Trait Theorists in Psychology 2e

Learning Objectives

• Understanding early trait theories by Cattell and Eysenck.
• Discussing the Big Five factors and examples of individuals with high and low traits.

Trait Theory

• Trait Theory: Approach suggesting all people have traits that characterize behavior (e.g., sociable vs. shy, passive vs. aggressive).

Gordon Allport's Trait Categories

• Cardinal Traits: Dominant traits shaping one's personality (e.g., Scrooge’s greed).
• Central Traits: Core characteristics making up personality (e.g., kindness, loyalty).
• Secondary Traits: Situation-based traits and preferences (e.g., getting angry when tickled).

Raymond Cattell’s 16 Personality Factors

• Reduced traits to 171, identified 16 key factors (e.g., warmth, reasoning, emotional stability).
• Developed 16PF Questionnaire measuring traits along a high-low continuum.
  • Example: Warmth (Reserved vs. Supportive)

Eysenck's Personality Dimensions

• Focused on biological basis of personality.
• Two main dimensions:
  • Extroversion-Introversion
    • Extroverts: Sociable, outgoing
    • Introverts: Prefer solitary activities
  • Neuroticism-Stability
    • Neurotic: Anxious, quick to react
    • Stable: Calm, less sensitive to stress
• Added a third dimension: Psychoticism vs. Superego Control
  • Psychoticism: Independent, impulsive
  • Superego Control: Cooperative, empathetic

The Big Five Personality Factors

• Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism (OCEAN mnemonic).
• Factors are on a continuum:
  • Openness: Practical vs. Curious
  • Conscientiousness: Impulsive vs. Organized
  • Extroversion: Reserved vs. Outgoing
  • Agreeableness: Uncooperative vs. Trusting
  • Neuroticism: Calm vs. Anxious

Stability of Big Five Traits

• Traits generally stable across lifespan; some increase/decrease slightly with age.
• Conscientiousness and Agreeableness tend to increase with age, while Neuroticism and Extroversion decline.

HEXACO Model

• Expands Big Five with Honesty-Humility as an additional trait.
• Traits include:
  • Honesty-Humility: Sincerity, modesty
  • Emotionality: Anxiety, sensitivity
  • Extraversion: Boldness, sociability
  • Agreeableness: Patience, gentleness
  • Conscientiousness: Organization, precision
  • Openness: Creativity, inquisitiveness

Additional Insights

• Big Five traits exist across cultures, ethnicities, ages, and show genetic components.
• Personality assessments like the 16PF and Big Five tests can help identify dominant traits.

Conclusion

Trait theories provide a framework to understand personality by categorizing behavioral tendencies into manageable traits, aiding in the prediction of behavior and psychological analysis. Understanding these dimensions aids in grasping individual differences and their implications in various contexts.