Trait and Type Theories

1
Trait and Type Theories

• Traitrelatively stable predisposition to behave
  in a certain way
• Surface traitcharacteristic that can be inferred
  from observable behavior
• Source traitMost fundamental dimensions of
  personality relatively few of these

2
Theorists

• Gordon Allport Cardinal Traits
• Raymond Cattell16 PF
• Hans EysenckThree-factor model
• McCrae and CostaFive-factor model

3
Trait Approaches

• Trait theory
• Assumption that all people possess certain traits
• Traits
• Enduring dimensions of personality characteristics

4
Allports Trait Theory

• Cardinal trait
• A single characteristic that directs most of a
  persons activities
• Central trait
• The major characteristic of an individual
• Secondary trait
• Characteristics that affect behavior in fewer
  situations and are less influential than central
  or cardinal traits

5
Raymond Cattell

• Used factor analysis to come up with 16 basic
  personality traits also called source traits
• 16-PF test that was developed to measure these
  traits
• Generally considered as too many traits

6
Trait Approaches

• Cattell
• Factor analysis
• A method of summarizing the relationships among a
  large number of variables into fewer, more
  general patterns
• Source traits
• Represent the basic dimensions of personality

7
Hans Eysenck

• Similar method to Cattell
• Had 3 different source traits
• Introversion-extraversion
• Neuroticism-stability
• Psychoticism
• Generally considered to have too few traits

8
Trait Approaches

• Hans Eysenck
• Extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism
• The Big Five
• Openness to experience
• Conscientiousness
• Extraversion
• Agreeableness
• Neuroticism

9
Five Factor Model

• Described somewhat differently among researchers
• Factorsusually rated from low to high
• Extraversion
• Neuroticism
• Openness to experience
• Agreeableness
• Conscientiousness

10
Evaluation of Trait Perspective

• Dont really explain personality, simply describe
  the behaviors
• Doesnt describe the development of the behaviors
• Trait approaches generally fail to address how
  issues such as motives, unconscious, or beliefs
  about self affect personality development