TRAIT PERSPECTIVE

Stable Enduring Predispositions to Behave in a Certain Way.

Trait

• A characteristic pattern of behavior that is considered reasonably stable even when the situation changes.

• Trait Perspective focus on individual differences rather than similarities like previous theories.

• Trait theories seek to identify, describe and measure these individual differences.

Ancient Greek Traits

• Ancient Greeks classified four personality traits– Blood - Sanguine (cheerful)– Black Bile - Melancholic (depressed)– Yellow Bile - Choleric (irritable)– Phlegm - Phlegmatic (unemotional)

• Felt these were caused by humor (body fluids)

Gordon Allport (1897-1967)

• American psychologist and trait theorist who researched the idea that individual personalities are unique

• Studied the English dictionary and found more than 4,000 words describing specific personality traits.

• Assumed traits are inherited and fixed in the nervous system.

• Felt that traits were the building blocks of personality. Your personality is composed of a combination of traits.

Raymond Cattell (1905-1998)• Studied groups for obvious personality traits.• Surface trait—characteristic that can be

inferred from observable behavior (friendliness, tidiness)

• Source trait—Most fundamental dimensions of personality; very broad traits that are relatively few in number and give rise to surface traits.

• Came up with 16 key personality dimensions or factors to describe personality

• Proposed Each factor was measured on a continuum

• Generally considered as too many traits

Cattell’s 16 Personality FactorsExample Questions and Profiles The 16PF, developed by Raymond

Cattell, is a self-report inventory that contains 185 items like those shown in part (a).

When scored, the 16PF generates a personality profile. In part (b), personality profiles of airline pilots and writers are compared. Cattell (1973) found that pilots are more controlled, more relaxed, more self-assured, and less sensitive than writers

Hans Eysenck (1916-1997)• German psychologist who researched the genetically-influenced

dimensions of personality• Had 3 different source traits

1. Introversion-extraversion– Degree to which a person directs their energies inward toward

themselves (introvert) or outward onto others (extravert).2. Emotional stability- Instability (Stable – Unstable)

– A person’s predisposition to become unpredictable & emotionally upset (unstable) or stay composed, rational and emotionally even (stable).

3. Psychoticism– Low in this means warm & caring toward others.– High in this means antisocial, cold, hostile & unconcerned about

others.• Generally considered as too few traits

Eysencks’ Personality Factors

Eysencks’ Personality Factors

Eysencks’ Personality Factors

Eysencks’ Personality Factors

Eysencks’ Personality Factors

Eysencks’ Personality Factors

Eysenck is similar to Hippocrates

Choleric

Sanguine

Melancholic

Plegmatic

William Sheldon & body types

(1898-1977)

Your body type determines your personality

Sheldon’s endomorph

•Love of food•Love of comfort•Sociable•Good-humored•Relaxed •Tolerant

Sheldon’s ectomorph

•Self-conscious•Private •Introverted •Intense •Artistic •Restrained

Sheldon’s mesomorph

•Adventurous •Dominant•Courageous•Indifferent•Competitive •Risk-taker

Is Sheldon’s Theory Accurate?

• No, It is based on Stereotypes.

Big Five Model• Essential building blocks of personality can be described

in 5 basic personality dimensions.• Described somewhat differently among researchers but

can be found cross culturally.• Research shows them to be stable over time & consistent

over different situations.• 5 Factors—usually rated from low to high

1. Introversion - Extraversion2. Stability - Instability3. Openness to Experience - Closed Mindedness4. Agreeableness - Disagreeableness5. Conscientiousness - Carelessness

• Human behavior is the result of interaction between traits and situations.

The “Big Five” Traits

The “Big Five” Traits

The “Big Five” Traits

The “Big Five” Traits

The “Big Five” Traits

Evaluation of Trait Perspective

• Psychologists generally accept that people can be described & compared in terms of basic personality traits.

• Trait Personality Tests are used to match people together and with appropriate jobs.

BUT Trait Theory…• Doesn’t really explain where personality comes from,

simply describe the behaviors• Fails to address how issues such as motives,

unconscious, or beliefs about self affect personality development