Trait Theory

1
Trait Theory
2
Trait

• Tendency to react to related situations in a way
  that remains stable
• Example shy, confident, sensitive, callous, etc.

3
Trait Theorists

• Try to explain the consistency of individuals
  behavior in different situations

4
Gordon Allport

• Common traits traits that apply to everyone
  (extrovert or introvert)
• Individual traits traits that apply to a
  specific person (shy, sneaky, etc.)
• Central form the core of personality
• Secondary preferences
• Cardinal traits that define us (example
  Scrooge greedy)

5
Raymond Cattell

• Surface Traits observable behavior
• Source Traits core of personality
• Cattell thought identifying peoples source
  traits would allow him to predict multiple
  surface traits

6
Hans Eysenck

• Dimensions of Personality
• Stability vs. Instability
• Extroversion vs. Introversion