,PSYC 341 Quiz 6 | Psychology of Personality (2026)
Q&A | Liberty University
1. Which of the following best describes the primary method Raymond Cattell used to
identify personality traits?
A) Introspection and case studies
B) Factor analysis
C) Behavioral observation in natural settings
D) Projective testing
Correct Answer: Factor analysis
Rationale: Raymond Cattell was a pioneer in the use of factor analysis, a statistical
technique used to analyze data from more than one variable, to identify the underlying
source traits of personality. He did not rely primarily on introspection, case studies, or
projective testing, though he used various media of observation to gather data for
factor analysis.
2. In Cattell's trait theory, what is the term for the underlying basic factors of an
individual's personality?
A) Surface traits
B) Source traits
C) Cardinal traits
D) Central traits
,Correct Answer: Source traits
Rationale: Cattell distinguished between surface traits, which are observable
behaviors that cluster together, and source traits, which are the underlying basic factors
that determine personality. He believed there are 16 source traits, which form the
building blocks of human personality. Cardinal and central traits are concepts from
Allport's theory.
3. What is the name of Cattell's famous personality scale?
A) NEO-Personality Inventory
B) FIROB
C) MBTI
D) 16 PF Scale
Correct Answer: 16 PF Scale
Rationale: Cattell developed the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF) to
measure his 16 source traits. The NEO-PI is associated with McCrae and Costa, the
FIROB measures interpersonal needs, and the MBTI is based on Jung's typology. The 16
PF Scale is a widely used personality assessment tool.
4. Cattell classified traits that refer to how far or how fast one can perform a given
activity as _____ traits.
A) Temperament
B) Motivational
C) Dynamic
, D) Ability
Correct Answer: Ability
Rationale: Cattell classified traits into three categories: ability traits (how well a person
performs a task), temperament traits (how a person behaves emotionally), and dynamic
traits (the motivating forces behind behavior). Ability traits specifically refer to how far
or how fast one can perform a given activity.
5. Which of Cattell's media of observation cannot be used with animals such as dogs or
cats?
A) L data
B) Q data
C) T data
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: Q data
Rationale: Q data is based on questionnaires and self-reports, which require the
ability to read, understand, and respond to written or verbal questions. This medium
cannot be used with animals. L data (life records) and T data (objective tests) can be
adapted for use with animals in some cases.
6. What does L data refer to in Cattell's media of observation?
A) A person's life record that comes from observations made by others
B) Data based on questionnaires
Q&A | Liberty University
1. Which of the following best describes the primary method Raymond Cattell used to
identify personality traits?
A) Introspection and case studies
B) Factor analysis
C) Behavioral observation in natural settings
D) Projective testing
Correct Answer: Factor analysis
Rationale: Raymond Cattell was a pioneer in the use of factor analysis, a statistical
technique used to analyze data from more than one variable, to identify the underlying
source traits of personality. He did not rely primarily on introspection, case studies, or
projective testing, though he used various media of observation to gather data for
factor analysis.
2. In Cattell's trait theory, what is the term for the underlying basic factors of an
individual's personality?
A) Surface traits
B) Source traits
C) Cardinal traits
D) Central traits
,Correct Answer: Source traits
Rationale: Cattell distinguished between surface traits, which are observable
behaviors that cluster together, and source traits, which are the underlying basic factors
that determine personality. He believed there are 16 source traits, which form the
building blocks of human personality. Cardinal and central traits are concepts from
Allport's theory.
3. What is the name of Cattell's famous personality scale?
A) NEO-Personality Inventory
B) FIROB
C) MBTI
D) 16 PF Scale
Correct Answer: 16 PF Scale
Rationale: Cattell developed the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF) to
measure his 16 source traits. The NEO-PI is associated with McCrae and Costa, the
FIROB measures interpersonal needs, and the MBTI is based on Jung's typology. The 16
PF Scale is a widely used personality assessment tool.
4. Cattell classified traits that refer to how far or how fast one can perform a given
activity as _____ traits.
A) Temperament
B) Motivational
C) Dynamic
, D) Ability
Correct Answer: Ability
Rationale: Cattell classified traits into three categories: ability traits (how well a person
performs a task), temperament traits (how a person behaves emotionally), and dynamic
traits (the motivating forces behind behavior). Ability traits specifically refer to how far
or how fast one can perform a given activity.
5. Which of Cattell's media of observation cannot be used with animals such as dogs or
cats?
A) L data
B) Q data
C) T data
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: Q data
Rationale: Q data is based on questionnaires and self-reports, which require the
ability to read, understand, and respond to written or verbal questions. This medium
cannot be used with animals. L data (life records) and T data (objective tests) can be
adapted for use with animals in some cases.
6. What does L data refer to in Cattell's media of observation?
A) A person's life record that comes from observations made by others
B) Data based on questionnaires
