Cattell's theory of Personality (Trait Theory)

Trait Theory

Trait theorists believe personality can be understood by positing that all people have certain traits, or characteristic ways of behaving. A trait is an identifying characteristic, habit or trend. Saying that a trait is either present or absent does not accurately reflect a person's uniqueness, because according to trait theory all of our personalities are actually made up of same traits. We differ only in the degree to which each trait is expressed.

Cattell believed it necessary to sample a wide range of variables to capture a full understanding of personality. The first type of data was life data, which involves collecting information from an individual's natural everyday life behaviors.

Experimental data involves measuring reactions to standardized experimental situations and Questionnaire data involves gathering responses based on introspection by an individual about his or her own feelings.

Using this data Cattel performed factor analysis to generate sixteen dimensions of human personality traits:

Based on these 16 factors, he developed a personality assessment called the 16PF. Instead of a trait being present or absent, each dimension is scored over a continuum from high to low. For example, your level of warmth describes how warm , caring and nice to others you are. If you score low on this index, you tend to be more distant and cold. A high score on this signifies you are supportive and comforting.

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