2: Approaches to Personality Flashcards
what is the lexical hypothesis?
All aspects of individual personality can be described from single words used in language
how do correlations link to the lexical hypothesis?
If there is a strong positive/negative correlation between the two terms, they probably relate to a common latent factor
what is a latent factor in the lexical hypothesis?
a shared personality trait between a lot of different adjectives (eg sociable, talkative, lively = extraverted)
how many personality traits are there in cattell’s factor model?
16
define: source traits
personality traits in cattell’s 16 personality model (lexical hypothesis) - eg warm vs reserved
what would a personality trait in Cattell’s model with a Q at the start suggest about this trait?
only measurable by self reflection
what would a personality trait in Cattell’s model named A suggest about this trait?
the most important
what are the 4 criticisms of Cattell’s 16 personality trait model?
- Subjectivity and arbitrariness in analysis - he used his own judgement for a lot of stuff
- Many failures to replicate 16 factor structure.
- Sixteen – too many factors to work with.
- Correlations between factors – not independent
what are the 4 positives of cattell’s 16 personality model?
Methodical, data-driven approach to theory development.
Promoted use of Factor analysis in personality research. (PhD student of Charles Spearman)
Revised 16PF questionnaires still used.
Formed the basis of subsequent ‘big 5’ models.
what is the name and the 5 factors of cattell’s second model of peronality?
OCEAN
openness to experience
agreeableness
conscientiousness
extraversion
neuroticism
which tool/how is used for measuring the big 5?
NEO-Personality Inventory
Measure the main 5 factors (super traits) and 6 sub-divisions/ facets of each of these traits
what are eysenck’s 2 criticisms of the big 5 model?
Openness is intelligence, not personality
Agreeableness is just Low P, Low N, and High E.
what are the 5 main criticisms of OCEAN?
Factors derived from factor analysis depend on which variables are entered…and on the number of factors extracted (different solutions). - Arbitrary choice of 6 facets per factor.
Single words insufficient to describe all aspects of personality: sentences and paragraphs needed! e.g. ‘pecking order personality’. eg aggressive negotiator vs aggressive drunk
Overreliance on lay persons (especially undergraduates), results in important omissions (e.g. ‘capricious’, ‘censorious’ etc).
Simple correlations do not capture full complexity of relationships between terms: e.g. wittiness correlated with intelligence but they aren’t mutually inclusive
Some important factors not represented e.g. narcissism.
what are the 4 positives of OCEAN?
cross-cultural stability
emerging biological evidence
most widely used model of personality
useful common currency in personality reserach
what is the alternative big 5 model? (Zuckerman)
impulsive unsocialised sensation seeking
aggression-hostility
activity
sociability
neuroticism-anxiety
