Cattel and Eysenck
Trait theory
o It was very complex, and they based it on factor analysis.
o Its complexity made it difficult for people to dig in that theory.
o It relied on sophisticated.
o They considered traits as the building block of personality.
o They emphasized the role of genetics.
o They said that there are surface traits: or superficial observations that
explain nothing (they are statements of characteristics that tend to be grouped
together).
Making an assumption based on something that has no meaning.
It’s based on superficial observation.
o On the other hand, the source trait, is the cause of the behavior, or the basic
element of personality.
It relies on genetics.
It’s based on the fact that you are born with it.
This affects the personality
The source trait includes:
Ability traits: what the person has, and it is going to play a
role in how effectively he could work towards that goal.
o If the person is calm, rational, they can become
something related or something that requires those
traits.
o Efficiency
Temperament traits: they are genetically determined; they
determine the speed and energy “your style and tempo”
o the degree of how much any of these traits you have
o The style
Dynamic traits: determines why a person responds to
situations, it’s the motivational element of personality.
o The why.
All of these are genetically determined.
Eysenck’s analysis of traits
o He said that personality can be measured across two dimensions.
o They were impressed by Carl Jung.
o Each of these types has certain traits associated with them
o Dysthymic vs. hysteric.
It’s either you have high levels on one.
o Neuroticism vs. stability.
Neuroticism: high on anxiety
Stability: calmness
o Introversion vs. extroversion
Trait theory
o It was very complex, and they based it on factor analysis.
o Its complexity made it difficult for people to dig in that theory.
o It relied on sophisticated.
o They considered traits as the building block of personality.
o They emphasized the role of genetics.
o They said that there are surface traits: or superficial observations that
explain nothing (they are statements of characteristics that tend to be grouped
together).
Making an assumption based on something that has no meaning.
It’s based on superficial observation.
o On the other hand, the source trait, is the cause of the behavior, or the basic
element of personality.
It relies on genetics.
It’s based on the fact that you are born with it.
This affects the personality
The source trait includes:
Ability traits: what the person has, and it is going to play a
role in how effectively he could work towards that goal.
o If the person is calm, rational, they can become
something related or something that requires those
traits.
o Efficiency
Temperament traits: they are genetically determined; they
determine the speed and energy “your style and tempo”
o the degree of how much any of these traits you have
o The style
Dynamic traits: determines why a person responds to
situations, it’s the motivational element of personality.
o The why.
All of these are genetically determined.
Eysenck’s analysis of traits
o He said that personality can be measured across two dimensions.
o They were impressed by Carl Jung.
o Each of these types has certain traits associated with them
o Dysthymic vs. hysteric.
It’s either you have high levels on one.
o Neuroticism vs. stability.
Neuroticism: high on anxiety
Stability: calmness
o Introversion vs. extroversion
