PSYCH 101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 12.2: Twin Study, Reticular Formation, Factor Analysis
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PSYCH 101 Full Course Notes
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12. 2 - the trait approach: identifying patterns of behavior. Trait approach: uses trait terms to characterize differences among people. Trait: relatively stable disposition to behave in a particular and consistent way o. Consistently manifests itself in a variety of settings: describes a person, does not explain behavior, may provide explanation for behavior. Trait may be a preexisting predisposition that causes the behavior. Early research focused on adjectives that describe personality: Factor analysis: sorts trait terms or self-descriptions into a small number of underlying dimensions o o. Each factor is typically represented as a continuum o. Psychoticism - extent to which a person is impulsive or hostile. A consensus is reached: the big five dimensions of personality: big five: Universal - shows up in different age groups, races, genders, etc. Traits have been established in research to show predictable patterns of behavior and social outcomes o. People high in extraversion --> spend time with lots of other people.
