PSY 111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 74: Gordon Allport, Trait Theory, 16Pf Questionnaire
Document Summary
Seeks to explain consistencies in individuals" behavior in a straightforward way: traits: consistent personality characteristics & behaviors displayed in different situations, trait theorists, proposed all ppl possess certain traits. Degree to which a particular trait applies to a specific person varies. Systematically pored over unabridged dictionary in the 1930s & came up w/ some 18,000 separate terms that could be used to describe personality. Was able to pare down the list to a mere 4,500 descriptors after eliminating words w/ same meanings. Was left w/ a problem crucial to all trait approaches. Eventually answered this question by suggesting that there are 3 fundamental categories of traits: cardinal: Single characteristic that directs most of a person"s activities. Ex: a totally selfless woman may direct all energy toward humanitarian activities. Ex: an intensely power-hungry person may be driven by an all-consuming need for control. Most ppl don"t develop a single, comprehensive cardinal trait: central:
