How can personality be structured in terms of traits and how can traits be assessed? Structured tests MMPI, CPI, Q-Sort, etc. Trait theories: Surface traits and source traits Cattell’s profile Eyesenck’s scheme The “Big Five”

Examples of structured tests developed empirically : Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) California Personality Inventory (CPI) Q Sort

Clinically significant range MMPI-2 test profile of a depressed patient: Clinically significant range Hypochondriasis (concern with body symptoms) Depression (pessimism, hopelessness) Hysteria (uses symptoms to solve problems) Psychopathic deviancy (disregard for social standards) Paranoia (delusions, suspiciousness) Psychasthenia (worried, guilt feelings) Schizophrenia (withdrawn, bizarre thoughts) Hypomania (overactive, excited,impulsive) Social introversion (shy, inhibited) Standard score 30 40 50 60 70 80 Before treatment After treatment

Surface behaviors Surface traits Source trait Vigorously defends unpopular positions in class discus-sions Writes scathing letters to the news-paper editor Argues a lot with friends “Argumentativeness” “Belligerence” “Competitiveness” Surface traits “Aggressiveness” Source trait

Raymond Cattell (1905-) L-Data (Life-data) of individuals obtained from objective observations and ratings from their friends. Factor Analysis Q-Data (Questionnaire-data) of individuals obtained from themselves about their own characteristics 16-PF Questionnaire

Low High Emotionally stable Warm Intelligent Dominant Cheerful Conscientious Bold Sensitive Suspicious Imaginative Shrewd Guilt prone Experimenting Self-sufficient Self-disciplined Tense A B C E F G H I L M N O Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Gleitman, p. 599 Melancholic Choleric Phlegmatic Sanguine UNSTABLE Moody Anxious Rigid Sober Pessimistic Unreserved Unsociable Quiet Touchy Restless Aggressive Excitable Changeable Impulsive Optimistic Active Melancholic Choleric INTROVERTED EXTROVERTED Phlegmatic Sanguine Passive Careful Thoughtful Peaceful Controlled Reliable Even-tempered Calm Sociable Outgoing Talkative Responsive Easygoing Lively Carefree Leadership STABLE

Physiological basis of extroversion-introversion Degree of nervous system arousal Introvert Extrovert Optimal level low high Degree of environmental stimulation

Trait dimension Description O C E A N (See Gleitman, p. 597-598: The “Big Five”) Trait dimension Description O C E A N penness to experience Imaginative vs. practical Preference for variety vs. preference for routine Independent vs. conforming onscientiousness Organized vs. disorganized Careful vs. careless Disciplined vs. impulsive xtroversion Sociable vs. retiring Fun-loving vs. sober Affectionate vs. reserved greeableness Soft-hearted vs. ruthless Trusting vs. suspicious Helpful vs. uncooperative euroticism Calm vs. anxious Secure vs. insecure Self-satisfied vs. self-pitying