Cattell's Structure-Based Systems Theory
BIOGRAPHY
Born in England and worked with Charles Spearman who developed "factor
analysis."
Also influenced by Francis Galton, Karl Pearson, and E. L. Thorndike.
Interest in "factors" or "traits" may also have been influenced by William
McDougal's "instinct doctrine of social behavior."
Published 40 books, 500 articles, developed the 16pf questionnaire, was
selected to receive a "lifetime achievement award" shortly before his death.
Ideas on social policy were controversial.
CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES
"structure-based systems theory" - sees personality as resulting from interactions
between personal attributes (traits) and the environment.
Inductive-hypothetico-deductive spiral - theory development is an ongoing
process,
involving experimentation, theory revision, hypotheses, etc. (see figure in book)
multivariate vs. bivariate experiments - theory must be based in "multivariate
research
as few human behaviors involve only the relationship between two variables.
Multivariate research examines complex relationships among numerous
variables.
factor analysis - is a complex statistical procedure used to discover hidden or
"latent"
variables that underlie (explain variation) in a larger number of variables.
Surface traits - the variables the analysis begins with (e.g., indecisiveness,
brooding,
and depression).
Source traits - are the "factors" derived from the analysis (e.g., "guilt proneness").
Primary factor - just another name for a source trait.
Second Order Factors (or "higher" order factors) - are the result when source
traits
(like the 16 scales of the 16pf) are further analyzed….
….They account for even more of the variance in the original variables (surface
traits).
factor "loading" - is the correlation between a factor (source trait) and one of the
original variables (surface trait) used to derive it….
….For example, brooding "loads" on guilt proneness +.76.
R technique - studies one factor (or a few factors) in large groups of people.
P technique - studies multiple factors over time in an individual person.
Levels of traits - in ascending order of importance Surface traits, Source traits
(Primary factors), and Second-order factors.
Cattell's definition of personality - “That which tells us what a person will do when
placed in a given situation.”
Can be predicted the "specification equation"
"R = f(S,P).
traits - relatively permanent, reaction tendencies, the building blocks of
personality (the terms trait and factor are pretty much interchangeable).
Two types of traits:
1. constitutional trait - biologically determined (e.g., tall) and resistant to change.
2. environmental mold trait - environmentally determined (e.g., choice of religion).
multiple abstract variance analysis (MAVA) - technique developed by Cattell to
sort
out the relative contributions of heredity and environment.
Cattell - clinicians should NOT try to change basic response tendencies, what
they should do is fit treatment and goals to the person’s existing traits.
More Trait Distinctions:
1. ability traits - basically talent or skill like athleticism and intelligence.
2. temperament traits - basic characteristics like being shy, moody, or irritable.
3.dynamic traits - involve motivations and interests like being "ambitious."
Common vs. Unique:
1. common traits - traits shared to some extent by all, like extraversion.
2. unique traits - traits peculiar to the individual, like collecting pencil erasers.
“personality sphere” - the total domain of personality traits (lexicon of traits).
Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16pf) - measures 16 Source traits.
Widely used in occupational and vocational testing.
Intelligence - actually a factor of the 16pf. Cattell suggests two sub types
of intelligence: 1. fluid (raw intellectual energy) and 2. crystallized (knowledge).
Cattell derived 5 "second order" (higher order) factors from the 16pf:
extraversion, anxiety, tough mindedness, independence, and self control.
Clinical Analysis Questionnaire (CAQ) - was developed to measure
psychopathology
(16pf is for normal personality).
The Dynamic Lattice - a hierarchical organization of dynamic (action) traits (ergs,
sentiments, attitudes).
subsidiation - attitudes are subsumed under sentiments which are, in turn,
subsumed
under ergs.
Eight State Questionnaire - assesses changes in the dynamic lattice.
Self Sentiment - regulates organization and expression of the dynamic lattice.
This is
as close as Cattell comes to positing a center of personality (like the self or ego).
econetic model - behavior results from the interaction of traits AND situations or
environments….
….Trait theorists had been accused of ignoring environmental factors.
Environmental sphere - Cattell proposed a complete "taxonomy" (listing) of
situations. Quite an undertaking!
Dynamic calculus - just a set of specification equations.
Specification equations R=f(S,P) - allow us to predict behavior via calculations,
where response (R) is a function of the situation (S) and personality (P)….
….each relevant influence (trait or situational factor) goes into the equation and is
"weighted" to reflect its importance.
PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
Temperament - is largely inherited.
Confluence learning - we are likely to acquire behaviors that simultaneously
satisfy more than one need or goal (eating chocolate satisfies hunger AND
affects emotional state).
Cattell’s call for a “Quantitative Psychoanalysis” - applying equations to
understanding how conflicts develop and to solving them.
abnormal development - is attributed to both biological and environmental (e.g.,
family)
causes
Assessment Techniques (3 types of data)
1. L data - life record data are records and reports of behavior in everyday
situations.
2. Q data - questionnaire data as from the 16pf.
3. T data - objective test data the cannot be "faked" like a questionnaire can.
Interestingly, Cattell considered the Rorschach a form of T data???
THEORY'S IMPLICATIONS FOR THERAPY
he was "eclectic" with regard to treatment choices (many possibilities)….
….However, he strongly maintained that therapy should be based on careful
testing
and following the patient over time (e.g., the P technique).
BEYONDISM: A NEW MORALITY BASED ON SCIENCE
Beyondism - Cattell's view of a better society based on science. He saw a need
for natural selection and national diversity (separation).
He opposed immigration and interbreeding of national groups.
Restrictive eugenics - preventing those with "bad genes" from reproducing.
Creative eugenics - encouraging those with "good genes" to reproduce. Cattell
advocated creative eugenics.
These ideas are unpopular and may have alienated some from his work.
Evaluation:
testability - according to Ryckman, the theory is a "model of elegance and
precision."
heuristic value - its complexity and difficulty may have held back interest in it.
Applied value - yes, the 16pf.