Chapter 7 Trait Theories of Personality

Question 1

Ability, temperament, and dynamic traits

Answer 1

In Catells trait theory, these categories of traits capture the major aspects of personality

Question 2

Cardinal trait

Answer 2

Allports concept for a disposition that is so pervasive and outstanding in a personals life that virtually every act is traceable to its influence

Question 3

Central trait

Answer 3

Allports concept for a disposition to behave in a particular way in a range of situations

Question 4

Extraversion

Answer 4

In Eysencks theory, one end of the introversion-extraversion dimension of personality, characterised by a disposition to be sociable, friendly, impulsive and risk taking

Question 5

Factor analysis

Answer 5

A statistical method for analyzing correlations among a set of personality tests or test items in order to determine those variables or test responses that increase or decrease together: Used in the development of personality tests of some trait theories (Cattell, Eyesenck)

Question 6

Functional autonomy

Answer 6

Allports concept that a motive may become independent of its origins; in particular; motives in adults may become independent of their earlier base in tension reduction

Question 7

Introversion

Answer 7

In Eyesencks theory, one end of the introversion-extraversion dimension of personality characterized by a dispostion to be quiet, reserved, reflective, and risk avoiding

Question 8

L-data

Answer 8

In Cattells theory, life-record data relating to behaviour in everyday life situations or to ratings of such behaviour

Question 9

Neuroticism

Answer 9

In Eysencks theory, a dimension of personality defined by stability and low anxiety at one end and by instability and high anxiety at the other end

Question 10

OT-data

Answer 10

In Catells theory, objective test data or information about personality obtained from observing behaviour in miniature situations

Question 11

Psychoticism

Answer 11

In Eysencks theory, a dimension of personality defined by a tendency to be solitary and insensitive at one end and to accept social custom and care about others at the other end

Question 12

Q-data

Answer 12

In Cattells theory, personality data obtained from questionnaires

Question 13

Role

Answer 13

Behaviour considered to be appropriate for a persons place or status in society. Emphasized by Cattell as one of a number of variables that limit the influence of personality variables on the behaviour relative to situational variables

Question 14

Secondary disposition

Answer 14

Allports concept for a dispostion to behave in a particular way that is relevant to few situations.

Question 15

Source trait

Answer 15

In Cattells theory, behaviours that vary together, to form an independent dimension of personality, which is discovered though the use of factor analysis

Question 16

State

Answer 16

Emotional and mood changes (anxiety, depression, fatigue) that Cattell sugested may influence the behaviour of a person at a given time. The assessment of both traits and states is suggested to predict behaviour

Question 17

Superfactor

Answer 17

A higher-order or secondary factor representing a higher level of organisation of traits than the intiial factors derived from factor analysis

Question 18

Surface trait

Answer 18

In Cattells theory, behaviours that appear to be linked to one another but do not in fact increase and decrease together

Question 19

Trait

Answer 19

A dispostion to behave in a particular way, as expressed in a persons behaviour over a range of situations