Theories of Personality - Cattell and the Big Five

Flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 8 of the Theories of Personality lecture notes.

Raymond Cattell

A psychologist born in England in 1905 known for his work on personality and factor analysis.

Factor Analysis

A statistical measure that assesses the association between variables, indicating strength with values between -1, 0, and +1.

Personality Measurement

The process of predicting behavior based on individual personality traits.

Surface Traits

Traits that are observable behaviorally and include characteristics such as shyness and quietness.

Source Traits

Basic and underlying personality traits that form the foundation of an individual's personality.

16PF

Cattell's 16 Personality Factors, a tool used to measure various personality traits.

Five Second-Order Factors

Higher order factors derived from source traits that include extraversion, anxiety/stability, and toughness/receptivity.

Ability Traits

Traits related to a person's capacity to learn and utilize information.

Dynamic Traits

Traits tied to emotions and motivations that drive behavior.

Heritability

The extent to which environmental and genetic factors influence individual traits.

The Big Five Personality Factors

A model that includes openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Environmental-mold traits

Traits that are learned and influenced by one's environment.

Q-data

Questionnaire data used to assess personality through self-reports.

T-data

Objective test data that measure personality through performance on standardized tests.

L-data

Life record data that provides insights into an individual's life history and behavior.

Neurosis

A category of mental health conditions characterized by excessive anxiety and emotional instability.

Psychosis

A severe mental disorder characterized by a disconnection from reality.