Trait Theorists in Psychology

Learning Objectives

• Discuss early trait theories by Cattell and Eysenck
• Understand the Big Five factors and what characterizes individuals high and low on each factor

Introduction to Trait Theories

• Trait theorists believe in understanding personality through traits
• Traits are characteristic ways of behaving
• Common questions: Sociable or shy? Passive or aggressive?

Early Trait Theories

Gordon Allport

• Identified 4,500 personality descriptive words
• Categorized traits into:
  • Cardinal Traits: Dominant traits like Scrooge's greed
  • Central Traits: Make up personality, e.g., loyal, kind
  • Secondary Traits: Specific to situations, e.g., preferences

Raymond Cattell

• Reduced traits to 171 and identified 16 personality factors
• Developed the 16PF assessment
• Traits scored on a continuum from low to high
  • Examples:
    • Warmth: Reserved vs. Outgoing
    • Emotional Stability: Moody vs. Calm

Eysenck's Personality Dimensions

Hans and Sybil Eysenck

• Focused on biological basis of personality
• Identified two main dimensions:
  • Extroversion/Introversion: Sociability vs. need for solitude
  • Neuroticism/Stability: Anxiety vs. emotional calm
• Added a third dimension: Psychoticism vs. Superego Control
  • Independent vs. empathetic behaviour

The Five Factor Model (Big Five)

• Most popular and accurate personality model today
• Five main factors:
  • Openness: Curiosity and imagination
  • Conscientiousness: Dependability and self-discipline
  • Extroversion: Sociability and emotional expressiveness
  • Agreeableness: Cooperation and trust
  • Neuroticism: Emotional instability
• Mnemonic: OCEAN
• Factors are stable but can vary with age

HEXACO Model

• Expands on Big Five with six traits:
  • H: Honesty-Humility
  • E: Emotionality
  • X: Extraversion
  • A: Agreeableness
  • C: Conscientiousness
  • O: Openness

Additional Insights

• Personality tests can help find where individuals fall on these factors
• Traits exist across cultures, ages, and have genetic components

Conclusion

• Understanding personality through traits provides insights into human behavior
• Various models offer different perspectives on personality dimensions