Trait theorists explain personality by identifying characteristic ways people think, feel, and behave. This lesson follows the development of trait theory from Allport’s categories to Cattell’s measured dimensions and Eysenck’s biologically influenced model.
Definition: A trait is a characteristic way of behaving, thinking, or feeling. Trait theorists generally describe people by considering patterns across traits, not by assuming that a person has only one defining quality.
All flashcards
What is a cardinal trait?
A rare, dominant characteristic that strongly shapes a person’s personality and much of their life.
How do central and secondary traits differ?
Central traits are broad, relatively consistent characteristics of everyday personality. Secondary traits are less consistent and may appear mainly in particular situations or preferences.
What does the 16PF questionnaire assess?
It assesses Cattell’s 16 personality factors, representing each factor as a degree along a continuum rather than a simple yes-or-no trait.
What are Eysenck’s original two dimensions?
Extroversion–introversion and neuroticism–stability. They describe tendencies in social orientation and emotional reactivity or steadiness.
What did Eysenck’s later psychoticism–superego control dimension describe?
It contrasted tendencies such as impulsivity, nonconformity, and hostility with stronger impulse control, cooperation, empathy, and conventional behavior.
Quiz questions
What distinguishes a cardinal trait from a central trait?Answer: A cardinal trait dominates a life; central traits describe everyday personality.
Which example best illustrates a secondary trait?Answer: Someone usually calm who becomes nervous before giving a speech.
How does Cattell’s 16PF approach represent an individual’s level of a personality factor?Answer: As a score along a continuum from relatively low to relatively high.
According to Eysenck’s model, which description best fits someone high in neuroticism?Answer: Prone to anxiety and emotional reactivity, even at low stress levels.
What does OCEAN represent in the Big Five model?Answer: Openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
Based on Psychology 2e by Rose M. Spielman, William J. Jenkins, Marilyn D. Lovett (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.