Personality Theories and Traits

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from personality theories, including definitions and understanding of various traits, their measurement, and the interplay between traits and behaviors.

Trait

A characteristic pattern of behavior or a disposition to feel and act in certain ways.

Personality Inventory

An objective questionnaire designed to gauge a wide range of feelings and behaviors, often assessed using true-false or agree-disagree items.

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)

The most widely researched and clinically used of all objective personality tests.

Big Five Personality Factors

A model that includes five main traits: conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness, and extraversion.

Introversion

A personality trait characterized by a preference for solitary activities and aversion to social interaction, not to be confused with shyness.

Extraversion

A personality trait characterized by sociability, talkativeness, and a tendency to seek out stimulation in the company of others.

Neuroticism

A trait associated with emotional instability, anxiety, mood swings, and irritability.

Conscientiousness

A trait characterized by diligence, carefulness, and a tendency to be organized and responsible.

Agreeableness

A personality trait that reflects a person's tendency to be cooperative, empathetic, and caring towards others.

Factor Analysis

A statistical method used to identify clusters of related behavior trends, often employed in trait theory.

Empirically Derived Test

A test created by selecting items that reliably distinguish between groups, such as the MMPI.

Person-Situation Controversy

The debate about whether personality traits or situational factors are more influential in determining behavior.

Stability of Personality Traits

The concept that personality traits are generally stable over time, though they can vary with different situations.

Emotionally Stable

A personality trait indicating resilience and a calm demeanor, opposite of neuroticism.

Cultural Influences on Traits

How different cultural backgrounds can shape the expression and interpretation of personality traits.