17 Traits theories of personality

Question 1

What are the main premises of the traits approach?

Answer 1

1. Personality exists
2. Personality is a probabilistic system
3. Personality has both quantity and quality properties
4. Psychological differences between people can be described systematically

Question 2

What is personality?

Answer 2

Personality is the dynamic and organised set of characteristics possessed by a person that uniquely influences cognitions, motivations, attitudes and behaviour.

Question 3

What are traits?

Answer 3

Traits are general dispositions that people possess that uniquely influence their psychology.

Question 4

How can traits be observed?

Answer 4

From patterns of behaviour and experience (that are known to be valid trait indicators).

Question 5

Does every human possess all traits?

Answer 5

Yes, but not at the same intensity.

Question 6

When is the development of traits assumed to end?

Answer 6

Early adulthood (but I don’t really buy this)

Question 7

Are traits stable over time?

Answer 7

You betcha! But they do fluctuate or drift.

Question 8

How do personality elements tend to be arranged?

Answer 8

Hierarchically, and in dimensions. [Sure, but is this just how we find it convenient to conceptualise them]

Question 9

What is the distinction between temperament and personality?

Answer 9

It’s fuzzy. But generally temperament refers to the biologically-based elements of personality. These are observable in characteristic reaction patterns seen from an early age.

Question 10

What’s the difference between trait and state?

Answer 10

States are basically moods. They refer to the condition of the corresponding traits at a given point in time.

Question 11

What are the three assumptions of the traits approach?

Answer 11

1. The personality space is made up of dimensions.
2. These dimensions tend to be orthogonal from each other
3. These dimensions are finite.