Trait Theories Personality Unit

What is a Trait? Definition: A tendency to react to a situation in a way that remains stable over time A trait is any relatively enduring way in which one individual differs from another Nice Smart Arrogant Are traits temporary or permanent?

Trait Theory General Assumptions: Every trait applies to all people These descriptions can be quantified An extremely passive person might score a 1 while an extremely aggressive person would score a 10

Trait Theory Most trait theorists believe that a few basic traits are central for all people Psychologists who accept this approach set out on their search for basic traits with very few assumptions

Gordon Allport: Identifying Traits Three types of individual traits: Cardinal Trait – characteristic or feature that is so pervasive the person is almost identified with it Central Trait – makes us predictable Secondary Trait – preferences (such as food or music) have a less consistent influence over us

Raymond Cattell: Sixteen Trait Theory Factor Analysis: Statistical technique used to identify the underlying reasons variables are correlated Surface Trait: Stable characteristics that can be observed in certain situations 46 of Allport’s traits (occur in clusters) Source Trait: stable characteristic that can be considered to be at the core of personality 16 “clusters” of surface traits

Cattell’s Sixteen Source Traits