Unit 14—Eysenck, Mccrae And Costa: Trait And Factor Theories

Front 1

Explain the basics of factor analytic procedures.

Back 1

The factor analytic procedure:

1) Make specific observations on several people. is

2) Qualify the observations. For example: the height of the individuals is gathered in in inches.

3) Establish which variables are related to one another. This is done by calculating the correlation coefficient between each variable.
For example: positive correlation between leg length and height.
- Relationships may correlate because they fit under the same overarching trait.
For example: There is a positive relationship between leadership and social poise, as they both fall under the trait: self confidence.

4) Factor analysis is able to represent the large quantity of variables using a smaller number of more basic dimensions.
”Factor analysis is a mathematical procedure for reducing a large number of scores to a few more general variables or factors.

Factor Loadings: Correlations of the original, specific scores with the factors

Traits generated are:
- unipolar (scaled from zero to some large amount)
- or bipolar (having two opposing poles, such as introversion and extraversion)”.

The Factors will have psychological meaning if they have a specific mathematical relationship with each other.

Rotation can be:

Orthogonal rotation - Right angled axes. Five Factor favor this rotation. Scores on the x variable increase, scores on the y axis may have any value. The values on the y axis are unrelated to the scores on the x axis.

Oblique method: Cattell supports this method. There is an assumption that there is some negative or positive correlation. And this method implies an angle of less than of more than 90 degrees.

Front 2

Explain the importance of R. B. Cattell's pioneering work.

Back 2

Cattell was able to identify a considerable number of traits using factor analysis. This comprised of personality traits. He identified both abnormal and normal temperament traits that fit under the personality traits category. Cattel’s PF scale measures 16 of the normal traits.

Front 3

Describe Eysenck's approach to the measurement of personality.

Back 3

When it came to personality, Eysenck thought there were three superfactors.
3 dimensions of personality (Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Psychoticism) are part of normal personality structure.
All three are bipolar.
a) Introversion - Extraversion
b) Stability - Neuroticism
c) Superego - Psychoticism

Most people are in the centre of the bell-shaped distribution of the two poles.
Each superfactor is independent of one another.

Three dimensional scheme depicting one individual’s scores on each of Esyenck’s major dimensions of personality. Each person has three coordinates. Scores can be plotted in three dimensional space.

Front 4

Name and describe Eysenck's three general types, or superfactors.

a) Extraversion

b) Neuroticism

c) Psychoticism

Back 4

Bipolar personality types include:

a) includes being: sociable, lively, active, assertive, sensation-seeking, carefree, dominant, sergeant and venturesome. On the opposite end is:Introversion. This is described as being quiet, passive, unsociable, careful, reserved, thoughtful, pessimistic, peaceful, sober and controlled.

b) encompasses being: anxious, depressed, guilt feelings, low self-esteem, tense, irrational, shy, moody, and emotional. They also have physical ailments like: headaches and backaches. And psychological problems like anxiety. The opposite end of the spectrum is Stability. People at this end have ability to resist neurotic disorders.

c) hierarchal structure includes being: aggressive, cold, egocentric, impersonal, impulsive, antisocial, unempathic, creative, and tough-minded. The opposite end of the pole is Superego. Characteristics include: altruistic, highly socialized, empathic, caring, cooperative, conforming, and conventional.

Front 5

Describe how Eysenck's three superfactors relate to and predict behavior.

Back 5

All three personality factors have strong biological, genetic, and environmental determinants that can predict SOCIAL behavior.
For example studies demonstrate:

A. Extraversion - greater demand for change and novelty. High E is equated with being a trouble maker, however are viewed as charming rogues.

B. Psychoticism - is related to genius and creativity. Alternatively high P score is also seen as being a troublemaker, but viewed as disruptive, spiteful and unlovable.

All three personality factors have strong biological determinants. Esyenck estimated heredity is the cause of three quarters of the variance of the personality dimensions. Evidence to support this statement include:
a) People in different parts of the world have the identical factors.
b) People’s are generally maintain the same position on the personality score over time.
c) Identical twin studies show greater similarities than fraternal twins reared together.

Front 6

Explain how Eysenck's theory of personality relates to disease.

Back 6

Eysenck findings include:

- People who with low neuroticism score often suppress their emotions and more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer.

Relationship between personality factors and disease do not demonstrate a cause and effect relationship. Genetic, biological and environmental factors cause disease. Eysenck did state that the personality factor can contribute to the death. For example: high P scorers who smoke and who react to stress with anger, hostility and aggression increase their risk for heart disease.

Front 7

Distinguish between the Big Five as a taxonomy and as a theory.

Back 7

Big 5 Theory tries to identify basic personality traits as explained by factor analysis. Similar to how taxonomies generate a classification system. Once the 5-Factor Model become a theory, as it generated research and was able to both predict and explain behaviour.

Front 8

List and briefly describe each of the Big Five factors.

a) Extraversion

b) Neuroticism

c) Openness

d) Agreeableness

e) Conscientiousness

Back 8

a) ... (one of the strongest and most ubiquitous traits. )
high score characteristics include: affectionate, joiner, talkative, fun loving, active, and passionate.
low score characteristics include: reserved, loner, quiet, sober, passive and unfeeling.

b) one of the strongest and most ubiquitous traits.)
high score characteristics include:anxious, temperament, self-pitying, self-conscious, emotional, vulnerable.
low score characteristics include:

c) high score characteristics include: imaginative, creative, original, prefers variety, curious, liberal and question traditional.
low score characteristics include:down-to-earth, uncreative, conventional, prefer routine, incurious, and conservative.

d) high score characteristics include: softhearted, trusting, generous, acquiescent, lenient and good-natured.
low score characteristics include:ruthless, suspicious, stingy, antagonistic, critical and irritable.

e) high score characteristics include: conscientious, hardworking, well-organized, punctual, ambitious and preserving.
low score characteristics include: negligent, lazy, disorganized, late, aimless and quitting.

Front 9

List and briefly describe McCrae and Costa's three core components of personality.

1) Basic tendencies

2) Characteristic adaptations

3) Self-concept

Back 9

1) 5 personality traits: (extraversion, neuroticism, openness, agreeableness, and conscientious). Essence of basic tendencies is their basis in biology and their stability over time and situation.

2) personality structures that are obtained and developed as a result of a person adapting to their environment. Basic tendencies are stable versus characteristic adaptations are flexible. Characteristic adaptations allow us to shape and fit into our environment on an ongoing basis. Differ from culture to culture.

3) is a character adaptation. However it is an important adaptation. Includes: knowledge, views and evaluations of the self. It can include our sense of purpose, beliefs, attitudes and feelings one has about their self.

Front 10

List and briefly describe McCrae and Costa's three peripheral components of personality.

1. biological bases

2. objective biography

3. external influence

Back 10

1. Biological mechanisms that influence basic tendencies. This includes: genes, hormones, and brain structures. Findings to date show environment does not have a direct role in influencing

2) “everything a person does or thinks over a lifetime” Objective not subjective view. Part of the cumulative record of our life events.

3) How we choose to respond to the opportunities and demands of the external world. The responses are a function of two things: 1) characteristic adaptations and 2) interactions with external influences. Behaviour is a function of the interaction between characteristic adaptations and external influences.

Front 11

Briefly describe some of the cross-cultural research on McCrae and Costa's Big Five factors.

Back 11

Postulates of basic tendencies:
Individuality: adults have unique set of traits and that each person exhibits a unique combination of trait patterns.
Origin: All traits are result of internal forces: genes, hormones and brain structures.
Development: traits develop and change over time in childhood. But slow down and gradually don’t change in adulthood.May be more evolutionary and adaptive reasons for changes in personality factors.
Structure: Traits are organized in a hierarchy (specific to broad)

Postulates for Characteristic Adaptations:
1) Overtime people adapt to their environment by acquiring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that are consistent with their personality traits and earlier adaptations. Basic tendencies result in our desire to find certain environments that align with our current disposition.

2) Our responses are not align with our goals or cultural values. Habits and competencies become rigid or compulsive they become maladaptive.

3) Basic traits may change over time in response to biological maturation, changes in the environment or deliberate interventions.

Front 12

Define a unipolar trait

Back 12

Traits with only one pole. Scaled from zero to large amount. Different from bipolar traits that have two poles and are scaled from minus point - zero - positive point.

Front 13

List Eysenck's four criteria for identifying factors.

Four criteria:

1) Psychometric evidence:

2) Heritability

3) Make sense from theoretical view

4) Possess social relevance

Back 13

1) The factor must be reliable and replicable.

2) must fit an established genetic model. Not learned characteristics.

3) Deductive method of investigation. Gather data that is logically consistent with theory

4) Have relationship with socially relevant variables.

Front 14

Discuss Eysenck's research on personality and disease.

Back 14

Eysenck findings include:
- People who with low neuroticism score often suppress their emotions and more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer.

Relationship between personality factors and disease do not demonstrate a cause and effect relationship. Genetic, biological and environmental factors cause disease. Eysenck did state that the personality factor can contribute to the death. For example: high P scorers who smoke and who react to stress with anger, hostility and aggression increase their risk for heart disease.

Front 15

Explain the difference between the

1) self-concept and

2) objective biography.

Back 15

Core component: our perspective. Can be subjective.

3) is a character adaptation. However it is an important adaptation. Includes: knowledge, views and evaluations of the self. It can include our sense of purpose, beliefs, attitudes and feelings one has about their self.

2) Peripheral component

“everything a person does or thinks over a lifetime” Objective not subjective view. Part of the cumulative record of our life events.