GORDON ALLPORT

Gordon Allport

Born: NOV 11, 1897 - Montezuma, Indiana, U.S.

Died: OCT 9, 1967 - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Theory: Trait Theory of Personality

American Psychologist

Contribution to psychology:

• Trait Theory of Personality

• The study of Prejudice

Trait Theory of Personality

- proposed that personality consists of traits, which are relatively stable and enduring dispositions that influence behavior

- 3 levels of traits: cardinal traits(dominant and defining), central traits(general characteristics), secondary traits(situational and less consistent)

Cardinal Trait

- rare and pervasive traits that dominate an individual’s personality, shaping their behavior to a large extent

- this trait is so fundamental that they influence nearly all of a person’s activities

Central Trait

- general characteristics that form the basic foundations of personality

- not as dominant as cardinal traits but are still highly influential in shaping behavior

- include qualities such as honesty, friendliness, or shyness, which contribute to a person’s overall personality

Secondary trait

- more specific and situational traits that emerge in certain contexts

- less consistent and less influential compared to cardinal and central traits

- include preferences, habits, or temporary moods that vary depending on circumstances

The Study of Prejudice

- refers to preconceived opinions or attitudes held about a person or group based on stereotypes, assumptions, or insufficient knowledge

- often involves making judgments without adequate understanding or direct experience

- his book “The Nature of Prejudice” published in 1954, examined the psychological underpinnings of prejudice and emphasized the importance of understanding individual-level processes in combating discrimination

- “contact hypothesis,” suggesting that contact between different groups, under certain conditions, could reduce prejudice

- emphasized the role of individual differences in prejudice formation and proposed strategies for reducing prejudice through education and intergroup contact