Chapter 7 - Trait Theories of Personality

Question 1

Define:

Ability, Temperament, and Dynamic Traits

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Define:

Cardinal Trait

Answer 2

Allport’s concept for a disposition that is 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 Eysenck’s theory, one end of the introversion–extraversion dimension of personality characterized by a diposition to be sociable, friendly, impulsive, and risk taking.

Question 5

Define:

Factor Analysis

Answer 5

A statistical method for analyzing correlations among a set of pesonality tests or test items in order to determine those variables or test responses that increase or decreases together. Used in the development of personality tests and of some trait theories.

Question 6

Define:

Functinoal Autonomy

Answer 6

Allport’s concept that a motive may become independent of its origin; in particular, motives in adults may become independent of their earlier basis in tension reduction.

Question 7

Define:

Introversion

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Define:

Neuroticism

Answer 8

In Eysenck’s theory, a dimension of personality define by stability and low anxiety at one end and by instability and high anxiety at the other end.

Question 9

Define:

OT-data

Answer 9

In Cattell’s theory, objective test data or information about personality obtained from observing behavior in miniature situations.

Question 10

Define:

Psychoticism

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Define:

Q-data:

Answer 11

In Cattell’s theory, personsality data obtained from questionnaires.

Question 12

Define:

Role

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Define:

Secondary Dispositions

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Define:

Source Traits

Answer 14

In Cattell’s theory, behaviors that vary together to form an independent dimesion of personality, which is discovered through the use of factor analysis.

Question 15

Define:

State

Answer 15

Emotional and mood changes [ie. depression, anxiety] that Cattell suggested may influence the behavior of a person at a given time. The assessment of both traits and states is suggested to rpedict behavior.

Question 16

Define:

Superfactors

Answer 16

A higher-order or secondary factor representing a higher level or oraganization of traits than the initial factors derivied from factor analysis.

Question 17

Define:

Surface Traits

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Define:

Trait

Answer 18

An enduring psychological characterisct of an individual; or a type of psychological construct [trait construct] that refers to such characteristics.

Question 19

Trait Concept

Answer 19

• Personality traits refer to consistent patterns in the way individuals behave, feel, and think.

Question 20

2 Connotations of Trait Concept?

Answer 20

1. Consistency: trait describes a regularity in behaviour.
2. Distinctiveness: trait theorists typically concerned with ways in which individuals differ from each other.

Question 21

Gordon W. Allport?

Answer 21

• Analysis of personality descriptors.
• 3 kinds of traits.
• Recognized the importance of the situation in explaining why a person does not behave the same way all the time.

Question 22

Define:

Functional Autonomy

Answer 22

• Allport’s concept that a motive may become independent of its origins; in particular, motives in adults may become independent of their earlier basis in tension reduction.

Question 23

Define:

Factor Analysis

Answer 23

• a statistical tool for summarizing the ways in which a large number of variables are correlated.
• the premier tool trait theorists use to identify the structures of personality.
• identifies patterns of covariation in test responses but does not answer the question of why the responses covary.

Question 24

Surface vs. Source Traits?

Answer 24

• Surface = represent behavioural tendencies that exist on the surface and can be observed.
• Source = traits that are internal psychological structures that were the underlying causes of observed intercorrelations among surface traits.

Question 25

Raymond B. Catell?

Answer 25

• 1905-1998.
• Identified 16 source traits which he grouped into 3 categories.
• His sources of evidence = L, Q, & OT data.

Question 26

Hans J. Eysneck?

Answer 26

• 1916-1997.
• ‘Superfactors’.
• Conducted ‘secondary’ factor analyses.

Question 27

Define:

Secondary Factor Analysis

Answer 27

• ## Used to identify a simple set of factors that are independent.

Question 28

Define:

Neuroticism

Answer 28

• Organizes traits such as anxious, depressed, shy, and moody.

Question 29

Define:

Superfactors

Answer 29

PEN:
- Psycoticism.
- Extraversion.
- Neuroticism.

Question 30

Define:

Taxonomy

Answer 30

• A way of classifying people according to their characteristic, average types of experiences, and action.

Question 31

3 Scientific Functions of Trait Concept?

Answer 31

1. Description.
2. Predicition.
3. Explanation.

Question 32

5 Differences between Intro and Extraverts?

Answer 32

1. Introverts do better in school.
2. Extraverts prefer vocations involving people interaction.
3. Extraverts enjoy sexual and aggressive humour.
4. Extraverts are more active sexually.
5. Extraverts are more suggestible.