Raymond Cattell 1905 1998 Theory Credited with developing

Raymond Cattell 1905 - 1998

Theory Credited with developing one of the first comprehensive trait theories of personality that relied strictly on the assessment and quantification of traits

Theory Personality summarizes a persons traits “A trait may be defined as that which defines what a person will do when faced with a defined situation”

Theory Result of both nature and nurture Constitutional factors – Genetically determined (nervous system arousal) Environmental-mold factors – Based on environment and experience (values)

Three Classifications of Traits Stability and permanence traits Common and unique traits Ability, temperament, and dynamic traits

Stability and Permanence Traits Surface Traits Observable behavior that is most visible evidence of a trait Manifestation of several source traits which cluster together May be unstable, impermanent Less important in describing behavior and personality (but is what is used in factor analysis to determine ones source tratis)

Stability and Permanence Traits Source Traits Underlying causes of our consistent behavior and basic factor of personality and which accounts for the uniqueness and diversity of each persons personality Single, stable, permanent All have same source traits in differing degrees 16 in all

Common and Unique Traits Common Traits Possessed by everyone to some degree (similar to Allport’s idea) Ex. Intelligence , Anxiety, Self Concept Unique Traits Distinguish us from others Specific to one person Particularly apparent in our interests, attitudes, and beliefs

Ability, Temperament, and Dynamic Traits Ability Traits Skills and abilities in dealing with complex problem solving situations (ex. insightfulness, creativity) How effectively we work toward our goals Intelligence is most important Fluid Intelligence (general) Crystallized Intelligence (learned)

Ability, Temperament, and Dynamic Traits Temperament Traits Emotions and feelings The general tone and emotional style of our behaviors Easy going Intense Help determine our interactions with others and reactions to situations

Ability, Temperament, and Dynamic Traits Driving force (motivation) of behavior Provides energy and direction of behavior – Are you driven to learn or an underachiever Define motivations, interests, and ambitions

Ability, Temperament, and Dynamic Traits Two kinds Ergs (from Greek term for energy ergon) – – – Innate (constitutional) energy source or driving force for all behaviors Permanent Basic units of motivation that direct us toward specific goals Needs, instincts or drives Creates: (hunger) • Selective perception • Emotional response • Goal directed behavior • Consummatory response

Ability, Temperament, and Dynamic Traits Ergs – 11 identified • Anger • Curiosity • Gregariousness • Self-submission Appeal Disgust Hunger Sex Protection Security Self-assertion

Ability, Temperament, and Dynamic Traits Two kinds Meta-ergs (Sentiments) – Learned patterns of behavior (environmental-mold) that focus on important aspects of life – Energy from ergs channeled through these – Can be unlearned and disappear – Divided into: • Sentiments - Areas of importance to us • Attitudes - Specific tendencies and responses toward situations revolving around our sentiments

Personality Development Infancy (Birth to age 6) Major formative period for personality Influenced by: Parents and siblings Experiences of weaning and toilet training

Personality Development Infancy: Development of : Social attitudes Ego and Superego Security and Insecurity Attitudes toward authority Possible tendency toward neuroticism

Personality Development Childhood (age 6 to 14) Independence from parents Identification with peers Few psychological problems Adolescence (age 14 to 23) More troublesome and stressful Conflicts center on drive for independence, self assertion, and sex Emotional disorders and delinquency may result

Personality Development Maturity (age 23 – 50) Satisfaction with career, marriage and family Personality becomes less flexible yet more emotional stablity Late Maturity (age 50 - 65) Personality changes in response to physical , social, and psychological changes Reexamine values and search for a new self

Personality Development Old Age (age 65+) Adjustment to loss of friends, spouses, and career Loss of status in a culture that worships youth Pervasive sense of loneliness and insecurity