Approaches to Personality 2

Question 1

The key underpinning of the Lexical hypothesis

Answer 1

We can create models of personality through linguistic data

Question 2

Allport and Obert (1934)

Answer 2

Identified 4500 words from Websters Dictionary to describe personality

Question 3

The process by which Allport and Odberts 4500 words were reduced to latent variables?

Answer 3

Factor Analysis

Question 4

A strong positive or negative correlation between 2 words indicates?

Answer 4

They are related to a common latent factor

Question 5

What was the final step in the generation of Cattell’s model?

Answer 5

45 surface traits were used in a factor analysis, leading to the extraction of 16 source traits.

Question 6

What was the main criticism of Cattell’s 16 Personality Factor Model

Answer 6

Cattell used his own judgement to extract factors.

Question 7

Costa and McCrae’s ‘big five’ personality traits

Answer 7

• Neuroticism
• Extraversion
• Openness to experience
• Agreeability
• Conscientiousness

Question 8

Main measurement tool of Big Five traits?

Answer 8

NEO-PI-R

Question 9

How did Eysenck critique the big five model?

Answer 9

He stuck by his original model:

• O was just intelligence
• A was low P, Low N and high E

Question 10

What are some major criticisms of the big five model made by Jack Block

Answer 10

• Subjectivity: researchers used their own judgement
• Single words are not sufficient to describe aspects of personality
• The sample used was too young
• Simple correlations cannot account for the complex relationship between terms (e.g. wittiness and intelligence)

Question 11

HEXACO model (Lee & Ashton, 2004)

Answer 11

1- Honesty-humility
2. Emotionality
3. eXtraversion
4. Agreeableness
5. Conscientiousness
6. Openness to security