personality: trait approaches

Question 1

trait approach is the most dominant currently, true or false

Answer 1

True

Question 2

assumptions in trait models

Answer 2

• can be mapped on a continuum from low to high
• do not change much over adult lifespan
  normally distributed across population

Question 3

heritability of traits

Answer 3

• trait models often emphasis on heritability
• can be both genetic and environmental
• influence of genetics and environmental differ according to the traits

Question 4

measuring trait

Answer 4

self reports

nomothetic approach: individuals compared to general population

Question 5

Eysenck traits and types and believes

Answer 5

there are super traits: higher order of personality
extra/introversion, neuroticism (anxious calm), psychoticism (aggressive empathic)

individuals differences in traits such as extraversion is affected by differences in levels of cortical arousal in the ARAS

Question 6

what is the big 5

Answer 6

Openness to experience 
Conscientiousness 
Extraversion 
Agreeableness 
Neuroticism

Question 7

why dont personality tests predict behaviour better?

Answer 7

tests need further refinement
adult personalities may not be set in plaster
situation might have stronger influence
mood and current thought might override

Question 8

weakness/problem w/ self report/ trait approach

Answer 8

• rely on persons having good self-awareness and being truthful
• response might differ from time to time

Question 9

strength

Answer 9

cheap and quick

successful