NEW Chapter 7 Trait theories: Allport, Eysenck and Cattell

Question 1

Ability, temperament and dynamic traits

Answer 1

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

Question 2

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

Central trait

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Extraversion

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Functional autonomy

Answer 5

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 6

Introversion

Answer 6

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

Question 7

L-Data

Answer 7

Term used for life record data used by Cattell. Life record data or information concerning the person that can be obtained from his or her life history or life record.

Question 8

Neuroticism

Answer 8

In Eysenck’s 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 9

OT-data

Answer 9

Term used for objective-test data used by Cattell.

Question 10

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 about others at the other end.

Question 11

Role

Answer 11

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 12

Source trait

Answer 12

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

Question 13

State

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Superfactor

Answer 14

A higher‐order or secondary factor representing a higher level of organization of traits than the initial factors derived from factor analysis.

Question 15

Surface trait

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Trait

Answer 16

An enduring psychological characteristic of an individual; or a type of psychological construct (a “trait construct”) that refers to such characteristics.

Question 17

Q -data

Answer 17

Term used for self report questionnaire data used by Cattell