PSYCH 2402 Psychology Of Personality
Exam 2 Solution
List and explain three specific ways in which the trait approach is different from the
Freudian/Neo-Freudian perspective. Answer: 1.focuses on many people rather than individuals
2.less emphasis on origin
3.less emphasis on personality change or development; focus on current behavior
4.more emphasis on statistics and research studies
Explain the statistical technique known as factor analysis. Include the theoretical purpose of
factor analysis, how it works statistically, and how it has been important in the theoretical
development of the trait approach to personality. Answer: Words that correlate together
indicate a personality trait
Explain Cattell's views on personality traits, how many exist (according to him), and how we
might use these identified traits. Answer: 16 source traits that are universal determined from
factor analysis, and are measured on a continuum to predict behavior
Briefly explain the "debate" that occurred in the trait perspective regarding how many traits
are important and how we should identify them. Make sure to name at least two important people
relevant to this debate over time and what their impact was on the debate. Conclude with the
theory that is most popular in the field right now, and explain why it is popular. Answer: Started
with Raymond Cattell's 16 Personality source factors, then Eysenck's 3 superfactors(Kind of based on
research and kinda in theory, routed in biology)
1) Introvertsion/extraversion
2) Neuroticism
, 3) psychoticism
Cattell- too many, not parsimonious
Eysenck- too few, too vague
Ended up with McCrae and Costa(1987)(factor analysis) and Goldberg(1991) (looked at matching
adjectives)
List and briefly explain each of the "Big Five" personality traits. For each trait, briefly
describe what this trait is all about, then list a few examples of relevant behaviors or adjectives
that describe people who are "high" or "low" in each. Answer: Openness, Consciousness,
extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism= OCEAN
Openness: Answer: aka Culture or intellect
1) High: Original, artistic, imaginative, open to new shit, daring
2) Low: patterns, consistency, conservative, no new shit, simple, conventional
3) Includes absorption of information and new stuff
Consciousness: Answer: refers to work style and achievement, "will"
3) Positive Correlated with academic and occupational success, higher GPA
Extraversion: Answer: how you behave, relates to energy, socializing
1) Often called positive affect
2) High: spontaneous, positive emotion, playful
3) Low: withdrawn, shy, reserved, pessimistic
4) Introverts physically react more
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