Personality types and trait theory

Question 1

Trait theory to measure personality

Answer 1

We consider personality traits on a continuum e.g., quiet to loud.

Question 2

Factor analysis

Answer 2

This is used to measure personality traits. It is a statistical technique that tries to find overarching patterns in peoples characteristics that predict the behaviour they will show. For example, if a person enjoys parties and is interested in people, factor analysis will show that these characteristics often go together under the label of extraversion.

Question 3

Cardinal traits

Answer 3

Rare traits that govern us strongly. They tend to dominate our lives.

Question 4

Central traits

Answer 4

Traits that are more common and less strong such as friendliness

Question 5

Secondary traits

Answer 5

Traits that we have but do not always show, such as anger

Question 6

16PF

Answer 6

A personality test based on peoples own judgement of themselves on 16 factors. Raymond Cattell reduced Allport’s list of 4000 traits to 171. He then used factor analysis to show which traits went together so he could shorten his list into 16 dimensions such as warmth, tension and sensitivity.

Question 7

Strengths of trait theory

Answer 7

Allport chose traits that were observable so someone’s traits can be measured- scientific
the use of self-rating scales so that there is no interpretations from someone else which adds validity to the study

Question 8

Weaknesses of trait theory

Answer 8

to give self-ratings that represent characteristics, you have to be self-aware.
while trait theory tends to describe our personality and characteristics, it does not explain why we have these characteristic. This is a weakness as it limits the theory.