PSYB30H3 Lecture Notes - Gordon Allport, Raymond Cattell, Trait Theory
Document Summary
Trait = a consistent pattern of behavior, emotion, and thought: stability over time and situations, distinctiveness between people. Trait theory provide descriptions that must be explained by other theories. Theorists try to establish: framework within which any and all persons can be described, taxonomy of traits. Common traits are traits shared by all. Behaviors can be represented on trait continuum each person can be placed somewhere on the continuum. Scores assumed to be normal distributed (fewer people score in the extreme on any trait) Ordering people along these dimensions is nomothetic approach used in most trait theories. Compares people along the same personality dimensions. I. e. comparing canadians and americans on the trait of risk-aversion. Advocated idiographic approach: believed there are common traits. Use of diaries, interviews, behavioral observations, q-sort (index cards with different trait words written on them, and having someone sort the cards to what is similar to themselves) etc. to assess personality: qualitative data.
