Personality: Trait Conception

Question 1

Trait

Answer 1

= psychological characteristic of a person that influences their behaviour

Question 2

Eysenck’s Trait Theory

Answer 2

= three dimensions of personality
Factor Analysis:
1. Neuroticism - Stability
ranges from normal, fairly calm & collected to anxious & nervous
2. Extraversion - Introversion
shy & quiet versus outgoing/loud
3. Psychoticism - Impulse Control
recklessness, disregard, inappropriate emotional expression vs. impulse control

Question 3

Gordon Allport’s Trait Theory

Answer 3

= different levels of trait
- 18,000 English words to describe aspects of human personality
Common Traits: people in any particular culture share traits
Individual Traits: within common traits, each person has individual traits:
- Cardinal Trait: single quality, core part of all life activities
- Central Traits: 6-7 major, fairly permanent characteristics
- Secondary Traits: less consistent, more superficial eg. likes, attitudes, opinions, preferences, habits

Question 4

Cattell’s Trait Theory

Answer 4

identified 16 traits (16PF test)
Source traits:
Surface traits:

Question 5

Criticisms of Trait Conceptions

Answer 5

• too fixed
• doesn’t show how you develop a trait (3 dimensions too limiting)
• doesn’t explain why personalities change

Question 6

Strengths of Trait Conception

Answer 6

• analyse person & easily categorise traits

- describes personality by your trait