1. How can personality be structured in terms of traits and how can traits be assessed?
Structured tests
MMPI, CPI, Q-Sort, etc.
Trait theories:
Surface traits and source traits
Cattell’s profile
Eyesenck’s scheme
The “Big Five”

2. Examples of structured tests developed empirically :
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)
California Personality Inventory (CPI)
Q Sort

3. Clinically significant range
MMPI-2 test profile of a depressed patient:
Clinically significant range
Hypochondriasis
(concern with body symptoms)
Depression
(pessimism, hopelessness)
Hysteria
(uses symptoms to solve problems)
Psychopathic deviancy
(disregard for social standards)
Paranoia
(delusions, suspiciousness)
Psychasthenia
(worried, guilt feelings)
Schizophrenia
(withdrawn, bizarre thoughts)
Hypomania
(overactive, excited,impulsive)
Social introversion
(shy, inhibited)
Standard score 30 40 50 60 70 80
Before treatment
After treatment

4. Surface behaviors Surface traits Source trait
Vigorously defends unpopular positions in class discus-sions
Writes scathing letters to the news-paper editor
Argues a lot with friends
“Argumentativeness”
“Belligerence”
“Competitiveness”
Surface traits
“Aggressiveness”
Source trait

5. Raymond Cattell (1905-)
L-Data (Life-data) of individuals
obtained from objective observations and ratings from their friends.
Factor Analysis
Q-Data (Questionnaire-data) of individuals
obtained from themselves about their own characteristics
16-PF Questionnaire

6. Low High Emotionally stable Warm Intelligent Dominant Cheerful
Conscientious
Bold
Sensitive
Suspicious
Imaginative
Shrewd
Guilt prone
Experimenting
Self-sufficient
Self-disciplined
Tense A B C E F G H I L M N O Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

7. Gleitman, p. 599 Melancholic Choleric Phlegmatic Sanguine UNSTABLE
Moody Anxious
Rigid
Sober
Pessimistic
Unreserved
Unsociable
Quiet
Touchy
Restless
Aggressive
Excitable
Changeable
Impulsive
Optimistic Active
Melancholic
Choleric
INTROVERTED
EXTROVERTED
Phlegmatic
Sanguine
Passive
Careful
Thoughtful
Peaceful
Controlled
Reliable
Even-tempered
Calm
Sociable
Outgoing
Talkative
Responsive
Easygoing
Lively
Carefree
Leadership
STABLE

8. Physiological basis of extroversion-introversion
Degree of nervous system arousal
Introvert
Extrovert
Optimal level
low
high
Degree of environmental stimulation

9. Trait dimension Description O C E A N
(See Gleitman, p : The “Big Five”)
Trait dimension
Description O C E A N
penness to experience
Imaginative vs. practical
Preference for variety vs. preference for routine
Independent vs. conforming
onscientiousness
Organized vs. disorganized
Careful vs. careless
Disciplined vs. impulsive
xtroversion
Sociable vs. retiring
Fun-loving vs. sober
Affectionate vs. reserved
greeableness
Soft-hearted vs. ruthless
Trusting vs. suspicious
Helpful vs. uncooperative
euroticism
Calm vs. anxious
Secure vs. insecure
Self-satisfied vs. self-pitying