Trait Theory 2

Question 1

Eysenck’s Hierarchical Model

Answer 1

At the top are supertraits. Traits stem from these. Below traits are habitual responses (the way someone usually behaves). Specific behaviours stem from this (behaviours that cluster together to form habits).

Question 2

Supertraits

Answer 2

extraversion (sociability, outgoingness), neuroticism (anxiety, emotionality) and psychoticism (impulsivity, anger).

Question 3

The Big Five

Answer 3

Most fator analytic research has uncovered five factors, openness to experience, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion and neuroticism.

Question 4

Openness to Experience

Answer 4

Fantasy, aesthetics, feelings, action and ideas.

Question 5

Conscientiousness

Answer 5

Competence, organisation, discipline, achievement and order.

Question 6

Extraversion

Answer 6

Warmth, activity, assertiveness and excitability.

Question 7

Agreeableness

Answer 7

Trust, altruism, modesty and compliance.

Question 8

Neuroticism

Answer 8

Anxiety, depression, self-consciousness and vulnerability.

Question 9

Criticisms of Big Five

Answer 9

Generally stable over time if using self-report, but not observation. Nature and names of factors are debated. Only confirmatory evidence. Circularity (behaviour defines trait, but trait describes behaviour).