Personality Flashcards
Trait theories
An approach to personality assuming we can be described through a series of traits
Dimensional approach
rather than being categorized, trait theories operate on a scale and where we fall on that scale e.g. extroversion to introversion
Hippocrates
Yellow bile - choleric
Black bile - melancholic
Blood - sanguine
Phlegm - phlegmatic
Allport - Traits
Stable elements of personality that can be used to characterize someone and make predictions about their behaviour.
Continuous - on a scale
Distinctiveness - each person has specific traits that make them unique
Allport - States
A temporary way of being, including behaviour, thoughts and feelings
Nomothetic View
We all have the same qualities but to varying degrees. We all exist on the same scale
Individualism is not taken into account - our combination is unique
Idiographic View
Our uniqueness is emphasized. Our traits are completely individual to us
Even if we do have the same trait as someone else, its significance, meaning and expression will not be the same
Lexicon Criterion of Importance
A personality trait that can be described by more words (in more detail?) has more importance
3 Approaches
The lexicon criterion of importance
Statistical approach
Theoretical approach
Cattell’s 16 Personality Factor Inventory
Traits should be empirically defined
Nomothetic approach
Statistical approach
Cattell - 4 Types of Traits
Common traits
Unique traits
Surface traits
Source traits
Common traits
Held by many to varying degrees e.g. friendliness
Unique traits
Only certain people have them e.g. creativity
Surface traits
Clusters of certain traits that compliment each other e.g. outgoing, friendly
Source traits
Underlying variables that determine surface traits e.g. extraversion/introversion
Divided into environmental mould traits (external influence) & constitutional traits (genetic)
16 traits are put into 3 categories
Ability traits
Temperament traits
Dynamic traits
Ability traits
Allowing someone to function effectively
Temperament traits
Emotional behaviour
Dynamic traits
Motivational traits
Factors that influence how people achieve goals and deal with challenges
Cattell Criticism
No one (including Cattell) has been able to replicate these findings
Allport - Division of Traits
- Cardinal traits
- Central traits
- Secondary dispositions
Cardinal traits
Most essential, influence most of our behaviour
Someone’s definitive traits, not everyone has them
Central traits
General dispositions, influences some behaviour e.g. kindness
Secondary dispositions
Specific attitudes
Dependent on situation
