Trait theory: OCEAN exam questions fully verified for accuracy

Trait theory Trait are emotional, cognitive and behavioural tendencies that constitute underlying personality dimensions on which individuals vary. Trait theory is a view of personality that believes personality is innate and biological. Traits are stable across time and situation. It is the unique combination of traits that makes up personality. A trait is a temporally stable, cross-situational individual difference. Characterising people according to traits is a descriptive approach — an attempt to describe people according to the underlying attributes and tendencies they have. Many researchers believe that Cattell's theory had too many traits, this led to the development of the five-factor approach (FFM). It became quite popular in 1985 when McCrae and Costa published the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory Personality Characteristic way of think, feeling and acting which makes a person an individual Trait theorists Gordon Allport Costa and McCrae Gordon Allport According to Gordon Allport (1937; Allport & Odbert, 1936), who developed trait theory, the concept of trait has two separate but complementary meanings: one, an observed tendency, and two, an underlying personality disposition that generates this behavioural tendency. Trait theory approach is based on 4 main assumptions: 1.Personality traits are stable and therefore predictable over time. 2.Personality traits are stable across difference situations. 3.Trait theory takes into account that personality consists of a number of different traits, and that some people have 'more' or 'less' of each trait than others. No two people are exactly alike on all traits. 4.Some traits are more closely interrelated that other traits and tend to occur together. These are called 'co-relationships'. Developed 3 levels of traits: cardinal, central, and secondary Costa and McCrae Created the five-factor (OCEAN) The Five-Factor Model (OCEAN) Currently the most popular approach among psychologists for studying personality traits is the five-factor model or Big Five dimensions of personality. The five factors were derived from factor analyses of a large number of self- and peer reports on personality-relevant adjectives and questionnaire items. Note: These are the higher order and lower order traits ('facets') that constitute the five factor model. Within each factor, traits are highly correlated; across factors, they are not. It is important to note that each of the five personality factors represents a range between two extremes The Five-Factor model research McCrae and his colleagues have also found that the big five traits are also remarkably universal. One study that looked at people from more than 50 different cultures found that the five dimensions could be accurately used to describe personality. Based on this research, many psychologists now believe that the five personality dimensions are not only universal; they also have biological origins. Characteristics of the five factors First, the factors are dimensions, not types, so people vary continuously on them, with most people falling in between the extremes. Second, the factors are stable over a 45-year period beginning in young adulthood (Soldz & Vaillant, 1999). Third, the factors and their specific facets are heritable (i.e., genetic), at least in part (Jang, McCrae, Angleitner, Riemann, & Livesley, 1998; Loehlin, McCrae, Costa, & John, 1998). Fourth, the factors probably had adaptive value in a prehistoric environment (Buss, 1996). Fifth, the factors are considered universal, having been recovered in languages as diverse as German and Chinese (McCrae & Costa, 1997). Sixth, knowing one's placement on the factors is useful for insight and improvement through therapy (Costa & McCrae, 1992). Factors of the five factor models Openness This trait features characteristics such as imagination and insight. People who are high in this trait also tend to have a broad range of interests. They are curious about the world and other people and eager to learn new things and enjoy new experiences. People who are high in this trait tend to be more adventurous and creative. People low in this trait are often much more traditional and may struggle with abstract thinking. Openness to experience is related to appreciation for aesthetics (art and beauty) while intellect is the appreciation of abstract truth (novel ideas, curiosity) Both involve an openness to new experiences Contrast to rigid thinking and a singular, unchanging belief and the imposed stability of an unwavering system and singular truth and way of thought Example of the liberal vs. the religious conservative is often given High scores on openness are linked to high intelligence which is perhaps explained by the creativity, originality, and freedom of thought (not dogmatically tied down by one idea) that this trait entails. High vs low on openness Conscientiousness Standard features of this dimension include high levels of thoughtfulness, with good impulse control, and goal-directed behaviors. Highly conscientious people tend to be organized and mindful of details. They plan ahead, think about how their behavior affects others, and are mindful of deadlines. The biggest predictor of success in almost every domain of life, from work, to marriage, to any interpersonal or ambitious enterprise Conscientiousness is related to acting dutifully, self-restraint, orderliness and industriousness Conscientious people are always on time, complete tasks consistently and systematically, have eerily tidy rooms, and navigate the social and professional world without stepping on too many landmines This trait is highest in young adults and tapers off later in life. High vs low on conscientiousness Extraversion Extraversion (or extroversion) is characterized by excitability, sociability, talkativeness, assertiveness, and high amounts of emotional expressiveness. People who are high in extraversion are outgoing and tend to gain energy in social situations. Being around other people helps them feel energized and excited. People who are low in extraversion (or introverted) tend to be more reserved and have to expend energy in social settings. Social events can feel draining and introverts often require a period of solitude and quiet in order to "recharge Extraversion involves a social orientation, yes, but it also involves leadership and agency Some contrast it with introversion by saying extraverts draw recharge their energy through socialising while introverts do the same through reflection and time alone The Big Five refers to extraverted agency as comprising aspects of social dominance, leadership, assertiveness, goal pursuit, and exhibitionism. In addition, extraversion is also composed of Sociability/Enthusiasm which entails gregariousness and friendliness and the associated positive emotions. Culturally, we also favour extraverts and thus the prevalence of this trait may be on the increase. High vs low on extraversion Agreeableness This personality dimension includes attributes such as trust, altruism, kindness, affection, and other prosocial behaviors. People who are high in agreeableness tend to be more cooperative while those low in this trait tend to be more competitive and sometimes even manipulative. This trait has high levels of agreeableness mean more compassion, warmth, sympathy, tenderness