Trait Theory Flashcards
What is Trait theory?
Trait theory suggests that individual personalities are composed of a set of distinct traits.
What is a trait?
A trait is a characteristic pattern of behavior or a disposition to feel and act in a certain way.
Give an example of a trait.
An example of a trait could be honesty or extroversion.
True or False: Trait theory focuses on the uniqueness of each individual.
True
What is the Big Five personality traits?
The Big Five are openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
Which trait is associated with being organized and responsible?
Conscientiousness
Which trait is associated with being open to new experiences and ideas?
Openness
Which trait is associated with being sociable and outgoing?
Extraversion
Which trait is associated with being kind, cooperative, and warm?
Agreeableness
Which trait is associated with emotional stability and the tendency to experience negative emotions?
Neuroticism
What is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)?
The MBTI is a personality test that categorizes individuals into one of 16 personality types based on their preferences.
What is the difference between Type and Trait theories of personality?
Type theories categorize individuals into distinct categories, while trait theories focus on the measurement of individual characteristics.
Give an example of a Type theory.
An example of a Type theory is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
What is the fundamental idea behind Trait theory?
The fundamental idea is that traits are stable over time and consistent across different situations.
Which theorist is associated with the Trait theory of personality?
Gordon Allport
Which theorist suggested the Big Five personality traits?
Lewis Goldberg
What is the importance of Trait theory in psychology?
Trait theory helps in understanding and predicting human behavior and personality differences.
How do traits influence behavior?
Traits influence behavior by shaping how individuals perceive and respond to their environment.
Give an example of how the trait of extraversion can influence behavior.
An extraverted individual may seek out social situations and enjoy interacting with others.
What are some criticisms of Trait theory?
Critics argue that traits may not be stable over time and that the theory oversimplifies the complexity of human personality.
Explain the concept of trait consistency.
Trait consistency refers to the idea that an individual’s traits remain relatively stable over time and situations.
How can Trait theory be applied in real-life settings?
Trait theory can be used in career counseling, team building, and understanding interpersonal relationships.
What are some limitations of using Trait theory in practice?
Limitations include the difficulty of accurately measuring traits and the potential for oversimplification of complex human behavior.
What is the role of genetics in influencing personality traits?
Genetics play a role in shaping personality traits, but environmental factors also contribute to their development.
How do researchers measure personality traits in Trait theory?
Researchers use self-report questionnaires, observer ratings, and behavioral assessments to measure personality traits.
