Lesson 4: Trait Theories

factor analysis

statistical procedure that identifies clusters of test items that tap basic components of a trait

big five factors

five characteristics that are collectively thought to explain personality, including openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism (OCEAN)

trait

particular way of behaving or feeling in certain contexts

empirically derived test

test that was created by choosing the items that discriminate between groups

personality inventory

collection of questions that require people to respond in a way that measures a variety of behaviors, feelings, and attitudes

person-situation controversy

problem that deals with whether one’s personality or context has more influence on behavior

minnesota multiphasic personality inventory (MMPI)

personality test used in clinical settings that identifies emotional disorders and other characteristics of people who take the test