Chapter 4

Trait

A consistent pattern of thought, feeling, or behavior that distinguishes individuals from one another.

Person-Situation Debate

A controversy in personality psychology regarding the degree to which behavior is influenced by personality traits versus situational factors.

Predictability

The extent to which future behavior can be anticipated based on past personality traits.

Absolute Consistency

A concept that implies individuals behave in the same manner across every situation.

Relative Consistency

The maintenance of individual differences in behavior across varying situations.

Situationism

The belief that situational factors are primarily responsible for influencing behavior rather than personality traits.

Correlation Coefficient

A statistical measure that expresses the extent to which two variables are related.

Self-Knowledge

Awareness of one’s own personality traits, traits, behaviors, and feelings.

Convergent Validation

A method for assessing the accuracy of personality judgments by comparing them to other data sources.

Good Judge

An individual who is particularly adept at accurately assessing the personalities of others.

Good Target

An individual whose personality traits are easier to accurately assess.

Conscientiousness

A personality trait characterized by responsibility, dependability, and organization.

Realistic Accuracy Model (RAM)

A model explaining the process of accurate personality judgment in terms of relevance, availability, detection, and utilization of behavioral cues.

Interjudge Agreement

The degree to which different judges agree on their assessments of an individual's personality.

Judgability

The extent to which an individual can be accurately assessed in terms of personality traits.