Trait%20Theories

1
Trait Theories

• Ch. 14 Section 5

2
What is a trait?

• A predisposition to respond in a certain way in
  many different situations.
• Trait Theory
• Every trait applies to all people.
• Traits can be quantified (like on a scale of 1 to
  10).
• We all have the same ingredients, just in
  different amounts.

3
I. Gordon Allport Identifying Traits

• Our traits are consistent.
• Categorized 3 kinds of traits
• CARDINAL TRAIT so pervasive, a person identifies
  as that trait (ex Ebenezer Scrooge)
• CENTRAL TRAIT makes us predictable in most
  situations (ex flirtatious, assertive)
• SECONDARY TRAIT influences our
  taste/preferences, like in music, fashion, food.
  (ex listens to metal would never even try
  sushi, etc.)

4
II. Raymond Cattell 16-Trait Theory

• Used factor analysis to quantify traits.
• Found 46 traits called surface traits- observable
  behavior.
• Clustered them into 16 source traits- at the core
  of everyones personality and can be used to
  predict peoples behavior.
• Everyone has these traits, but in different
  amounts.

5
III. Hans Eysenck Dimensions of Personality

• Two basic dimensions of personality
• Stability vs. Instability (the degree to which a
  person has control over their emotions)
• Extraversion vs. Introversion

6
IV. The Robust Five Theory

• Five traits appear repeatedly in different
  research studies
• 1. Extraversion (vs. Introversion)
• 2. Agreeableness (vs. Cruelty)
• 3. Conscientiousness (vs. Irresponsible)
• 4. Openness to experience (vs. Close-mindedness)
• 5. Emotional Stability (vs. Neurotic)