How many trait theories are there

This means that while these five factors do exist, the underlying causes behind them are unknown. While trait theories are useful in categorizing behavior, they have been criticized by a number of psychologists. One strength of the trait perspectives is their ability to categorize observable behaviors. Researchers have found that examining the aggregate behaviors of individuals provides a strong correlation with traits; in other words, observing the behaviors of an individual over time and in varying circumstances provides evidence for the personality traits categorized in trait theories.

Another strength is that trait theories use objective criteria for categorizing and measuring behavior. One possible proof of this is that several trait theories were developed independently of each other when factor analysis was used to conclude a specific set of traits. While developing their theories independently of each other, trait theorists often arrived at a similar set of traits. Trait perspectives are often criticized for their predictive value: critics argue that traits do a poor job of predicting behavior in every situation.

Some psychologists argue that the situational variables i. For example, Brian is teased a lot but he rarely responds aggressively, while Josie is teased very rarely but responds aggressively every time. These two children might be acting aggressively the same number of times, so trait theorists would suggest that their behavior patterns—or even their personalities—are equivalent. However, psychologists who criticize the trait approach would argue that Brian and Josie are very different children.

Another limitation of trait theories is that they require personal observations or subjective self-reports to measure. Self-report measures require that an individual be introspective enough to understand their own behavior. Personal observation measures require that an individual spend enough time observing someone else in a number of situations to be able to provide an accurate assessment of their behaviors.

Both of these measures are subjective and can fall prey to observer bias and other forms of inaccuracy. Another criticism is that trait theories do not explain why an individual behaves in a certain way. Trait theories provide information about people and about which traits cause which behaviors; however, there is no indication as to why these traits interact in the way that they do.

For example, an extroverted individual is energized by social interactions and seeks out social situations, but trait theory does not offer any explanation for why this might occur or why an introvert would avoid such situations. Limitations of the Trait Theories : While trait theories provide information about which traits an individual has and how they may behave, they do not explain why they will behave this way.

Privacy Policy. Skip to main content. Search for:. Trait Perspectives on Personality. Key Takeaways Key Points Traits are characteristic ways of behaving, such as extraversion—introversion: an individual may fall along any point in the continuum, and where they fall determines how they will respond in various contexts.

Gordon Allport organized traits into a hierarchy of three levels: cardinal traits, central traits, and secondary traits. Using a statistical process known as factor analysis, Raymond Cattell generated sixteen dimensions of human personality traits, known as the 16PF.

Key Terms trait : An identifying characteristic, habit, or trend. Factor analysis : A statistical method used to describe variability among observed correlated variables in terms of one or more unobserved variables. The Five-Factor Model The five-factor model organizes all personality traits along a continuum of five factors: openness, extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Learning Objectives Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the five-factor model of personality.

Key Takeaways Key Points Many psychologists believe that the number of human personality traits can be reduced to five factors, and that all of the other traits fit within these five factors. Critics argue that the five factor model is limited in scope and is not theory -driven; they also point to limitations in its use of factor analysis. General Strengths and Limitations of Trait Perspectives While trait theories are useful in categorizing behavior, they have been criticized by a number of psychologists.

Learning Objectives Evaluate the strengths and limitations of trait theories of personality. Key Takeaways Key Points The strengths of trait theories lie in their ability to categorize observable behaviors and their use of objective criteria. Eysenck is the most famous British psychologist. He considered that there are two major dimensions of personality which account for the many different types of person we encounter.

They are:. He proposed a model of personality based on these two universal traits, and the third dimension later added by the psychologist himself.

Introversion involves focusing energy on inner experiences, while extroversion refers to focusing energy on environment and people. To put it bluntly, introverts are shy and extroverts are sociable.

Emotional stability refers to the literal meaning of the term, the state of being emotionally stable or constant. And, neuroticism refers to instability of emotions, causing a person to become upset or emotional. He added this dimension after conducting a study on mentally ill individuals.

People high on this trait suggests that the individual might not be normal and might have trouble dealing with reality. General characteristics shown by these people are of being hostile, non-empathetic, manipulative and antisocial. Unlike Eysenck, Cattell based his theory on various sources rather than just self reporting. In an effort to make the list of traits more manageable, Raymond Cattell , narrowed down the list to about traits.

Cattell identified 16 factors or dimensions of personality: warmth, reasoning, emotional stability, dominance, liveliness, rule-consciousness, social boldness, sensitivity, vigilance, abstractedness, privateness, apprehension, openness to change, self-reliance, perfectionism, and tension [link].

He developed a personality assessment based on these 16 factors, called the 16PF. Instead of a trait being present or absent, each dimension is scored over a continuum, from high to low.

For example, your level of warmth describes how warm, caring, and nice to others you are. If you score low on this index, you tend to be more distant and cold.

A high score on this index signifies you are supportive and comforting. Psychologists Hans and Sybil Eysenck were personality theorists [link] who focused on temperament , the inborn, genetically based personality differences that you studied earlier in the chapter. They believed personality is largely governed by biology. According to their theory, people high on the trait of extroversion are sociable and outgoing, and readily connect with others, whereas people high on the trait of introversion have a higher need to be alone, engage in solitary behaviors, and limit their interactions with others.

In contrast, people high on stability tend to need more stimulation to activate their flight-or-fight reaction and are considered more emotionally stable. These quadrants are sometimes compared with the four temperaments described by the Greeks: melancholic, choleric, phlegmatic, and sanguine [link].

Another personality theory, called the Five Factor Model , effectively hits a middle ground, with its five factors referred to as the Big Five personality traits. It is the most popular theory in personality psychology today and the most accurate approximation of the basic trait dimensions Funder, The five traits are openness to experience, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism [link]. In the Five Factor Model, each person has each trait, but they occur along a spectrum.

Openness to experience is characterized by imagination, feelings, actions, and ideas. People who score high on this trait tend to be curious and have a wide range of interests. Conscientiousness is characterized by competence, self-discipline, thoughtfulness, and achievement-striving goal-directed behavior. People who score high on this trait are hardworking and dependable. Extroversion is characterized by sociability, assertiveness, excitement-seeking, and emotional expression.

People who score high on this trait are usually described as outgoing and warm.