Issues in Studying Personality Models

Question 1

Hierarchy issue

Answer 1

Traits can be understood hierarchically, where they can. be specific (separation anxiety, depression) to more broad (neuroticism, extraversion). Tests can therefore be interpreted in multiple ways

Question 2

Interstitiality issue

Answer 2

Tendency of some personality traits to be located between broader domains of personality variation. Eg, tendency to be depressed tends to reflect both high negative affect and low positive affect

Question 3

Range issue

Answer 3

Traits range from adaptive to normal to maladaptive, meaning that if you measure one trait at opposite ends, they may differ greatly

Question 4

Polarity issue

Answer 4

The question whether either end of a trait is problematic is debated. It can be a curve going down or a U-curve where both sides are problematic. They must be measured accurately across the whole range

Question 5

Source issue

Answer 5

Different sources of personality data can create problems for validity/reliability. Eg informant, teacher, parent etc.