Trait Perspective Flashcards
What have been the contributions of key theorists towards the trait perspective of psychology?
Gordon Allport, Cattell (16PF), Eysenck (3 factors), Murray (27 needs) and Costa and McCrae - others
What are some of the different tests used to assess personality according to this perspective?
NEO-PIR, 16PF, Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), EPQ
What are the basic dimensions of personality and, in particular, what are the Big Five Personality Factors?
- OCEAN - openness, conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism
- Factor Analysis
What are the two assumptions of the Trait Approach?
That personality characteristics are relatively stable over time. And;
That personality characteristics are relatively stable across situations.
Name the main trait theorists
Gordon Allport, Henry Murray, Raymond Cattell, Eysenck and Costa & McCrae
Name both of Allport’s approaches
Nomothetic approach - ‘indispensable’- people can be described along a single dimension then measured against other people
Idiographic approach - identifying the unique combination of traits that best describe the personality of one person
What is a cardinal trait?
One specific trait
What is a central trait?
5 to 10 traits people choose that best describe themselves
What is a secondary trait?
Not core to personality, less general
Describe the Nomothetic approach.
Identifies common personality traits
- this approach is easily compared to other peoplr
Describe the Idiographic approach.
The unique combination of traits which make up one individual
What test did Henry Murray come up with?
The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
What did Murray call his approach?
Personology
How many needs did Murray come up with?
27
How many traits did Cattell come up with?
16
