Cross-Cultural Personality Traits: Big 5, Eysenck's PEN Model & Factor Analysis

What does cross-cultural universality imply about language and traits?

If a trait is considered prominent or important to humans, there will be a term for it in all languages.

What is the statistical approach in personality research?

It builds off the lexical approach and uses factor analysis to determine which trait adjectives correlate.

What is the goal of the statistical approach in personality studies?

To identify major dimensions of personality by distilling self-ratings of trait adjectives into basic categories.

What is factor analysis?

A method that combines and weighs participant responses to form different factors, each explaining a certain amount of variance.

What are the Big 5 personality traits?

Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.

What are some characteristics of the Extraversion trait?

Sociable, lively, active, assertive, sensation-seeking, carefree.

What does high neuroticism indicate about a person?

They may experience anxiety, depression, and emotional instability.

What is Eysenck's PEN model?

A model consisting of three main traits: Psychoticism, Extraversion, and Neuroticism.

What are the characteristics associated with Psychoticism?

Aggressive, cold, egocentric, impulsive, antisocial, and unempathetic.

How does Eysenck describe men who score high in Psychoticism?

They tend to be more aggressive and may engage in criminal acts.

What does low Psychoticism indicate about a person's traits?

They are likely to be agreeable, warm, and care about the group.

What biological aspects are associated with Eysenck's model?

Moderate heritability of traits and identifiable biological underpinnings related to neuroanatomy, hormones, and neurotransmitters.

How does Eysenck link extroversion to biological factors?

He suggested it is linked to the central nervous system's ability to filter arousal or reactivity.

What are some problems with the statistical approach in personality research?

It is only as good as the research behind it and may miss key concepts or factors.

What is the significance of factor loadings in factor analysis?

They help define each factor by identifying which questions correlate most strongly with it.

What does being low in neuroticism suggest about a person's emotional state?

They are likely to be stable or emotionally stable.

What is meant by the term 'ambivert'?

A person who exhibits qualities of both introversion and extraversion.

What are common traits of individuals high in Agreeableness?

They are typically warm, friendly, and cooperative.

What does high Extraversion suggest about a person's social behavior?

They are likely to engage more in social activities and sports.

What is the relationship between Psychoticism and aggression?

High Psychoticism is associated with higher levels of verbal and physical aggression.

What is the significance of identifying 'super factors' in Eysenck's model?

They represent broad categories that encompass various traits.

How can factor analysis be used to refine personality assessments?

By narrowing down a large pool of personality items into distinct factors that represent core traits.