Ch.7 Trait Theories of Personality- Allport, Eysenck, Cattell

Question 1

define ability, temperament, dynamic traits

Answer 1

In Cattell’s trait theory, these categories of traits capture major aspects of personality

Question 2

define cardinal trait

Answer 2

Allport’s concept for a disposition that’s so pervasive and outstanding in a person’s life that virtually every act is traceable to its influence

Question 3

Define central traits

Answer 3

Allport’s concept for a disposition to behave in a particular way in a range of situations

Question 4

define extraversion

Answer 4

In Eysenk’s theory, one end of the introversion-extraversion dimension of personality characterized by disposition to be sociable, friendly, impulsive, and risk taking

Question 5

define factor analysis

Answer 5

statistical method for analyzing correlations among set of personality test or test items in order to determine those variables or test responses that increase or decreased together

Question 6

define functional autonomy

Answer 6

Allport’s concept that motive may become independent of its origins. Especially in adults and earlier basis in tension reduction

Question 7

define introversion

Answer 7

In Eysenck’s theory, one end of the introversion-extraversion dimension of personality characterized by disposition to be quiet, reserved, reflective, risk avoiding

Question 8

define L-data

Answer 8

life record data or info concerning person that can be obtained from his/her life history

Question 9

define neuroticism

Answer 9

In Eysenck’s theory, dimension of personality defined by stability and low anxiety at one end and the opposite at the other end

Question 10

what is OT data

Answer 10

In Cattell’s theory, objective test data or info about personality obtained from observing behaviour in miniature situations

Question 11

define psychoticism

Answer 11

In Eysenck’s theory, dimension of personality defined by tendency to be solitary and insensitive at one end and to accept social customs and care about others at the other end.

Question 12

what is Q-data

Answer 12

In Cattell’s theory, personality data obtained from questionnaires

Question 13

define role

Answer 13

behaviour considered to be appropriate for person’s place/status in society. Emphasized by Cattell as one of a number of variables that limit influence of personality variables on behaviour relative to situational variables

Question 14

define secondary dispositions

Answer 14

Allport’s concept for disposition to behave in particular way that’s relevant to few situations

Question 15

define source traits

Answer 15

In Cattell’s theory, behaviours that vary together to form independent dimension of personality, which is discovered through use of factor analysis.

Question 16

define state

Answer 16

emotional and mood changes that Cattell suggested may influence a person’s behaviour at a given time. Assessment of both traits and states is suggested to predict behaviour

Question 17

define superfactors

Answer 17

higher order or secondary factor representing higher level of organization of traits than initial factors derived from factor analysis

Question 18

define surface traits

Answer 18

in Cattell’s theory, behaviours that appear to be linked to one another but do not in fact increase and decrease together

Question 19

define trait

Answer 19

enduring psychological characteristic of an individual; or a type of psychological construct that refers to such characteristics