Trait approaches to personality

Question 1

What is the trait theory of personality

Answer 1

We have enduring characteristics
Personality is a set of these eg introvert, extrovert

Question 2

What are trait theory assumptions

Answer 2

Appear in every individual
* Can be mapped on a _continuum______ from low to high
* Do not __change_____ much over the adult lifespan
* Are ‘_normally______ distributed’ across general populatio

Question 3

What do trait model emphasize

Answer 3

Trait models often emphasise heritability (genetic component)
of traits
* Although, the influence of genetics_______ vs ___learned____ experience
differs based on the nature of the trait:―anxiety levels appear to be quite heritable―levels of trust may have a significant learned componen

Question 4

How are traits measured

Answer 4

Traits most often measured using __self_____ -report inventories,
that may assess:―the ‘whole personality’, e.g. NEO PI-R, Tellegen’s MPQ―single personality traits/constructs, e.g. extraversion
only

Question 5

Are traits stable over time

Answer 5

Do individuals stay the same across adult lifespan? ―“Set in plaster” by age 30 (Costa & McCrae, 1994)?

• If completely true, personality tests should be able to predict behaviour

Question 6

What are limitations of trait personality tests

Answer 6

BUTpersonality tests, while very valuable, are not
__Accurate_____ predictors of behaviour: ―soldiers still break down on the battlefield
―companies are still regularly defrauded
―one predictable reality show after another
* There’s disagreement about _relevance______ of personality traits
(cf. Pervin, 1994). Particular traits may also be more
_stable______ than others.

Question 7

Why aren’t personality tests perfect predictors of behaviour

Answer 7

• Tests may need further refinement
• Adult personalities may not be quite so ‘set in plaster’
• __Mood_____ and current thoughts may override
• The personality test may not capture all relevant features
  influencing a particular behaviour
• The _situation______ can have a powerful influenc

Question 8

What are real world implications of personality tests

Answer 8

Nevertheless, personality tests are extremely important
AND effective in many areas:
―Testing job applicants
―Clinical assessment
―Suitability for certain roles/tasks (e.g., soldier)
―Entertainment (e.g., MasterChef, Married at First Sight

Question 9

What is the Barnum effect

Answer 9

people have a tendency to believe __general_____ and
ambiguous_______ statements that are descriptive of their unique
personalities (Dickson & Kelly, 1985).

Question 10

What is the Barnum effect described as

Answer 10

a _strong______ tendency for people to _believe______ almost any
personality feedback as applying to them (specifically,
trivial statements, with a high base-rate of validity).

Question 11

When is the Barnum effect stronger

Answer 11

―the feedback is
Positive_______ in nature
(cf. MacDonald & Standing, 2002; Snyder, Shenkel & Lowery, 1977, for a review)
―the source is reputable or has high status
(cf. Snyder & Newburg, 1981)
―the participants are _younger______ (cf. Beins, 1993

Question 12

Is there an effect on gender with the Barnum effect

Answer 12

although one study found greater horoscope acceptance
in women (Ficton & Sunerton, 1983

Question 13

Why do we succome to Barnum effect

Answer 13

Some have characterised Barnum Effect as a form of self
deception, with a ‘self-serving bias’:―Ascribing _success______ to internal, personal characteristics
(e.g., ability level), & _failture______ to external situational causes
(e.g., bad luck). ―May help to underpin a sense of self-worth and be essential for wellbeing

Question 14

What is the positive impact of self serving biases

Answer 14

Positive self evaluations
including the ability to care about others, the ability to be happy or contented, and the ability to engage in productive and creative work.

negative information may be isolated and represented in as unthreatening a manner as possible.”

Question 15

Where might the Barnum effect be elicited

Answer 15

Astrologers
Faith healers
Mediums
Clairvoyants
Fortune tellers
Tarot readers

Question 16

How can the Barnum effect be used to obtain positive theurapeutic outcomes

Answer 16

Told clients they had a resilient personality (bogus) and where open to change and they had more success getting over a snake phobia.

Question 17

What do you need to do when using personality tests

Answer 17

• Understand their strengths and weaknesses
• Knowwhich tests work well
• Usethe appropriate test
• Communicate to person being tested what
  the limits of interpreting the test results are.