Trait Theories Basic Assumptions and Central Points n
Trait Theories
Basic Assumptions and Central Points n n n behavior determined by stable generalized traits basic qualities that exist within a person and express themselves across situations goal of trait psychology: determine those trait dimensions determine where people stand relative to others (indiv. diff. s)
Types Vs. Traits n types: discrete categories n traits: dimensions
Allport n uniqueness of the individual Cardinal Traits n Central Traits n Secondary Dispositions n n Idiographic Vs. Nomothetic
Cattell Surface Traits n Source Traits n Factor Analysis n 16 PF n
Eysenck 3 main factors (really 2) Introversion-Extroversion Neuroticism Psychoticism (antisocial)
The Big 5 n Psycholexical approach n Costa & Mc. Crae
Big 5 Openness n Conscientiousness n Extraversion-(Introversion) n Ageeableness n Neuroticism n n OCEAN
Common Features traits account for consistency n most differentiate between superficial and underlying n traits are stable over time and situation n n focus of research is to find basic dimensions and develop good measures of them
Problems/Criticisms of Trait approach Atheoretical ( underlying traits arrived at empirically not theoretically) n Tautology (circular reasoning) can describe not explain n Is that all there is? ? ? n Exaggerate consistency and ignore situation n
Revision of Trait Theory n Types of Consistency (aggregated, ifthen) n Person X Situation Interaction n Signatures (Mischel) “if-then”
Assessment n Basic assumptions can assess personality by asking n traits are quantifiable and scalable n behaviors are “signs”, but of underlying traits n
Common Measures MMPI clinical profiles, objective standardized scoring 10 subcales n NEO-PI based on Big 5 global measure of normal personality n
n n Reliability Validity
Testing problems/criticism re: use of personality testing n bias in testing (self-report bias, statistical bias, cultural bias) n ethics of testing (privacy, use of test results, etc. ) n labeling n
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