine identifies personality with three principles known as Doshas.

Scientific aspirations in personality psychology led to these two influential theories in the 20th century.

Defining Personality in Trait Theory

Described as stable behavior patterns and conscious motivations.

Key Contributors to the Big 5 Theory

Robert McCrae and Paul Costa are notable theorists behind the Big 5 model.

Measuring the Big 5 Traits

Each trait exists on a spectrum, contrasting extremes against one another.

Additional Trait Attributes

Agreeableness: Ranges from ruthlessness to trustworthiness.
Extraversion: Spectrum from reserved behavior to sociability.

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Test your knowledge on personality theories with these flashcards. Each card provides definitions and key terms related to trait theories and their basic assumptions. Ideal for students looking to deepen their understanding of psychological concepts.