Trait Perspective

Trait Perspective

The Self-Serving Bias A readiness to perceive oneself

favorably.People accept responsibility for good deeds more often than for bad

People see themselves as better than average

Self-Presentation Theory

Individualism vs. Collectivism Individualism: Giving priority to one’s

own goals over group goals and defining one’s personal attributes rather than group identifications (Independence)

Collectivism: Giving priority to the goals of one’s group and defining one’s identity accordingly(Interdependence)

Value Contrasts Between Individualism and Collectivism: Page 413

Concept Individualism CollectivismSelf Independent InterdependentLife Task Discover and express

one’s uniquenessMaintain connections

What matters Me- personal achievement

We- group goals and solidarity

Coping Method Change reality Accommodate to reality

Relationships Many, often temporary and casual

Few, close and enduring

Attributing Behavior Behavior reflects one’s personality and attitudes

Behavior reflects social norms and roles

Morality Defined by individuals (self-based)

Defined by social networks (duty- based)

Take out your books! Open to page 406 Answer questions 9-13

Follow the directions! You will see

pictures of 3 different men.

On a piece of paper please respond to the following questions/prompts.

1. Choose a name for the person in the picture.

2. Create a list of 5 personality traits you think may be used to describe the man in the picture.

3. What kind of job might this many have?

Name and describe this man

Name and describe this man

Name and describe this man

William Sheldon-Somatotypes

William Sheldon-Somatotypes

William Sheldon- Somatotypes

William Sheldon-Somatotypes 1940s’s study of 4,000

college aged men

Developed a theory that there are three basic body types, or somatotypes Endoderm Mesoderm Ectoderm

There is a correlation between physique and temperament

Does this idea seem plausible?

Does body type dictate temperament?

To what extent does body type influence personality development, if at all?

Trait Theory Focuses on identifying

and measuring personality characteristics.

How many traits are there?

In the 1930’s there were 4,500 traits in 1990 it has been reduced to 5.

Traits are relatively stable characteristics that causes individuals to behave in certain ways.

Focuses on differences between individuals.

Gordon Allport’s Trait TheoryCardinal, Central, & Secondary

Allport categorized traits.

Cardinal Traits that dominate

an individuals whole life.

Consider the origins of the following terms Freudian, Don Juan,

Christ-like Rare and tend to

develop later in life.

Gordon Allport’s Trait TheoryCardinal, Central, & Secondary

Central Traits: The general characteristics that form the basic foundations of personality.

Major characteristics you might use to describe another person.

Gordon Allport’s Trait TheoryCardinal, Central, & Secondary

Secondary Traits: Traits that are sometimes related to attitudes or preferences

Often appear only in certain situations or under specific circumstances.

What are the 5 main traits that make up personality?

Click icon to add picture

Personality Not Included

Activity! Handout 18-6 Reverse scores

1=5 2=4 3=3 4=2 5=1

Five-Factor Model (Big 5) OCEAN Mnemonic device

Organizes all personality traits into 5 categories.

Five-Factor Model (Big 5) OCEAN Mnemonic device

Five-Factor Model (Big 5) OCEAN Mnemonic device

Add numbers for 1, 7, 13, 19, 33, 39, 46, 49, 53

Five-Factor Model (Big 5)OCEAN Mnemonic device

Add numbers for 2, 8, 15, 25, 28, 34, 40, 45, 51

Five-Factor Model (Big 5)OCEAN Mnemonic Device

Big 5 Model Raises 3 Issues Is our behavior stable and consistent?

PERSON –SITUATION CONTROVERSY

Personality traits are both changeable and stable. Most change occurs before age 30 Most stability occurs after age 30, but adults do continue

to grow in their ideas, beliefs & attitudes.

Genetic Factors may push and pull the development of certain traits, whose development may be helped or hindered by environmental factors.

Hans Eysenck and Sybil Eysenck

Take out your books! Open to page 406 Answer questions 9-13

Correct Answers: 9. c 10. b 11. c 12. c 13. c