SLK110
CHAPTER 12 NOTES
Please note that these notes have been sourced
from Wayne Weiten’s Psychology: Themes and
Variations. I do not take credit for the information
in this document.
Goodluck! J
Taneil Thompson
University of Pretoria, 2020
, Psychology- SLK110
Chapter 12
*Please note that I have worked directly from the module outcomes as well
as the module textbook*
1. Define the construct of personality in terms of consistency and
distinctiveness.
- Consistency: stability in a person’s behaviour over time and across
situations
- Distinctiveness: behavioural differences among people reacting to the
same situation
- Personality: refers to an individual’s unique set of consistent behavioural
traits
2. Clarify what is meant by a personality trait, and describe the
five-factor model of personality.
- Personality trait: durable disposition to behave in a particular way in a
variety of situations
- Factor analysis: Raymond Cattell (developed a personality test called
16PF). many variables (personality traits) are analysed to identify related
variables. A high correlation between variables shows that they are being
influenced by a basic, higher-order trait that determine less basic, more
specific traits.
- McCrae and Costa also used factor analysis to arrive at the Big Five:
Curiosity, flexible, vivid fantasy,
Openness to imaginativeness, artistic sensitivity,
O
Experience unconventional attitudes, tolerant to ambiguity,
less need for closure.
Disciplined, well-organised, punctual,
Conscientiousness
C dependable, strong self-discipline, ability to
(constraint)
regulate oneself effectively.
Outgoing, sociable, upbeat, friendly, assertive,
Extraversion
gregarious (sociable), more positive outlook on
E (positive
life, motivated to pursue social contact, intimacy
emotionality)
and interdependence.
Sympathetic, trusting, cooperative, modest,
straightforward, constructive approaches to
A Agreeableness
conflict and therefore less quarrelsome,
empathy, helping behaviour.
CHAPTER 12 NOTES
Please note that these notes have been sourced
from Wayne Weiten’s Psychology: Themes and
Variations. I do not take credit for the information
in this document.
Goodluck! J
Taneil Thompson
University of Pretoria, 2020
, Psychology- SLK110
Chapter 12
*Please note that I have worked directly from the module outcomes as well
as the module textbook*
1. Define the construct of personality in terms of consistency and
distinctiveness.
- Consistency: stability in a person’s behaviour over time and across
situations
- Distinctiveness: behavioural differences among people reacting to the
same situation
- Personality: refers to an individual’s unique set of consistent behavioural
traits
2. Clarify what is meant by a personality trait, and describe the
five-factor model of personality.
- Personality trait: durable disposition to behave in a particular way in a
variety of situations
- Factor analysis: Raymond Cattell (developed a personality test called
16PF). many variables (personality traits) are analysed to identify related
variables. A high correlation between variables shows that they are being
influenced by a basic, higher-order trait that determine less basic, more
specific traits.
- McCrae and Costa also used factor analysis to arrive at the Big Five:
Curiosity, flexible, vivid fantasy,
Openness to imaginativeness, artistic sensitivity,
O
Experience unconventional attitudes, tolerant to ambiguity,
less need for closure.
Disciplined, well-organised, punctual,
Conscientiousness
C dependable, strong self-discipline, ability to
(constraint)
regulate oneself effectively.
Outgoing, sociable, upbeat, friendly, assertive,
Extraversion
gregarious (sociable), more positive outlook on
E (positive
life, motivated to pursue social contact, intimacy
emotionality)
and interdependence.
Sympathetic, trusting, cooperative, modest,
straightforward, constructive approaches to
A Agreeableness
conflict and therefore less quarrelsome,
empathy, helping behaviour.
