PSY 233 1st EditionExam # 4 Study Guide Lectures: 18 - 29Lecture 18 (October 8)What is a trait?An enduring psychological characteristic of an individual; or a type of psychological construct (a “trait construct”) that refers to such characteristics, consistent patterns in a way individuals behave, feel, and think.How do we describe or predict and explain behaviors? 233Describe- developed “Personality Taxonomy” in accordance to a person’s characteristics, average type of experiences and action, try to establish an overall descriptive scheme within which any and all persons can be described- A trait taxonomy is a way of classifying people according to their characteristic, average types of experience and actionPredict- How can theorists make predictions about future behavior? Can you redirect which individuals will show characteristics? - People with different levels of a given personality trait may differ predictably in their everyday behaviorExplanation- Understanding the “why” of a person’s personality rather than simply an observation of a personality characteristic- Ex: ancient Babylon could describe and predict astronomical events but didn’t understand why the planets did this - Most trait theorists believe that inherited biological factors are a primary determinant ofindividual differences in traitsWho was Gordon Allport?One of the 3 founders of the trait theory, defined traits as “generalized and personalized determining tendencies- consistent and stable modes of an individual’s adjustment to hisenvironment.” Coined the terms cardinal, central, and secondary traits. Also stated that traits are often aroused in one situation and not in another. Functional autonomy and motivational traits of humansWhat is a cardinal, central, and secondary trait? 238 table 7.1Cardinal trait- expresses a disposition that is so pervasive and outstanding in a person’s life that virtually every act is traceable to its influence (type of person you are)Central trait- express dispositions that cover a more limited range of situations than is true for cardinal traits- Ex: honesty, kindness, assertivenessSecondary dispositions- traits that are the least noticeable, generalized, and consistentLecture 19 (October 10)What is factor analysis? 241A statistical method for analyzing correlations among a set of personality tests or test items in order to determine those variables or test responses that increase or decrease together. Used inthe development of personality tests and of some trait theories (correlational studies support how 2 variables go together).- Summarizing the ways in which a large number of variables go together, or co-occur - Attempts to identify clusters of responses- looking at mathematical correlations and psychological correlates (Ex: MMPI, PAI)What are the correlation coefficients? -1.0 – 0 - +1.0What are surface and source traits? 243Surface traits- behaviors that appear to be linked to another but do not in fact increase and decrease together- Represent behavioral tendencies that are literally superficial: they exist “on the surface” and can be observed- Identified 40 different traitsSource traits- Behaviors that vary together to form an independent dimension of personality, which is discovered through the use of factor analysis- internal psychological structures that resulted in observed intercorrelations among surface traitsWhat is a temperament trait, dynamic trait, and ability trait?Temperament trait- biologically based emotional and behavioral tendencies that are evident in early childhood, emotional and stylistic quality of behavior- Ex: calm versus emotional, impulsively versus deliberateDynamic trait- Concern the striving, motivational life of the individualAbility trait- Refers to skills and abilities that allow the individual to function effectively Lecture 20 (October 13)What is L-Data, Q-Data, and OT data?L data- life record data or information concerning the person that can be obtained from his orher life history or life record, behavior in everyday situations- Ex: school, workQ data- Personality data obtained from questionnaires- Ex: MBTIOT data- Objective test data or information about personality obtained from observing behavior in miniature situations where the subject isn’t aware of their response and the personality characteristic being studied- Ex: tendency for assertiveness expressed by finger maze testWhat is a state and a role?State- Refers to emotion and mood at a particular, delimited point in time, dependent on one’s immediate situation- Ex: anxiety, depression, fatigue, arousal, curiosityRole- Behavior considered to be appropriate for a person’s place or status in society. Emphasized by Cattell as one of the number of variables that limit the influence of personality variables on behavior relative to situational variables- Ex: explain why people shout at football games and not in churchesWhat are the differences between business executives and employees?Business executives are assertive, adaptive, energeticEmployees that don’t succeed are cold, untrustworthy, arrogant, defensiveLecture 21 (October 17)What are super factors? (Introversion, extraversion, neuroticism, psychoticism)Super factors- A higher-order or secondary factor representing a higher level of organization of traits than the initial factors derived from factor analysis1. Introversion-extraversion2. Neuroticism Introversion- One end of the introversion- extraversion dimension of personality characterized by a disposition to be quiet, reserved, reflective, and risk avoidingExtraversion- Disposition to be sociable, friendly, impulsive, and risk takingNeuroticism- Stability and low anxiety at one end and by instability and high anxiety at the other end - Choleric- touchy, restless, aggressive, excitable, changeable, impulsive- Sanguine- leadership qualities, carefree, lively, easygoing, outgoing, sociable - Phlegmatic- passive, careful, thoughtful, peaceful, even-tempered, reliable, calm- Melancholic- moody, anxious, rage, sober, depressed, unsociable, pessimisticPsychoticism- Tendency to be solitary and insensitive at one end and to accept social custom and care about others at the other endWhat are the differences between introverts and extraverts? - Introverts do better in school than extraverts- Students withdrawing from college for academic reasons tend to be