Summary #5 the trait perspective/dimensional approach
Trait
= distinguishable way of varying from one another.
individual differences in tendencies to show consistent behavior across many different
situations and much stability over time.
Hippocrates/galen (bodily fluids)
1. Choleric irritable
2. Melancholic depressed
3. Sanguine optimistic
4. Phlegmatic calm
Jung
1. Introvert turned to oneself/solitary
2. Extravert sociable
Two Views
Nomothetic
= every person has the same traits but different place in dimension
combination of traits and their dimension = unique
Idiographic
= everyone slightly different traits (due to personal experience) traits are individualized
people cannot be compared
Trait theories can either be:
discontinuous
either one trait or another (e.g., Jung)
Continuous (most typologies)
presence of trait is normally distributed over
population (dimensional approach/quantitative
approach)
Earlier theories
Allport Theoretical (no empirical evidence/factor analysis)
Trait unites many responses to different stimuli (general/enduring)
A trait is roughly the same per person but specific, differs per person due to personal
experience ( IDIOGRAPHIC)
Cardinal traits (dominant in personality)
generalized
e.g. GENEROUS
Central traits
less pervasive, basic foundation of personality
e.g. FRIENDLY
Secondary traits (attitudes)
narrow traits, certain situations/circumstances
e.g., OPPOSE BULLYYIN
, Merely pattern of traits/dispositions behavior (NOT environment/situation)
Pattern of traits (Structure) individuality
Trait = shows personality
State = temporary
Activity = shows situation
Functional autonomy
opposes Freud; We grow out of motives we had as a child.
= Motives lead to drives. The drive may continue independent from the initial motive.
Criticism:
No empirical support.
Eysenck
3 major dimensions (continuous) 3 factor theory
We all have 3 traits but differ in the dimension/extent to
which we possess/express them
1. Extraversion
= sociability
2. Neuroticism
= stability
3. Psychoticism (cold/unfeeling/aggressive)
=degree to which reality is distorted
we do NOT have necessarily psychoticism
Every factor has second-order factors.
according to Eysenck his theory originated from a biological basis. (no proof)
= brain regions, nervous system, hereditary
Criticism
- low reliability
- too simple
Catell
16 personality factor inventory/ 16 PF
Surface traits
apparent traits
Source traits
underlying traits
= foucs/interest of Catell
Classes of traits
Dynamic traits
Trait
= distinguishable way of varying from one another.
individual differences in tendencies to show consistent behavior across many different
situations and much stability over time.
Hippocrates/galen (bodily fluids)
1. Choleric irritable
2. Melancholic depressed
3. Sanguine optimistic
4. Phlegmatic calm
Jung
1. Introvert turned to oneself/solitary
2. Extravert sociable
Two Views
Nomothetic
= every person has the same traits but different place in dimension
combination of traits and their dimension = unique
Idiographic
= everyone slightly different traits (due to personal experience) traits are individualized
people cannot be compared
Trait theories can either be:
discontinuous
either one trait or another (e.g., Jung)
Continuous (most typologies)
presence of trait is normally distributed over
population (dimensional approach/quantitative
approach)
Earlier theories
Allport Theoretical (no empirical evidence/factor analysis)
Trait unites many responses to different stimuli (general/enduring)
A trait is roughly the same per person but specific, differs per person due to personal
experience ( IDIOGRAPHIC)
Cardinal traits (dominant in personality)
generalized
e.g. GENEROUS
Central traits
less pervasive, basic foundation of personality
e.g. FRIENDLY
Secondary traits (attitudes)
narrow traits, certain situations/circumstances
e.g., OPPOSE BULLYYIN
, Merely pattern of traits/dispositions behavior (NOT environment/situation)
Pattern of traits (Structure) individuality
Trait = shows personality
State = temporary
Activity = shows situation
Functional autonomy
opposes Freud; We grow out of motives we had as a child.
= Motives lead to drives. The drive may continue independent from the initial motive.
Criticism:
No empirical support.
Eysenck
3 major dimensions (continuous) 3 factor theory
We all have 3 traits but differ in the dimension/extent to
which we possess/express them
1. Extraversion
= sociability
2. Neuroticism
= stability
3. Psychoticism (cold/unfeeling/aggressive)
=degree to which reality is distorted
we do NOT have necessarily psychoticism
Every factor has second-order factors.
according to Eysenck his theory originated from a biological basis. (no proof)
= brain regions, nervous system, hereditary
Criticism
- low reliability
- too simple
Catell
16 personality factor inventory/ 16 PF
Surface traits
apparent traits
Source traits
underlying traits
= foucs/interest of Catell
Classes of traits
Dynamic traits
