Definition of personality
In that which permits a prediction of what a person will do in a given situation
Definition of Traits
The units of personality that have predictive value
What is factor analysis?
Procedure for analyzing a set of correlations among various measures into a simpler underlying pattern, terms a “factor structure”
- gather info via observation
- computer correlations btw variables
- identify significant correlations
- name the factors
3 Data Types
- Q-data: questionnaire
- L-data: behavioral observation
- T-data: lab tests like psychological data
3 Data Analysis Techniques
- R-technique: hundreds will take a questionnaire and then factor analysis of data occurs
- dR-technique: same as R but people take the test twice to assess change
- P-technique: one person states over and over; used to study STATES not TRAITS
Types of traits (2 of them)
- Surface trait
- Source trait
Surface trait definition
traits that are at the level of observable behavior
Source train definition
A primary factor derived from factor analysis
3 main source traits are ___?
- Ability trait: how a person works to desired goal (ie. intelligence)
- Temperament trait: general style with which someone carries out task (ie. positive affect)
- Dynamic trait: provides energy and direction to action; motivations and interest (ie. ergs and metaergs)
Fluid Intelligence definition
- The innate ability to learn
- “fluid” because it can be expressed in different types of learning, depending on opportunities presented to the individual
- ex: figuring out how to use the subway in a new city
Crystallized Intelligence
- Includes the effects of opportunity or education
- ex: taking the SAT
Ergs vs Metaergs (both dynamic traits)
Ergs: constitutional dynamic source traits (like instincts); innate motivational traits; expression of instincts is learned
Metaergs: Environmentally-molded source traits ; Learned motivations (ie. religion, politics, value of mothers day)
What does subsidiation mean?
- Type of meta erg
- Basic drives are met by multi-step sequences
- ex: we need to work because we to make money and eat
What are Cattell’s 16PF?
Traits that Cattell thought were the most important source traits
- each measured from 1-100 instead of yes/no
What are the Big 5 personality traits?
- Openness to experience
- Conscientiousness
- Extraversion
- Agreeableness
- Emotional Stability vs. “Neuroticism”
What is heritability?
Extent to which 2 people with similar genetic stats have similar personality, even when they have developed in different environments
- each of the big 5 have been found to significantly acquired from genetics
The Big-Five Inventory Test
Used to measure a persons main personality characteristics
