Trait Theories

Gordon Allport

determined that personality could be described in 7 or fewer terms

Cardinal Traits

(rare) you have a few or one specific trait that is dominant and that’s all anyone ever things of you

Central Traits

strong traits, but not the only ones that define us

Secondary Traits

not the first traits people think of when they think of you

Raymond Cattell

uses factor analysis to cluster traits that are typically found together to identify 16 personality factors

Hans Eysenck

used factor analysis to come up with three dimensions (P.E.N.)

Psychoticism vs. Socialization

the degree to which one is empathetic

Extraversion vs. Introversion

the degree to which one is outgoing or reserved

Neuroticism vs. Stability

the level of emotional stability one possesses

Paul Costa and Robert McCrae

identified 5 dimensions (O.C.E.A.N.)

Openness to experience vs. Close Mindedness

open to trying new things or stuck in their comfort zone

Conscientiousness vs. Impulsiveness

reliable or careless

Extraversion vs. Introversion

outgoing or reserved

Agreeableness vs. Disagreeable

agrees with people or makes their own decisionsN

Neuroticism vs. Emotional Stability

anxious and self conscious or mentally/emotionally stable