Chapter 2: Dispositional Perspective (Traits)

Question 1

Disposition

Answer 1

• consistent qualities of personality that remain the same, regardless of time, place or situation (uniqueness of each person)
• dispositional patterns: constitutes personality

Question 2

Traditional Typologies

Answer 2

• type theories
• divide people into categories or types (introvert, extrovert)
• are distinct and discontinuous

Question 3

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

Answer 3

• Extroversion-Introversion
• Sensing-Intuition
• Thinking-Feeling
• Judgement-Perception

Question 4

Traits

Answer 4

• continuous variables or dimensions
• traits are the same across individuals
• people differ with regard to how strong that trait is (where they fall on the continuum)

Question 5

Goals of Trait Theorists

Answer 5

• identify the traits necessary to explain important human behaviors
• measure traits accurately
• identify causes of trait development

Question 6

Theoretical Assumptions

Answer 6

1. dispositions/traits are relatively stable
2. influence behavior in most situations
3. difference between individuals arise because of differences in strengths of traits

Question 7

Identifying the Important Traits

Answer 7

• lexical/empirical approach
• theoretical approach
• statistical approach

Question 8

Raymond Cattell

Answer 8

• personality: permits prediction of a person’s behavior in a given situation
• true units of personality should show up across different types of data
• factor analysis is the key to developing an objective of personality

Question 9

Eysenck’s Three-Factor Theory (PEN)

Answer 9

1. Introversion-Extroversion
2. Neuroticism (Stable-Unstable)
3. Psychoticism (vs. socialization)
   - biological underpinning to all 3 traits

Question 10

Extroversion-Introversion (E)

Answer 10

• E is the super-trait
• sociable
• lively
• active
• assertive
• sensation seeking
• carefree
• dominant
• surgent

Question 11

Neuroticism (N)

Answer 11

• N is the super-trait
• anxious
• depressed
• guilt feelings
• low sensation seeking
• tense
• irrational
• shy
• moody
• emotional

Question 12

Psychoticism (P)

Answer 12

• P is the super-trait
• aggressive
• cold
• egocentric
• impersonal
• impulsive
• antisocial
• unemphatic
• creative
• tough-minded

Question 13

Introverted - Neuroticism

Answer 13

• moody
• anxious
• sober
• pessimistic
• reserved
• unsociable
• quiet

Question 14

Introverted - Stable (Ego Control)

Answer 14

• passive
• careful
• thoughtful
• peaceful
• reliable
• calm

Question 15

Stable - Extroverted

Answer 15

• leadership
• outgoing
• responsive
• easygoing
• carefree

Question 16

Extroverted - Neuroticism (Psychoticism)

Answer 16

• touchy
• restless
• aggressive
• excitable
• impulsive
• optimistic
• active

Question 17

The Five Factor Model

Answer 17

all identified traits narrowed down to 5 major factors or personality traits, present in all individuals to varying degrees of strength

Question 18

The Big Five

Answer 18

1. openness to experience
2. conscientiousness
3. extroversion
4. agreeableness
5. neuroticism

Question 19

Big Five: conscientiousness

Answer 19

• competence
• warmth
• dutifulness
• achievement striving
• self-discipline

Question 20

Big Five: Extroversion

Answer 20

• warmth
• assertiveness
• activity
• excitement seeking
• positive emotions

Question 21

Big Five: Agreeableness

Answer 21

• trust
• straightforwardness
• modesty
• tender-mindedness

Question 22

Big Five: Neuroticism

Answer 22

• anxiety
• angry hostility
• depression
• impulsiveness
• vulnerability

Question 23

Big Five: Openness to Experience

Answer 23

• fantasy
• feelings
• actions
• ideas
• values

Question 24

Traits and Behavior: Is there really a relationship?

Answer 24

• statistically, traits are accountable for 10-40% of the variance in behavior
• situationism: environment determine behavior more than traits

Question 25

Conflict between traits and situationism

Answer 25

1. measurement errors: behaviors are only measured once - reduce errors by measuring behavior over time 2. interactionism: traits and environment interact to influence behavior

Question 26

Assessment of Personality using the Trait Approach

Answer 26

Personality Profiles - measure where the individual falls on the continuum - NEO-PI: based on 5 factor model - MMPI: 10 scales, high or low