Raymond Cattell

1905 - 1998

Theory

Credited with developing one of the first comprehensive trait theories of personality that relied strictly on the assessment and quantification of traits

Theory

Personality summarizes a persons traits“A trait may be defined as that which defines what a person will do when faced with a defined situation”

TheoryResult of both nature and nurture

Constitutional factors– Genetically determined (nervous system arousal)

Environmental-mold factors– Based on environment and experience (values)

Three Classifications of Traits

Stability and permanence traits Common and unique traitsAbility, temperament, and dynamic traits

Stability and Permanence TraitsSurface Traits

Observable behavior that is most visible evidence of a traitManifestation of several source traits which cluster togetherMay be unstable, impermanentLess important in describing behavior and personality (but is what is used in factor analysis to determine ones source tratis)

Source TraitsUnderlying causes of our consistent behavior and basic factor of personality and which accounts for the uniqueness and diversity of each persons personalitySingle, stable, permanent All have same source traits in differing degrees16 in all

Stability and Permanence Traits

Common and Unique TraitsCommon Traits

Possessed by everyone to some degree (similar to Allport’s idea)Ex. Intelligence , Anxiety, Self Concept

Unique TraitsDistinguish us from others

Specific to one person

Particularly apparent in our interests, attitudes, and beliefs

Ability, Temperament, and Dynamic Traits

Ability TraitsSkills and abilities in dealing with complex problem solving situations (ex. insightfulness, creativity)How effectively we work toward our goals Intelligence is most important

Fluid Intelligence (general)Crystallized Intelligence (learned)

Ability, Temperament, and Dynamic Traits

Temperament TraitsEmotions and feelingsThe general tone and emotional style of our behaviors

Easy going Intense

Help determine our interactions with others and reactions to situations

Ability, Temperament, and Dynamic Traits

Dynamic TraitsDriving force (motivation) of behavior

Provides energy and direction of behavior– Are you driven to learn or an underachiever

Define motivations, interests, and ambitions

Ability, Temperament, and Dynamic Traits

Dynamic TraitsTwo kinds

Ergs (from Greek term for energy ergon)– Innate (constitutional) energy source or driving force for all behaviors – Permanent– Basic units of motivation that direct us toward specific goals– Needs, instincts or drives– Creates: (hunger)

• Selective perception• Emotional response• Goal directed behavior• Consummatory response

Ability, Temperament, and Dynamic Traits

Ergs– 11 identified

• Anger Appeal Protection

• Curiosity Disgust Security

• Gregariousness Hunger Self-assertion

• Self-submission Sex

Ability, Temperament, and Dynamic Traits

Dynamic TraitsTwo kinds

Meta-ergs (Sentiments)– Learned patterns of behavior (environmental-mold) that focus on

important aspects of life– Energy from ergs channeled through these – Can be unlearned and disappear– Divided into:

• Sentiments - Areas of importance to us• Attitudes - Specific tendencies and responses toward situations revolving

around our sentiments

Personality DevelopmentInfancy (Birth to age 6)

Major formative period for personalityInfluenced by:

Parents and siblingsExperiences of weaning and toilet training

Personality DevelopmentInfancy:

Development of :Social attitudesEgo and SuperegoSecurity and InsecurityAttitudes toward authorityPossible tendency toward neuroticism

Personality DevelopmentChildhood (age 6 to 14)

Independence from parentsIdentification with peersFew psychological problems

Adolescence (age 14 to 23)More troublesome and stressful Conflicts center on drive for independence, self assertion, and sexEmotional disorders and delinquency may result

Personality DevelopmentMaturity (age 23 – 50)

Satisfaction with career, marriage and familyPersonality becomes less flexible yet more emotional stablity

Late Maturity (age 50 - 65)Personality changes in response to physical ,social, and psychological changes Reexamine values and search for a new self

Personality DevelopmentOld Age (age 65+)

Adjustment to loss of friends, spouses, and careerLoss of status in a culture that worships youthPervasive sense of loneliness and insecurity