Trait Theories of Personality

Trait Theories of Personality

• Focus on identifying, describing, and measuring individual differences in personality.
• Central to trait theories is the concept of "traits," which are stable predispositions to behave in certain consistent ways.

Definition of Traits

• Traits are relatively stable characteristics that influence behavior.
• Trait theorists view individuals as unique combinations of personality traits.

Surface and Source Traits

• Surface traits are observable personality characteristics, easily inferred from behavior (e.g., happy, spacey).
• Source traits are fundamental, broad traits hypothesized to be universal and fewer in number.

Vocabulary and Concepts

• There are approximately 4,000 English words that describe specific personality traits.
• Trait theorists strive to identify the most basic universal source traits to describe individual differences.

Contributions of Raymond Cattell

• Cattell condensed Allport's list of 4,000 traits to about 171 by eliminating redundant terms.
• He employed factor analysis, a statistical technique, to group related traits.
• Cattell proposed 16 essential personality factors and developed the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) for personality assessment.

Hans Eysenck's Trait Theory

• Eysenck identified three primary dimensions of personality: neuroticism, extraversion, and psychoticism.
• Introversion-extraversion reflects the direction of a person's energy—outward (extraversion) or inward (introversion).
• High introversion correlates with being reserved and avoiding new experiences; high extraversion correlates with sociability and seeking stimulation.

Neuroticism and Emotional Stability

• Neuroticism is characterized by emotional upset (e.g., anxiety, tension), while emotional stability indicates a calm demeanor (e.g., relaxed, even-tempered).

Psychoticism

• Individuals scoring high on psychoticism tend to be antisocial, cold, and unconcerned about others.

Biological Basis of Personality

• Eysenck suggested biological differences contribute to individual differences in personality.
• Introverts have a more easily aroused nervous system compared to extraverts.

Study Environments of Introverts and Extraverts

• Extraverted students study in noisy, social environments (e.g., first and second floors of a library).
• Introverted students prefer quiet, isolated study areas (e.g., law library), minimizing stimulation.

Basic Personality Types According to Eysenck

• Eysenck's model includes four basic personality types that stem from the dimensions of introversion/extraversion and neuroticism/stability.

Explore the intricate world of trait theories in personality psychology. This quiz delves into the definitions of traits, their classifications into surface and source traits, and the contributions made by Raymond Cattell in the field. Test your knowledge and understanding of individual differences in personality!