PSYB30H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Trait Theory, Nomothetic, Extraversion And Introversion
Document Summary
Trait- consistent pattern of behavior, emotion and thought, stability over time and situations, distinctiveness bet/ people. Trait theories provide descriptions that must be explained by other theories. These theorists try to establish: framework within which any of all persons can be described and taxonomy of trait (a listing or collection of categorizing traits) Approaches to discovering trait: lexical approach- refers to words, starting to describe with words statistical (empirical) approach- traits that are actually out there theoretical approach- starting off with words people actually used before (based on perception) Common traits and trait continua- common traits are traits shared by people (some level of extroversion) Behaviors can be represented on trait continuum- each person can be placed somewhere on continuum (someone who scores low on the continuum will be laid back and someone high will be a nervous person) Scores assumed to be normal distributed (fewer people score in extreme on an trait)
