2. Note
Notes online
Mini-Quizzes

3. What is a trait of personality?
A “unit” of measurement
Allport presents 8 Criteria that define a personality trait

4. Traits
1) A trait has more than nominal existence
Traits are real!

5. Traits
2) A trait is more generalized than a behavior
lie
steal
cheat

6. Traits 2) A trait is more generalized than a behavior lie steal
Honesty
cheat

7. Traits 2) A trait is more generalized than a behavior
There are systems of behaviors
Traits my embrace anywhere between 2 to hundreds of behaviors

8. Traits 3) A trait is dynamic
A trait CAUSES behavior, it is not just a summary of behavior
lie
steal
YES!
Honesty
cheat

9. Traits 3) A trait is dynamic
A trait CAUSES behavior, it is not just a summary of behavior
lie
steal
NO!
Honesty
cheat

10. Traits
4) The existence of a trait my be established empirically or statistically
Statistical techniques can be used to examine coherence among behaviors

11. Traits 5) Traits are only relatively independent of each other
It will be difficult to isolate “fundamental” traits that are completely independent of each other

12. Traits
6) A trait of personality, psychologically considered, is not the same as a moral quality.

13. Traits
7) Acts, and even habits, that are inconsistent with a trait are not proof of the non-existence of the trait
Not realistic to expect perfect consistency
Some traits not important in some people
Traits interact with each other within a person
Context also determines behavior

14. Traits
8) A trait may be viewed either in the light of the personality which contains it, or in the light of its distribution in the population at large.
Some traits are unique and some are universal
Can examine either
Universal traits across people
Unique blends of traits within a person

16. Using Traits to Understand Behavior
Different approaches:
The Single-Trait Approach
The Many-Trait Approach
The Essential-Trait Approach
The Simultaneous-Trait Approach

17. The Single Trait Approach
An in-depth research program of a single trait

18. Questionnaire

19. Add score
Reverse key
2,4,6,8,10,12,14

20. Authoritarianism Historical context Philosophical roots
Nazi Germany
Philosophical roots
Fromm
To avoid choices people turn their will over to external authorities
“I am just following orders”
In the 1930s created the “F – Scale”

21. Authoritarianism

22. Conventionalism
Authoritarianism

23. Authoritarian submission
Conventionalism
Authoritarianism

24. Authoritarian submission
Conventionalism
Authoritarian aggression
Authoritarianism

25. Authoritarian submission
Conventionalism
Authoritarian aggression
Anti – ‘intraception”
Authoritarianism

26. Authoritarian submission
Conventionalism
Authoritarian aggression
Anti – ‘intraception”
Authoritarianism
Superstition

27. Authoritarian submission
Conventionalism
Authoritarian aggression
Anti – ‘intraception”
Authoritarianism
Superstition
Power and toughness

28. Authoritarian submission
Conventionalism
Authoritarian aggression
Anti – ‘intraception”
Authoritarianism
Superstition
Destructiveness and cynicism
Power and toughness

29. Authoritarian submission
Conventionalism
Authoritarian aggression
Anti – ‘intraception”
Authoritarianism
Projectivity
Superstition
Destructiveness and cynicism
Power and toughness

30. Authoritarian submission
Conventionalism
Authoritarian aggression
Sexual repression
Anti – ‘intraception”
Authoritarianism
Projectivity
Superstition
Destructiveness and cynicism
Power and toughness

31. Authoritarianism
Note how this trait ties together many diverse behaviors
Also note how it can explain inconsistencies in behavior
A person VERY respectful to a superior may be cruel to those who rank lower

32. Authoritarianism Over 4,000 articles on this trait! Findings:
No relation between authoritarianism and political party (note: communism findings)
Note: not conservatism, but pseudoconservatism
e.g., taxes abolished, no trials, etc.

33. Authoritarianism Findings:
Society is in turmoil, authoritarians more likely to support “strong” political candidates
When standard of living declines authoritarians more likely to favor restrictions of welfare and bans on abortion

34. Authoritarianism Roots: Child-rearing practices Genetic
Regularly and severely punished
Learn to fear, obey, and be unquestioning of authority
Genetic
Biological siblings = .35
Adopted siblings = .05

36. Questionnaire

37. Say
“I am going out now, I won’t be back all day. If anyone comes by, just tell them I’m not here”
Happy
Sad
Mad

38. Self-Monitoring
How much do “monitor” your social setting and alter your behaviors accordingly
High SM
Monitor every situation
Look for cues how to act, alter behavior
Low SM
Consistent behavior regardless of situation

39. Self-Monitoring Findings: Actors tend to be high self-monitors
Mental patients tend to be low
High SM interview better for jobs
High SM more likely to lie to go on dates
Jokes with a laugh track
Masturbate more often (r = .50; only for women)

41. The Many-Trait Approach
Examine many traits simultaneously to determine what type of person tends to perform certain behaviors

42. The Many-Trait Approach
Commonly use the California Q-Sort
Forces you to compare traits to each other
Rank order
Healthy
Wealthy
Wise

43. Findings of the Many-Trait Approach
64 undergraduates completed the SM scale
Friends and family q-sorted the subjects

44. Self-Monitoring High SM Skilled in social techniques Talkative
Self-dramatizing
Initiates humor
Verbally fluent
Expressive in face
Has social poise and presence

45. Self-Monitoring Low Self Monitors Distrustful Perfectionist
Touchy and irritable
Anxious
Introspective
Independent

46. Findings of the Many-Trait Approach
Drug use and adolescent health
Shedler & Block, 1990
101 subjects
Age 11 – parents completed a q-sort
Age 18 – Drug usage measured
Abstainers, experimenters, frequent users

47. Abst.
Exp.
Freq.
1. Prefers nonverbal methods of communication.
4.6
4.5
5.1*
3. Is warm and responsive.
5.3**
6.2
5.2**
6. Is helpful and cooperative. 7
7.2
6.5**
8. Tends to keep thoughts, feelings, or products to self.
5.6*
4.7
5.3
13. Characteristically pushes and tries to stretch limits.
3.0*
3.6
4.2
14. Is eager to please. 6
6.1
21. Tries to be the center of attention.
3.1**
3.8
3.9
23. Is fearful and anxious.
4.5***
3.3 4
25. Uses and responds to reason.
7.3**
6.6
6.5
26. Is physically active.
5.9
5.7

48. Abst.
Exp.
Freq.
27. Is visibly deviant from peers in physical appearance.
3.3 3
3.7**
28. Is vital, energetic, lively.
4.9**
5.9
5.2
30. Tends to arouse liking and acceptance in adults.
6.1
6.5
5.9*
34. Is restless and fidgety.
3.7***
4.6
5.1
35. Is inhibited and constricted.
5.1**
3.9
4.4
37. Likes to compete; tests and compares self with others.
4.1**
4.5
39. Becomes rigidly repetitive or immobilized under stress.
4.2*
3.5
40. Is curious, eager to learn, open to new experiences.
5.4***
6.4
5.7*
41. Is persistent in activities; does not give up easily.
5.6
5.1*
42. Is an interesting, arresting child.
5.8

49. Abst.
Exp.
Freq.
45. Tends to withdraw and disengage when under stress.
5.0*
4.2
5.2**
47. Has high standards of performance for self.
6.1
5.9
5.1**
52. Is physically cautious.
5.1*** 4
4.5
54. Has rapid shifts in mood; is emotionally labile.
3.5
3.4
4.2**
59. Is neat and orderly in dress and behavior.
6.5***
5.5
5.2
60. Becomes anxious in unpredictable environment.
4.9**
4.8*
62. Is obedient and compliant.
6.5*
5.8
5.6
63. Has a rapid personal tempo; reacts and moves quickly. 5
4.6
64. Is calm and relaxed, easy-going.

50. The Many-Trait Approach
Note: What this study is not saying
To interpret the meaning of these traits need to also interpret the context of the study

52. How many adjectives can you use to describe a person?
Try it!

53. The Essential-Trait Approach
Odbert and Allport found over 4,500 adjectives that describe personality traits
17,953 adjectives overall (but some were not traits)
Are all of these really independent of each other?
Essential Approach tries to find how many and which traits are essential

54. The Big Five: History Allport and Odbert (1936) Cattell (1943)
17,953 trait terms
Cattell (1943)
Factor analysis finds 35 clusters
Fiske (1949)
Factor analysis results in 5 factors
Tupes & Christal (1961)
Replicate Fiske
Norman (1963) replicates Tupes & Christal, and writes a review about these “big five” traits
Surgency (extraversion)
Agreeableness
Conscientiousness
Emotional stability
Culture

55. Essential Trait
Big-Five Inventory

56. E
1, 11, 16, 26, R 6, 21, 31 A
7, 17, 22, 32, 42 R 2,12, 27, 37 C
3, 13, 28, 33, 38 R 8, 18, 23, 43 N
4, 14, 19, 29, 39 R 9, 24, 34 O
5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 44 R 35, 41 R
1 = 5
2 = 4
3 = 3
4 = 2
5 = 1

57. Agreeableness Trust Straightforwardness Altruism Compliance Modesty
Obi-Wan Kenobi -- This loyal, kind, and honorable young Jedi is a good man.   
Emperor Palpatine -- An evil, power hungry tyrant, he is manipulative, evil, and ruthless.
Trust
Straightforwardness
Altruism
Compliance
Modesty
Tender-mindedness

58. Extraversion Warmth Gregariousness Assertiveness Activity
Excitement seeking
Positive emotions
Lando Calrissian -- An energetic, sociable man. He is adventure seeking, talkative, and socially skilled.   
Wampas -- reclusive creatures of the ice planet Hoth. They are rarely seen & generally shy, leading a solitary existence

59. Conscientiousness Competence Order Dutifulness Achievement striving
Self-discipline
Deliberation
Admiral Ackbar -- This rebel Admiral is renowned for his great powers of organization, responsibility, and administrative abilities. He is individual who can be relied upon.   
Han Solo -- This disheveled and scruffy smuggler leads a reckless and haphazard life, with little respect for rules and procedures.

60. Neuroticism Anxiety Angry hostility Depression Self-consciousness
Impulsiveness
Vulnerability
Princess Leia -- A confident & calm individual who does not crack under pressure (e.g.,. when being threatened by Lord Vader). She is brave and relaxed, even when in great danger (e.g., when disguising herself as a bounty hunter to gain access to Jabba the Hutt’s palace).   
Tusken warriors -- These inhabitants of Tatooine are unpredictable, temperamental, and excitable, and known to be especially moody.

61. Openness to Experience
Fantasy
Aesthetics
Feelings
Actions
Ideas
Values
Yoda -- This wise, philosophical, and thoughtful Jedi master challenges the establishment, encouraging his pupils to unlearn what they have learned and see the world in novel, creative ways.   
C-3PO -- This droid versed in political protocol of thousands of cultures is governed by rules and prefers not to meddle with the ways and traditions of his hosts.

62. The Big Five Also known as the Five-Factor Model Extraversion
Agreeableness
Conscientiousness
Neuroticism
Openness to Experience
OCEAN

63. Example Preadolscent girls and risk behavior Subjects were 160 girls
Markey, Markey, and Tinsley 2003
Subjects were 160 girls
5th grade mothers completed BFI and girls pubertal development was assessed
6th grade girls reported engagement in risky behaviors
e.g., smoking, drinking, deep kissing, etc.

64. Results Conscientiousness Neuroticism Openness Puberty .29
Extraversion
.10
Agreeableness
-.38
Conscientiousness
-.42
Neuroticism
.03
Openness
-.04

65. Results

66. Results Demonstrates predictive power of the Big-5
Demonstrate show traits can interact with other elements (e.g., pubertal development) to create different behaviors

68. Using Traits to Understand Behavior
Different approaches:
The Single-Trait Approach
The Many-Trait Approach
The Essential-Trait Approach
The Simultaneous-Trait Approach

69. The Simultaneous-Trait Approach
Trait approaches tend to be “one-dimensional”
They only consider one trait at a time
“He is extraverted”
Pro: Simple and automatic
Con: Not all extraverts act the same

70. The Simultaneous-Trait Approach
An “extraverted” and “agreeable” person
An “extraverted” and “disagreeable” person

71. The Simultaneous-Trait Approach
An “extraverted” and “agreeable” person
Warm
An “extraverted” and “disagreeable” person
Controlling

72. The Simultaneous-Trait Approach
This approach examines how traits “blend” together within an individual

73. The Interpersonal Sphere
Ask yourself:
High (+)
Moderate (0)
Low (-)
How dominant are you?
How warm are you?

74. Interpersonal Circumplex
Cold
Warm

75. Interpersonal Circumplex
Dominant + -
Submissive

76. Interpersonal Circumplex
Dominant
Cold
Warm
Submissive

77. The Interpersonal Circumplex

78. The Interpersonal Circumplex

79. IPIP-IPC Warm-Agreeable Am interested in people. Reassure others.
Inquire about others’ well-being.
Get along well with others.
Markey & Markey, 2009

80. IPIP-IPC Gregarious-Extraverted Start conversations.
Love large parties.
Feel comfortable around people.
Talk to a lot of different.
Markey & Markey, 2009

81. IPIP-IPC Assured-Dominant Do most of the talking.
Demand to be the center of attention.
Speak loudly.
Demand attention.
Markey & Markey, 2009

82. IPIP-IPC Arrogant-Calculating Cut others to pieces. Contradict others.
Snap at people.
Have a sharp tongue.
Markey & Markey, 2009

83. IPIP-IPC Cold-Hearted Believe people should fend for themselves.
Don’t fall for sob-stories.
Don’t put a lot of thought into things.
Am not interested in other people’s problems.
Markey & Markey, 2009

84. IPIP-IPC Aloof-Introverted Am a very private person. Don’t talk a lot.
Have little to say.
Am quiet around strangers.
Markey & Markey, 2009

85. IPIP-IPC Unassured-Submissive Dislike being the center of attention.
Let others finish what they are saying.
Speak softly.
Seldom toot my own horn.
Markey & Markey, 2009

86. IPIP-IPC Unassuming-Ingenuous Tolerate a lot from others.
Take things as they come.
Seldom stretch the truth.
Think of others first.
Markey & Markey, 2009

87. The Interpersonal Circumplex
The IPC can help us understand sex – well at least who does it the most!
Markey & Markey, 2007

88. Sex "Sex is a conversation carried out by other means.”
"Sex with love is the greatest thing in life. But sex without love -- that's not so bad either."

89. Sex and Personality
What accounts for different people’s willingness (or lack thereof) to engage in sexual relations with multiple partners? 
Who has multiple partners?
High Extraversion
Low Agreeablness

90. Method Participates Measures 210 participants IAS
105 men and 105 women
Measures
IAS
Sexual promiscuity (different levels of intimacy)
1) One minute continuous lip kissing
2) Manual manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
3) Oral manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
4) Sexual intercourse

91. Results 1) Men reported more partners for:
1) One minute continuous lip kissing
2) Manual manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
3) Oral manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
4) Sexual intercourse

92. Results
2) For both males and females dominance was positively related to:
1) One minute continuous lip kissing
2) Manual manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
3) Oral manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
4) Sexual intercourse

93. Results 3) Warmth had a quadratic relationship with:
1) One minute continuous lip kissing
2) Manual manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
3) Oral manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
4) Sexual intercourse

96. Conclusion Personality is a unique “blend” of traits
Like chemistry’s periodic table
Elements do not exist in a vacuum
Combine together!
H20, NH3, CO2, etc.

97. Using Traits to Understand Behavior
Different approaches:
The Single-Trait Approach
The Many-Trait Approach
The Essential-Trait Approach
The Simultaneous-Trait Approach