Trait Theory by Gordon Allport II Themes in

Trait Theory by Gordon Allport

II. Themes in Allport’s work A. Consistency of Personality n Allport argued that humans are consistent (“remarkably recognizable”) in personality even though they may vary from situation to situation. n n Some research supports Allport’s view; other studies suggest situations make people change their behavior (Mischel, 1984 a).

B. The Concept of the Self n Allport argued for the idea of self as a major focus of personality growth. n Today, a good deal of research in clinical & social psychology focuses on the idea of the self (e. g. , self-concept, self-esteem, self-efficacy).

C. Interaction of Personality & Social Influences n Although Allport focused on personality traits, he did recognize the importance of social factors & how they influence individuals.

III. Allport’s definition of Personality n “Personality is the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his unique adjustments to the environment. ” n This is not tacitly accepted by personality psychologists.

Components of Allport’s definition n 1. Dynamic organization: n Refers to Allport’s view that to be healthy, we need to integrate all parts of our personality into a whole. n Criticisms: theme of unity isn’t shared by everyone. Learning theorists focus on discrete units of behavior.

2. Psychophysical Systems n Allport argued that biology influences our personality development. n He accepted the idea that temperament, constitutes an inherited biological foundation for personality. n There is some evidence that this might be the case. The temperaments of young children tend to be consistent into adulthood.

3. Determinative n Allport argued that traits are not just predictor’s of behavior, they actually determine (cause) behavior. n Allport felt these were actually physical (tangible) although he didn’t know how they related to the neural systems. n Many perceive this view as: circular reasonsing!!!

How does circular reasoning work? n Jack hits Bob (behavior) n We observe hitting behavior & say that Jack is high on “aggression” (a trait). n When asked why Jack is aggressive—we say “Because he hit Bob. ”

4. Unique n Allport felt that traits are highly individualized or unique. n He disagreed with theorists who asserted that one or a few instincts motivate all people (sexual drives, striving for superiority).

5. Adjustments to the Environment n Allport felt that our personalities develop as a function of learning to adapt to social situations while trying to achieve our needs.

IV. Traits n Allport felt that our personality was made up of traits. n If you know a person’s traits, you can provide a description of their personality.

What are traits? ? ? n A trait is a consistent, long-lasting tendency in behavior. n E. g. , shyness, hostility, gregariousness

Can we all be described by the same traits? n Do we each have different traits or do we all have the same traits in varying amounts? n What do you think? ? n Allport wasn’t willing to rule either of these out, although most researchers agree we have the same traits in different degrees.

Individual Vs. Common Traits n Allport argued we have both individual traits & common traits. n Individual traits -- possessed by only 1 person. n Common traits-- possessed by all people to a varying extent.

How do we know what traits a person possesses? n 1. We can infer them from language (Dictionary Study). n Allport & Odbert identified 17, 953 trait names, from the dictionary (4. 5% of total words).

Dictionary study n 1. Neutral Terms Designating Personal Traits (artistic, assertive). n 2. Terms Primarily Descriptive of Temporary Moods or Activities (alarmed, ashamed) n 3. Weighted Terms Conveying Social or Character Judgments of Personal Conduct, or Designating influence on others (adorable, asinine). n 4. Miscellanous: Designations of Physique, Capacities, and Developmental Conditions; Metaphorical and Doubtful Terms (alone).

2. Inferring traits from behavior n Allport argues that what people do, is a great clue as to their personality traits. n If people like to run, hike, & ride bikes we can infer they are athletic (a trait). n By observing others either in naturalistic settings or through experiments, we can infer some of their traits.

3. Inferring traits from Personality measurement n We can also infer traits from personality tests. n Allport examined people’s values, because he felt that you could understand people’s motivations from their value systems. n He along with other colleagues developed the Allport-Vernon-Lindzey Study of Values.

Allport-Vernon Lindzey Study of Values n Self-report questionnaire-- 60 questions. Scores have norms based on 1960. Looks at who scores high on which values. n Allport reported that college students who entered different occupations had different value scores. n Recently, Huntley and Davis (1983) found that scores on the study of values taken during college were associated with occupations of male students 25 years later.

Allport-Vernon Lindzey Study of Values n n n n Scale Description of value Typical Occupation Social helping people social work Theoretical search for truth Professor Economic Pragmatic, applied Business Aesthetic Artistic values Artist Political Power & influence Politics Religious Religion, harmony Clergy

V. How pervasive is influence of a trait? n It varies with the trait. n Allport argued we have three categories of traits: cardinal, secondary, & central. n Cardinal traits are most pervasive; secondary traits least pervasive.

A. Central traits n Central traits are the major characteristics of an individual. n These usually number from 5 to 10 in any one person (e. g. , honesty, sociability). n These are rather pervasive & effect many behaviors. We can use a small number of adjectives to describe someone.

B. Secondary traits n These are characteristics that effect behavior in fewer situations & are less influential than central or cardinal traits. n A preference for ice cream or dislike of modern art would be considered a secondary trait.

C. Cardinal traits n This is a single characteristic that directs most of a person’s activities. n It is so pervasive that it dominates just about everything that a person does. n E. g. , A person so power-hungry that they are solely driven by that need for control.