Trait Perspective
The Self-Serving Bias

A readiness to perceive oneself favorably.
People accept responsibility
for good deeds more often
than for bad
People see themselves as better
than average
Self-Presentation Theory
Individualism vs. Collectivism


Individualism: Giving priority to one’s own goals
over group goals and defining one’s personal
attributes rather than group identifications
(Independence)
Collectivism: Giving priority to the goals of one’s
group and defining one’s identity accordingly
(Interdependence)
Value Contrasts Between Individualism
and Collectivism: Page 413
Concept
Individualism
Collectivism
Self
Independent
Interdependent
Life Task
Discover and express one’s
uniqueness
Maintain connections
What matters
Me- personal achievement
We- group goals and
solidarity
Coping Method
Change reality
Accommodate to reality
Relationships
Many, often temporary and
casual
Few, close and enduring
Attributing Behavior
Behavior reflects one’s
personality and attitudes
Behavior reflects social
norms and roles
Morality
Defined by individuals (selfbased)
Defined by social networks
(duty- based)
Take out your books!


Open to page 406
Answer questions 9-13
Follow the directions!


You will see pictures of
3 different men.
On a piece of paper
please respond to the
following
questions/prompts.
1.
2.
3.
Choose a name for the
person in the picture.
Create a list of 5
personality traits you
think may be used to
describe the man in the
picture.
What kind of job might
this many have?
Name and describe this man
Name and describe this man
Name and describe this man
William Sheldon-Somatotypes
William Sheldon-Somatotypes
William Sheldon- Somatotypes
William Sheldon-Somatotypes



1940s’s study of 4,000 college
aged men
Developed a theory that there
are three basic body types, or
somatotypes
 Endoderm
 Mesoderm
 Ectoderm
There is a correlation between
physique and temperament



Does this idea seem plausible?
Does body type dictate
temperament?
To what extent does body type
influence personality
development, if at all?
Trait Theory



Focuses on identifying
and measuring
personality
characteristics.

How many traits are
there?

In the 1930’s there were
4,500 traits in 1990 it
has been reduced to 5.
Traits are relatively stable
characteristics that causes
individuals to behave in
certain ways.
Focuses on differences
between individuals.
Gordon Allport’s Trait Theory
Cardinal, Central, & Secondary


Allport categorized
traits.
Cardinal
 Traits
that dominate an
individuals whole life.
 Consider the origins of
the following terms
 Freudian,
Don Juan,
Christ-like
 Rare
and tend to
develop later in life.
Gordon Allport’s Trait Theory
Cardinal, Central, & Secondary


Central Traits: The
general characteristics
that form the basic
foundations of
personality.
Major characteristics
you might use to
describe another
person.
Gordon Allport’s Trait Theory
Cardinal, Central, & Secondary


Secondary Traits:
Traits that are
sometimes related to
attitudes or
preferences
Often appear only in
certain situations or
under specific
circumstances.
Personality Not Included
What are the 5 main traits that make up personality?
Activity!


Handout 18-6
Reverse scores
 1=5
 2=4
 3=3
 4=2
 5=1
Five-Factor Model (Big 5)
OCEAN
Mnemonic device

Organizes all personality traits into 5 categories.
Five-Factor Model (Big 5)
OCEAN
Mnemonic device
Five-Factor Model (Big 5)
OCEAN
Mnemonic device

Add numbers for 1, 7, 13, 19, 33, 39, 46, 49, 53
Five-Factor Model (Big 5)
OCEAN
Mnemonic device

Add numbers for 2, 8, 15, 25, 28, 34, 40, 45, 51
Five-Factor Model (Big 5)
OCEAN
Mnemonic Device
Big 5 Model Raises 3 Issues

Is our behavior stable and consistent?


PERSON –SITUATION CONTROVERSY
Personality traits are both changeable and stable.
Most change occurs before age 30
 Most stability occurs after age 30, but adults do continue to
grow in their ideas, beliefs & attitudes.


Genetic Factors may push and pull the development of
certain traits, whose development may be helped or
hindered by environmental factors.
Hans Eysenck and Sybil Eysenck
Take out your books!

Open to page 406
Answer questions 9-13

Correct Answers:

 9.
c
 10. b
 11. c
 12. c
 13. c