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Trait: characteristic pattern of behavior or disposition
Factor Analysis
▪ Statistical procedure to correlate individual traits to identify larger
“clusters” of behavior
▪ Examples
 Eysneck Personality Questionnaire
 Big Five Factors
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Personality Inventories
▪ Long questionnaires that cover broad feelings & behaviors
▪ Example: MMPI

Developed Trait Theory
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Opposed to Freud
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Describe traits, don’t
explain them
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18,000 Traits
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Personality has two basic
dimensions
▪ Extraversion v. Introversion
▪ Stability v. Instability

Genetically influenced
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PET scans-Frontal Lobe activity & inhibition
ANS reactivity & risk taking behaviors
Breeding patterns in dogs, birds, etc

Updated & Expanded
version of Eysneck’s
questionnaire

Dimensions:
 Conscientiousness
 Agreeableness
 Neuroticism
 Openness
 Extraversion

Developed assesses
abnormal personality
▪ Most popular personality
test – translated into 100
languages
▪ Question: T/F “Noting in
the newspaper interests
me except the comics”

Revised in 1989 to
broader than abnormal
behavior

Sort individuals based on
Jung’s indicators

Four base traits
 Extrovert v. Introvert (E v. I)
 Sensing v. Intuition (S v. N)
 Feeling v. Thinking (F v. T)
 Judging v. Perceiving (J v. P)

National Research Council:

“Absence of proven scientific worth”
I like getting my energy from active involvement in events and
having a lot of different activities. I’m excited when I’m around
people and I like to energize other people. I like moving into action
and making things happen. I generally feel at home in the world. I
often understand a problem better when I can talk out loud about
it and hear what others have to say.
The following statements generally apply to me:
▪
▪
▪
▪
I am seen as “outgoing” or as a “people person.”
I feel comfortable in groups and like working in them.
I have a wide range of friends and know lots of people.
I sometimes jump too quickly into an activity and don’t allow enough time to
think it over.
▪ Before I start a project, I sometimes forget to stop and get clear on what I want
to do and why.
I like getting my energy from dealing with the ideas, pictures,
memories, and reactions that are inside my head, in my inner
world. I often prefer doing things alone or with one or two people I
feel comfortable with. I take time to reflect so that I have a clear
idea of what I’ll be doing when I decide to act. Ideas are almost
solid things for me. Sometimes I like the idea of something better
than the real thing.
The following statements generally apply to me:
▪
▪
▪
▪
I am seen as “reflective” or “reserved.”
I feel comfortable being alone and like things I can do on my own.
I prefer to know just a few people well.
I sometimes spend too much time reflecting and don’t move into action quickly
enough.
▪ I sometimes forget to check with the outside world to see if my ideas really fit
the experience.
Paying attention to physical reality, what I see, hear, touch, taste,
and smell. I’m concerned with what is actual, present, current, and
real. I notice facts and I remember details that are important to
me. I like to see the practical use of things and learn best when I
see how to use what I’m learning. Experience speaks to me louder
than words.
The following statements generally apply to me:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
I remember events as snapshots of what actually happened.
I solve problems by working through facts until I understand the problem.
I am pragmatic and look to the “bottom line.”
I start with facts and then form a big picture.
I trust experience first and trust words and symbols less.
Sometimes I pay so much attention to facts, either present or past, that I miss
new possibilities.
Paying the most attention to impressions or the meaning and
patterns of the information I get. I would rather learn by thinking a
problem through than by hands-on experience. I’m interested in
new things and what might be possible, so that I think more about
the future than the past. I like to work with symbols or abstract
theories, even if I don’t know how I will use them. I remember
events more as an impression of what it was like than as actual
facts or details of what happened.
The following statements generally apply to me:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
I remember events by what I read “between the lines” about their meaning.
I solve problems by leaping between different ideas and possibilities.
I am interested in doing things that are new and different.
I like to see the big picture, then to find out the facts.
I trust impressions, symbols, and metaphors more than what I actually
experienced
▪ Sometimes I think so much about new possibilities that I never look at how to
make them a reality.
I believe I can make the best decisions by weighing what people
care about and the points-of-view of persons involved in a
situation. I am concerned with values and what is the best for the
people involved. I like to do whatever will establish or maintain
harmony. In my relationships, I appear caring, warm, and tactful.
The following statements generally apply to me:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
I have a people or communications orientation.
I am concerned with harmony and nervous when it is missing.
I look for what is important to others and express concern for others.
I make decisions with my heart and want to be compassionate.
I believe being tactful is more important than telling the “cold” truth.
Sometimes I miss seeing or communicating the “hard truth” of situations.
I am sometimes experienced by others as too idealistic, mushy, or indirect.
When I make a decision, I like to find the basic truth or
principle to be applied, regardless of the specific situation
involved. I like to analyze pros and cons, and then be
consistent and logical in deciding. I try to be impersonal,
so I won’t let my personal wishes--or other people’s
wishes--influence me.
The following statements generally apply to me:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
I enjoy technical and scientific fields where logic is important.
I notice inconsistencies.
I look for logical explanations or solutions to most everything.
I make decisions with my head and want to be fair.
I believe telling the truth is more important than being tactful.
Sometimes I miss or don’t value the “people” part of a situation.
I can be seen as too task-oriented, uncaring, or indifferent.
I use my decision-making preference in my outer life. To others, I
seem to prefer a planned or orderly way of life, like to have things
settled and organized, feel more comfortable when decisions are
made, and like to bring life under control as much as possible.
Since this pair only describes what I prefer in the outer world, I
may, inside, feel flexible and open to new information.
Do not confuse Judging with judgmental, in its negative sense
about people and events. They are not related.
The following statements generally apply to me:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
I like to have things decided.
I appear to be task oriented.
I like to make lists of things to do.
I like to get my work done before playing.
I plan work to avoid rushing just before a deadline.
Sometimes I focus so much on the goal that I miss new information.
I use my perceiving function in my outer life. To others, I seem to
prefer a flexible and spontaneous way of life, and I like to
understand and adapt to the world rather than organize it. Others
see me staying open to new experiences and information. Since
this pair only describes what I prefer in the outer world, inside I
may feel very planful or decisive.
Remember, in type language perceiving means “preferring to take
in information.” It does not mean being “perceptive” in the sense
of having quick and accurate perceptions about people and
events.
The following statements generally apply to me:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
I like to stay open to respond to whatever happens.
I appear to be loose and casual. I like to keep plans to a minimum.
I like to approach work as play or mix work and play.
I work in bursts of energy.
I am stimulated by an approaching deadline.
Sometimes I stay open to new information so long I miss making decisions
when they are needed.
Traits
Outgoing, social, disorganized, easily talked into doing silly things, spontaneous, wild and
crazy, acts without thinking, good at getting people to have fun, pleasure seeking,
irresponsible, physically affectionate, risk taker, thrill seeker, likely to have or want a tattoo,
adventurous, unprepared, attention seeking, hyperactive, irrational, loves crowds, rule
breaker, prone to losing things, seductive, easily distracted, open, revealing, comfortable in
unfamiliar situations, attracted to strange things, non punctual, likes to stand out, likes to try
new things, fun seeker, unconventional, energetic, impulsive, empathetic, dangerous, loving,
attachment prone, prone to fantasy
Favored careers
Performer, actor, entertainer, songwriter, musician, filmmaker, comedian, radio
broadcaster/dj, some job related to theater/drama, poet, music journalist, work in fashion
industry, singer, movie producer, playwright, bartender, comic book author, work in
television, dancer, artist, record store owner, model, freelance artist, teacher (art, drama,
music), writer, painter, massage therapist, costume designer, choreographer, make up artist
Disfavored careers
Data analyst, scientist, researcher, financial advisor, business analyst, govt employee, office
manager, mathematician, investment banker, office worker, computer tech, it professional,
network engineer, strategist
Traits
Outgoing, social, attention seeking, emotional, loving, organized, comfortable around
others, involved, open, hyperactive, complimentary, punctual, considerate, altruistic, easily
hurt, religious, neat, content, positive, affectionate, image conscious, good at getting people
to have fun, easily excited, perfectionist, assertive, ambitious, leader, hard working,
seductive, touchy, group oriented, anti-tattoos
Favored careers:
Casting directory, film critic, wedding planner, work in the performing arts, teacher
(art, preschool, elementary), actor, fashion designer, news anchor, fashion
merchandiser, school psychologist, broadcaster, stylist, interior designer, event
coordinator, restaurant owner, childcare worker, hair stylist, film director,
counselor, dancer
Disfavored careers
Race car driver, scientist, computer specialist, airline pilot, computer programmer,
financial manager, epidemiologist, truck driver, electrical engineer, software
designer, web designer, business consultant, dj, bookseller
Traits
risk taker, easy going, outgoing, social, open, rule breaker, thrill seeker, life of the party, comfortable in unfamiliar
situations, appreciates strangeness, disorganized, adventurous, talented at presentation, aggressive, attention seeking,
experience junky, insensitive, adaptable, not easily offended, messy, carefree, dangerous, fearless, careless, emotionally
stable, spontaneous, improviser, always joking, player, wild and crazy, dominant, acts without thinking, not into
organized religion, pro-weed legalization
Favored careers:
dictator, computer consultant, international spy, tv producer, philosopher, comedian, music performer, it
consultant, fighter pilot, politician, diplomat, entertainer, game designer, bar owner, freelance writer, creative
director, strategist, news anchor, professional skateboarder, airline pilot, comic book artist, college professor,
private detective, mechanical engineer, lecturer, ambassador, astronomer, research scientist, judge, web
developer, scholar, fbi agent, cia agent, electrical engineer, assassin
Disfavored careers
personal assistant, wedding planner, travel agent, secretary, interior decorator,
clerical employee, government employee, social worker, pre school teacher,
copy editor, child care worker, hospitality worker, occupational therapist, home
maker
Traits
decisive, fearless, planner, thrill seeker, engaged, social, self centered, comfortable around others, image conscious, likes
to be center of attention, adventurous, outgoing, manipulative, emotionally stable, leader, ambitious, hard working,
dominant, prepared, hates to be bored, confident, opinionated, analytical, prepares for worst case scenarios, organized,
orderly, clean, driven, resourceful, finishes most things they start, achieving, risk taker, desires fame/acclaim, image
focused, narcissistic, arrogant, perfectionist, driven, academic, scientific, critical, avoids giving in to others, does not like
to compromise, skeptical
Favored careers:
marketing specialist, government employee, lawyer, developer, political scientist, bounty hunter, international
relations specialist, software designer, systems analyst, business manager, entertainment lawyer, foreign service
officer, strategist, project manager, advertising executive, cia agent, marketing manager, geneticist, private
investigator, administrator, business analyst, politician, management consultant, producer, financial advisor,
entrepreneur, genetics researcher, cardiologist, professor, fbi agent
Disfavored careers
singer, bookstore owner, job in the performing arts, poet, photographer,
english professor, chef, health care worker, child psychologist, massage
therapist, video editor
Traits
organized, group oriented, focused, conventional, leader, emotionally stable, anal, attention seeking, planner,
realistic, fearless, responsible, finisher, decisive, norm following, respects authority, punctual, hard working, stiff,
self confident, thinks rules and regulations are important, follows the rules, clean, outgoing, social, content, does
not like being alone, normal, regular, does not like weird or strange people / things - intolerant of differences,
strict, disciplined, aggressive, assertive, content, happy, proper, formal, strict with self, meticulous, strong sense
of purpose
Favored careers:
executive, ceo, supervisor, business consultant, manager, strategist, financial planner, business
person, office manager, public relations manager, international business specialist, business
analyst, management consultant, operations manager, loan officer, lawyer, marketing, sports
management, government employee, investment banker
Disfavored careers
poet, artist, songwriter, musician, novelist, art therapist, theatre
teacher, art curator, film editor, video game designer, photo journalist,
travel writer, actor, record store owner, camera operator, art historian,
music teacher
Traits
does not like being alone, thinks life has purpose/meaning, organized, values organized religion, outgoing, social,
does not like strange people/things - likely intolerant of differences, open, easy to read, dislikes science fiction,
values relationships and families over intellectual pursuits, group oriented, follows the rules, affectionate,
planner, regular, orderly, clean, finisher, religious, consults others before acting, content, positive, loves getting
massages, complimentary, dutiful, loving, considerate, altruistic
Favored careers:
wedding planner, social worker, pediatrician, public health employee, kindergarten teacher,
business consultant, nurse, human resources manager, office manager, executive assistant, public
relations specialist, medical employee, human resources, office worker, social services, child care
worker
Disfavored careers
artist, author, filmmaker, philosopher, video editor, musician, poet,
tattoo artist, game designer, philosophy professor, international spy,
film director, astronaut, art curator, scientist, computer consultant,
cartoonist, graphics designer
Traits
content, emotionally stable, outgoing, social, group oriented, finisher, does not like to be alone, open, decisive,
likes external praise, likes to be center of attention, frequently joking, adjusts easily, likes crowds, self confident,
neutral moods, good at getting people to have fun, disorganized, messy, talented at presentation, not easily
annoyed, does not like to be alone, enjoys crude jokes, likes to lead, likes sports, more likely to come off as
masculine, risk taker, tends to dominate conversations, fearless, can handle criticism, hard to discourage
Favored careers:
ceo, sports management, fighter pilot, marketing specialist, business manager, race car driver,
supervisor, economist, airline pilot, bar owner, consultant, cia agent, security specialist, technician,
businessman, mechanical engineer, public relations specialist, coach, manager, marketing
director, sales associate, mechanic, politician, publicist
Disfavored careers
poet, artist, art teacher, novelist, bookstore owner, graphics designer,
museum curator, librarian, freelance writer, author, florist, painter,
school psychologist, songwriter, musician, professional college student,
editor, philosopher, english professor
Traits
outgoing, social, group oriented, dislikes science fiction, does not like to be alone, feels at ease around others,
conventional, talkative, modest, does not like to be alone, good at getting people to have fun, values
relationships and family over intellectual pursuits, open, likes to dance, spontaneous, underachieving, at times
unprepared, emotional, values organized religion, suggestible, at times easy to impress, not analytical,
disorganized, prone to crying, likes to be center of attention, happy, trusts others, can be influenced more by
others than self, can be touchy feely, feels the emotions of others, likes teamwork, guided by moods
Favored careers:
public relations manager, school teacher, radio dj, customer service, emt, hair stylist, event
coordinator, pediatric nurse, child care worker, makeup artist, personal trainer, public relations,
human resources, travel agent, massage therapist, physical therapist, interior decorator
Disfavored careers
bookstore owner, author, researcher, painter, artist, scientist,
philosophy professor, art director, computer programmer, freelance
writer, history professor, web developer, paleontologist, book editor, cia
agent, aerospace engineer, archeologist, webmaster
Traits
creative, smart, idealist, loner, attracted to sad things, disorganized, avoidant, can be overwhelmed by unpleasant
feelings, prone to quitting, prone to feelings of loneliness, ambivalent of the rules, solitary, daydreams about people to
maintain a sense of closeness, focus on fantasies, acts without planning, low self confidence, emotionally moody, can feel
defective, prone to lateness, likes esoteric things, wounded at the core, feels shame, frequently losing things, prone to
sadness, prone to dreaming about a rescuer, disorderly, observer, easily distracted, does not like crowds, can act without
thinking, private, can feel uncomfortable around others, familiar with the darkside, hermit, more likely to support
marijuana legalization, can sabotage self, likes the rain, sometimes can't control fearful thoughts, prone to crying, prone
to regret, attracted to the counter culture, can be submissive, prone to feeling discouraged, frequently second guesses
self, not punctual, not always prepared, can feel victimized, prone to confusion, prone to irresponsibility, can be
pessimistic
Favored careers:
poet, painter, freelance artist, musician, writer, art therapist, teacher (art, music, drama), songwriter, art
historian, library assistant, composer, work in the performing arts, art curator, playwrite, bookseller, cartoonist,
video editor, photographer, philosopher, record store owner, digital artist, cinematographer, costume designer,
film producer, philosophy professor, librarian, music therapist, environmentalist, movie director, activist,
bookstore owner, filmmaker
Disfavored careers
business professional, manager, executive, administrator, business owner, supervisor, office
manager, business analyst, financial analyst, public relations manager, ceo, executive
assistant, judge, event coordinator, lawyer, office worker
Traits
creative, smart, focus on fantasy more than reality, attracted to sad things, fears doing the wrong thing, observer,
avoidant, fears drawing attention to self, anxious, cautious, somewhat easily frightened, easily offended, private, easily
hurt, socially uncomfortable, emotionally moody, does not like to be looked at, fearful, perfectionist, can sabotage self,
can be wounded at the core, values solitude, guarded, does not like crowds, organized, second guesses self, more likely to
support marijuana legalization, focuses on peoples hidden motives, prone to crying, not competitive, prone to feelings of
loneliness, not spontaneous, prone to sadness, longs for a stabilizing relationship, fears rejection in relationships,
frequently worried, can feel victimized, prone to intimidation, lower energy, strict with self
Favored careers:
psychotherapist, artist, art curator, bookstore owner, freelance writer, poet, teacher (art, drama, english), library
assistant, professor of english, painter, novelist, book editor, copywriter, philosopher, environmentalist,
bookseller, museum curator, opera singer, magazine editor, archivist, music therapist, screenwriter, film director,
creative director, librarian, social services worker, art historian, sign language interpreter, photo journalist,
makeup artist, photo journalist, homemaker
Disfavored careers
airline pilot, race car driver, businessman, information technology consultant,
executive, administrator, supervisor, bartender, lab technician, restaurant
owner, strategist, ceo, bar owner, marketing specialist, business consultant
Traits
loner, more interested in intellectual pursuits than relationships or family, wrestles with the meaninglessness of existence,
likes esoteric things, disorganized, messy, likes science fiction, can be lonely, observer, private, can't describe feelings
easily, detached, likes solitude, not revealing, unemotional, rule breaker, avoidant, familiar with the darkside, skeptical,
acts without consulting others, does not think they are weird but others do, socially uncomfortable, abrupt, fantasy
prone, does not like happy people, appreciates strangeness, frequently loses things, acts without planning, guarded, not
punctual, more likely to support marijuana legalization, not prone to compromise, hard to persuade, relies on mind more
than on others, calm
Favored careers:
philosopher, game designer, scientist, software engineer, freelance artist, research scientist, assassin, freelance
writer, physicist, software developer, mathematician, geologist, computer scientist, philosophy professor,
webmaster, slacker, medical researcher, painter, mortician, systems analyst, comic book artist, computer
technician, website designer, scholar, archeologist, computer repair, forensic anthropologist, astronaut,
researcher, historian, systems engineer, genetics researcher, astronomer, environmental scientist, egyptologist
Disfavored careers
human resources, public relations, social worker, guidance counselor, health
care worker, trainer, school teacher, wedding planner, movie star, hospitality
worker, supervisor, child care worker, fundraiser, customer service, stay at
home parent, office administrator
Traits
loner, more interested in intellectual pursuits than relationships or family, not very altruistic, not very complimentary,
would rather be friendless than jobless, observer, values solitude, perfectionist, detached, private, not much fun, hidden,
skeptical, does not tend to like most people, socially uncomfortable, not physically affectionate, unhappy, does not talk
about feelings, hard to impress, analytical, likes esoteric things, tends to be pessimistic, not spontaneous, prone to
discontentment, guarded, does not think they are weird but others do, responsible, can be insensitive or ambivalent to
the misfortunes of others, orderly, clean, organized, familiar with darkside, tends not to value organized religion,
suspicious of others, can be lonely, rarely shows anger, punctual, finisher, prepared
Favored careers:
scientist, dictator, forensic anthropologist, systems analyst, philosopher, nuclear engineer, political analyst,
researcher, statistician, scholar, research scientist, computer scientist, software designer, curator, computer
programmer, aerospace engineer, electrical engineer, paleontologist, english professor, philosophy professor,
chemical engineer, epidemiologist, forensic scientist, museum curator, research assistant, mechanic,
astronomer, figher pilot, librarian, systems administrator, neurosurgeon, book editor, biotechnology,
archeologist, lab tech, bookstore owner
Disfavored careers
advertising executive, job in entertainment industry, performer, singer, art therapist,
childcare worker, bartender, dj, even coordinator, hair dresser, wedding planner
Traits
responsible, planner, private, loner tendencies, perfectionist, organized, detail oriented, organized, would rather
be friendless than jobless, realistic, observer, clean, focused, does not talk about feelings, finisher, punctual,
private, does not appreciate strangeness, not adventurous, not spontaneous, follows the rules, dutiful, avoids
mistakes, conventional, likes solitude, insensitive to the hardships of others, prepared, anti-tattoos, things rules
are important, cautious, security seeking, prepares for worst case scenarios, logical, analytical, does not accept
apologies easily, hard working
Favored careers:
data analyst, scientist, researcher, engineer, financial planner, statistician, office worker,
government employee, lab technician, nuclear engineer, office manager, biomedical engineer,
account manager, ceo, investment banker, analyst, academic, systems analyst, pharmacy
technician, network admin, genetics researcher, research assistant, strategist
Disfavored careers
entertainer, artist, filmmaker, musician, actor, fashion desinger, singer,
music journalist, comedian, massage therapist, photographer, dj,
model, author, bartender, painter, school counselor
Traits
follows the rules, polite, fears drawing attention to self, dislikes competition, somewhat easily frightened, easily
offended, timid, dutiful, private, lower energy, finisher, organized, socially uncomfortable, modest, not
confrontational, easily hurt, observer, prone to crying, not spontaneous, does not appreciate strangeness intolerant to differences, apprehensive, clean, planner, prone to confusion, afraid of many things, responsible,
guarded, avoidant, anxious, cautious, suspicious, more interested in relationships and family than intellectual
pursuits, not adventurous, fears doing the wrong thing, dislikes change
Favored careers:
homemaker, stay at home parent, office worker, health care worker, personal assistant, school
teacher, administrative assistant, child care worker, clerical employee, receptionist, library
assistant, dietitian, health educator, librarian
Disfavored careers
rock star, philosophy professor, filmmaker, performer, writer,
bar owner, comedian, dj, entertainer, ceo, psychotherapist,
bartender, entrepreneur, lecturer, astronomer
Traits
hidden, private, has trouble describing feelings, not very affectionate, loner tendencies, lower energy,
can be insensitive to the misfortunes of others, disorganized, messy, fears drawing attention to self, antitattoos, anti counter culture, not comfortable in unfamiliar situations, avoidant, rather unemotional,
does not like attention, more interested in intellectual pursuits than relationships or family, hermetic, not
complimentary, dislikes leadership, more submissive then domineering
Favored careers:
aerospace engineer, technician, computer scientist, software engineer, software developer,
scientist, bar owner, automotive technician, electrician, engineer, mathematician, industrial
engineer, nuclear engineer, biotechnology, mechanic, systems analyst, computer animator,
data analyst, video game designer
Disfavored careers
artist, fashion designer, theater director, poet, dancer, actor,
singer, english teacher or professor, art teacher, healer, stage
manager, florist, art therapist, school teacher, music journalist
Traits
disorganized, timid, prone to discouragement, socially uncomfortable, does not like leadership,
suggestible, not self confident, not aggressive, lower energy, fearful, anxious, easily distracted, prone to
discontentment, guarded, not confrontational, prone to longing for a stabilizing relationship, can be
overwhelmed by unpleasant feelings, easily disturbed, fears drawing attention to self, prone to
confusion, private, second guesses self, prone to quitting, underachiever, fears rejection in relationships,
emotionally moody, prone to sadness, dislikes change, indecisive, modest, doubting, prone to laziness
Favored careers:
sports management, pediatrician, school teacher, carpenter, veterinary technician, singer,
health educator, stay at home parent, hospitality worker, pastor, athlete, physician assistant,
photographer, health care worker, shop assistant, stylist, website designer
Disfavored careers
professor, marketing, academic, criminal psychologist, politician,
comic book artist, actor, psychoanalyst, dj, judge, entrepreneur,
attorney

Stability v. Dynamics ; Person v. Situation
 Does personality remain the same or change over time?
 Does our behavior remain consistent in all settings & situations?

Nature v. Nurture
 What’s more important: a person’s genetic code or the
environment in which they are living?

West v. East ; Developed v. Developing Nations
 Personality traits seem to be common across all human groups
(McCrae et al, 2005)

Predictor of Behavior
 Conscientiousness = Early Riser
 Night Owls = Extraverts
 Opposites “Repel”