Cattell

Factor Analysis

A statistical method used to identify underlying personality traits by analyzing correlations among many variables. Cattell used to discover basic personality traits.

Personality

“What allows us to predict what a person will do in a given situation.” helps predict behavior.

Traits

reaction tendencies, derived by the method of factor analysis, that are relatively permanent parts of the personality

source traits

Basic underlying traits, Cause behavior

surface traits

Observable behaviors. Clusters of behaviors

Constitutional traits

Influenced by biology and heredity

Environmental-Mold Traits

Influenced by learning and environment

ability traits

Skills that determine how well we perform tasks Example: intelligence

Temperament traits

Emotional style of behavior Example: calm vs anxious

Dynamic Traits

Motivational traits. Drive behavior toward goals

Methods of Collecting Data: Life (L) data

Behavior observed in real life situations.

Example: School grades, Work performance

Methods of Collecting Data: Testing (T) data,

Data from objective psychological tests.

Example: Laboratory tests Intelligence tests

Methods of Collecting Data: Questionnaire (Q) data

Data from self-report questionnaires.

Example: Personality surveys

Personality Test (16 PF): Characteristics and administration of the 16 PF test.

Measures 16 basic personality traits.

Characteristics: Self-report test. Widely used in career counseling and research
Developed using factor analysis

16

Examples of traits measured:

• Warmth

• Reasoning

• Emotional stability

• Dominance

• Liveliness

• Sensitivity

• Self-reliance

• Perfectionism

• Tension