1. TRAIT PERSPECTIVE Stable Enduring Predispositions to Behave in a Certain Way.

2. Trait A characteristic pattern of behavior that is considered reasonably stable even when the situation changes. Trait Perspective focus on individual differences rather than similarities like previous theories. Trait theories seek to identify, describe and measure these individual differences.

3. Ancient Greek Traits Ancient Greeks classified four personality traits –Blood - Sanguine (cheerful) –Black Bile - Melancholic (depressed) –Yellow Bile - Choleric (irritable) –Phlegm - Phlegmatic (unemotional) Felt these were caused by humor (body fluids)

4. Gordon Allport (1897-1967) American psychologist and trait theorist who researched the idea that individual personalities are unique Studied the English dictionary and found more than 4,000 words describing specific personality traits. Assumed traits are inherited and fixed in the nervous system. Felt that traits were the building blocks of personality. Your personality is composed of a combination of traits.

5. Raymond Cattell (1905-1998) Studied groups for obvious personality traits. Surface trait—characteristic that can be inferred from observable behavior (friendliness, tidiness) Source trait—Most fundamental dimensions of personality; very broad traits that are relatively few in number and give rise to surface traits. Came up with 16 key personality dimensions or factors to describe personality Proposed Each factor was measured on a continuum Generally considered as too many traits

6. Cattell’s 16 Personality Factors Example Questions and Profiles The 16PF, developed by Raymond Cattell, is a self-report inventory that contains 185 items like those shown in part (a). When scored, the 16PF generates a personality profile. In part (b), personality profiles of airline pilots and writers are compared. Cattell (1973) found that pilots are more controlled, more relaxed, more self-assured, and less sensitive than writers

7. Hans Eysenck (1916-1997) German psychologist who researched the genetically- influenced dimensions of personality Had 3 different source traits 1.Introversion-extraversion –Degree to which a person directs their energies inward toward themselves (introvert) or outward onto others (extravert). 2.Emotional stability- Instability (Stable – Unstable) –A person’s predisposition to become unpredictable & emotionally upset (unstable) or stay composed, rational and emotionally even (stable). 3.Psychoticism –Low in this means warm & caring toward others. –High in this means antisocial, cold, hostile & unconcerned about others. Generally considered as too few traits

8. Eysencks’ Personality Factors

14. Eysenck is similar to Hippocrates Choleric Sanguine Melancholic Plegmatic

15. William Sheldon & body types (1898-1977) Your body type determines your personality

16. Sheldon’s endomorph Love of food Love of comfort Sociable Good-humored Relaxed Tolerant

17. Sheldon’s ectomorph Self-conscious Private Introverted Intense Artistic Restrained

18. Sheldon’s mesomorph Adventurous Dominant Courageous Indifferent Competitive Risk-taker

19. Is Sheldon’s Theory Accurate? No, It is based on Stereotypes.

20. Big Five Model Essential building blocks of personality can be described in 5 basic personality dimensions. Described somewhat differently among researchers but can be found cross culturally. Research shows them to be stable over time & consistent over different situations. 5 Factors—usually rated from low to high 1.Introversion - Extraversion 2.Stability - Instability 3.Openness to Experience - Closed Mindedness 4.Agreeableness - Disagreeableness 5.Conscientiousness - Carelessness Human behavior is the result of interaction between traits and situations.

21. The “Big Five” Traits

26. Evaluation of Trait Perspective Psychologists generally accept that people can be described & compared in terms of basic personality traits. Trait Personality Tests are used to match people together and with appropriate jobs. BUT Trait Theory… Doesn’t really explain where personality comes from, simply describe the behaviors Fails to address how issues such as motives, unconscious, or beliefs about self affect personality development