Cattell (E2)

Question 1

Definition of personality

Answer 1

In that which permits a prediction of what a person will do in a given situation

Question 2

Definition of Traits

Answer 2

The units of personality that have predictive value

Question 3

What is factor analysis?

Answer 3

Procedure for analyzing a set of correlations among various measures into a simpler underlying pattern, terms a “factor structure”

• gather info via observation
• computer correlations btw variables
• identify significant correlations
• name the factors

Question 4

3 Data Types

Answer 4

1. Q-data: questionnaire
2. L-data: behavioral observation
3. T-data: lab tests like psychological data

Question 5

3 Data Analysis Techniques

Answer 5

1. R-technique: hundreds will take a questionnaire and then factor analysis of data occurs
2. dR-technique: same as R but people take the test twice to assess change
3. P-technique: one person states over and over; used to study STATES not TRAITS

Question 6

Types of traits (2 of them)

Answer 6

1. Surface trait
2. Source trait

Question 7

Surface trait definition

Answer 7

traits that are at the level of observable behavior

Question 8

Source train definition

Answer 8

A primary factor derived from factor analysis

Question 9

3 main source traits are ___?

Answer 9

1. Ability trait: how a person works to desired goal (ie. intelligence)
2. Temperament trait: general style with which someone carries out task (ie. positive affect)
3. Dynamic trait: provides energy and direction to action; motivations and interest (ie. ergs and metaergs)

Question 10

Fluid Intelligence definition

Answer 10

• The innate ability to learn
• “fluid” because it can be expressed in different types of learning, depending on opportunities presented to the individual
• ex: figuring out how to use the subway in a new city

Question 11

Crystallized Intelligence

Answer 11

• Includes the effects of opportunity or education
• ex: taking the SAT

Question 12

Ergs vs Metaergs (both dynamic traits)

Answer 12

Ergs: constitutional dynamic source traits (like instincts); innate motivational traits; expression of instincts is learned

Metaergs: Environmentally-molded source traits ; Learned motivations (ie. religion, politics, value of mothers day)

Question 13

What does subsidiation mean?

Answer 13

• Type of meta erg
• Basic drives are met by multi-step sequences
• ex: we need to work because we to make money and eat

Question 14

What are Cattell’s 16PF?

Answer 14

Traits that Cattell thought were the most important source traits

• each measured from 1-100 instead of yes/no

Question 15

What are the Big 5 personality traits?

Answer 15

1. Openness to experience
2. Conscientiousness
3. Extraversion
4. Agreeableness
5. Emotional Stability vs. “Neuroticism”

Question 16

What is heritability?

Answer 16

Extent to which 2 people with similar genetic stats have similar personality, even when they have developed in different environments
- each of the big 5 have been found to significantly acquired from genetics

Question 17

The Big-Five Inventory Test

Answer 17

Used to measure a persons main personality characteristics