1. Trait Theories

2. Basic Assumptions and Central Points
behavior determined by stable generalized
traits
basic qualities that exist within a person and
express themselves across situations
goal of trait psychology:
determine those trait dimensions
determine where people stand relative to others (indiv. diff.s)

3. Types Vs. Traits
types: discrete categories
traits: dimensions

4. Allport uniqueness of the individual Cardinal Traits Central Traits
Secondary Dispositions
Idiographic Vs. Nomothetic

5. Cattell
Surface Traits
Source Traits
Factor Analysis
16 PF

6. Eysenck 3 main factors (really 2) Introversion-Extroversion
Neuroticism
Psychoticism (antisocial)

8. The Big 5
Psycholexical approach
Costa & McCrae

9. Big 5 Openness Conscientiousness Extraversion-(Introversion)
Ageeableness
Neuroticism
OCEAN

11. Common Features traits account for consistency
most differentiate between superficial and underlying
traits are stable over time and situation
focus of research is to find basic dimensions and develop good measures of them

12. Problems/Criticisms of Trait approach
Atheoretical ( underlying traits arrived at empirically not theoretically)
Tautology (circular reasoning) can describe not explain
Is that all there is???
Exaggerate consistency and ignore situation

13. Revision of Trait Theory
Types of Consistency (aggregated, if-then)
Person X Situation Interaction
Signatures (Michel) “if-then”
Triple Typology (person X will consistently perform behavior Y in situation Z)

14. Assessment Basic assumptions can assess personality by asking
traits are quantifiable and scalable
behaviors are “signs”, but of underlying traits

15. Common Measures MMPI clinical profiles, objective standardized scoring
10 subcales
NEO-PI
based on Big 5
global measure of normal personality

16. Reliability
Validity

17. Testing Problems/criticism re: use of personality testing
bias in testing (self-report bias, statistical bias, cultural bias)
ethics of testing
(privacy, use of test results, etc.)
labeling
Social policy and decision making