Note
• Notes online
• Mini-Quizzes
What is a trait of personality?
• A “unit” of measurement
• Allport presents 8 Criteria that define a
personality trait
Traits
• 1) A trait has more than nominal existence
• Traits are real!
Traits
• 2) A trait is more generalized than a
behavior
lie
steal
cheat
Traits
• 2) A trait is more generalized than a
behavior
lie
steal
Honesty
cheat
Traits
• 2) A trait is more generalized than a
behavior
– There are systems of behaviors
– Traits my embrace anywhere between 2 to
hundreds of behaviors
Traits
• 3) A trait is dynamic
• A trait CAUSES behavior, it is not just a
summary of behavior
lie
steal
YES!
Honesty
cheat
Traits
• 3) A trait is dynamic
• A trait CAUSES behavior, it is not just a
summary of behavior
lie
steal
NO!
Honesty
cheat
Traits
• 4) The existence of a trait my be
established empirically or statistically
• Statistical techniques can be used to
examine coherence among behaviors
Traits
• 5) Traits are only relatively independent of
each other
• It will be difficult to isolate “fundamental”
traits that are completely independent of
each other
Traits
• 6) A trait of personality, psychologically
considered, is not the same as a moral
quality.
Traits
• 7) Acts, and even habits, that are
inconsistent with a trait are not proof of the
non-existence of the trait
• Not realistic to expect perfect consistency
– Some traits not important in some people
– Traits interact with each other within a person
– Context also determines behavior
Traits
• 8) A trait may be viewed either in the light of the
personality which contains it, or in the light of its
distribution in the population at large.
• Some traits are unique and some are universal
• Can examine either
– Universal traits across people
– Unique blends of traits within a person
Using Traits to Understand
Behavior
• Different approaches:
•
•
•
•
The Single-Trait Approach
The Many-Trait Approach
The Essential-Trait Approach
The Simultaneous-Trait Approach
The Single Trait Approach
• An in-depth research program of a single
trait
Questionnaire
Add score
• Reverse key
• 2,4,6,8,10,12,14
Authoritarianism
• Historical context
– Nazi Germany
• Philosophical roots
– Fromm
• To avoid choices people turn their will over to external
authorities
• “I am just following orders”
• In the 1930s created the “F – Scale”
Authoritarianism
Conventionalism
Authoritarianism
Conventionalism
Authoritarianism
Authoritarian
submission
Conventionalism
Authoritarian
submission
Authoritarian
aggression
Authoritarianism
Conventionalism
Authoritarian
submission
Authoritarian
aggression
Authoritarianism
Anti –
‘intraception”
Conventionalism
Authoritarian
submission
Authoritarian
aggression
Authoritarianism
Anti –
‘intraception”
Superstition
Conventionalism
Authoritarian
submission
Authoritarian
aggression
Authoritarianism
Anti –
‘intraception”
Superstition
Power and
toughness
Conventionalism
Authoritarian
submission
Authoritarian
aggression
Authoritarianism
Anti –
‘intraception”
Superstition
Destructiveness
and cynicism
Power and
toughness
Conventionalism
Authoritarian
submission
Authoritarian
aggression
Authoritarianism
Projectivity
Anti –
‘intraception”
Superstition
Destructiveness
and cynicism
Power and
toughness
Conventionalism
Authoritarian
submission
Authoritarian
aggression
Sexual
repression
Authoritarianism
Projectivity
Anti –
‘intraception”
Superstition
Destructiveness
and cynicism
Power and
toughness
Authoritarianism
• Note how this trait ties together many
diverse behaviors
• Also note how it can explain
inconsistencies in behavior
– A person VERY respectful to a superior may
be cruel to those who rank lower
Authoritarianism
• Over 4,000 articles on this trait!
• Findings:
• No relation between authoritarianism and
political party (note: communism findings)
• Note: not conservatism, but pseudoconservatism
– e.g., taxes abolished, no trials, etc.
Authoritarianism
Findings:
• Society is in turmoil, authoritarians more likely to
support “strong” political candidates
• When standard of living declines authoritarians
more likely to favor restrictions of welfare and
bans on abortion
Authoritarianism
Roots:
• Child-rearing practices
– Regularly and severely punished
– Learn to fear, obey, and be unquestioning of authority
• Genetic
– Biological siblings = .35
– Adopted siblings = .05
Questionnaire
Say
• “I am going out now, I won’t be back all
day. If anyone comes by, just tell them I’m
not here”
• Happy
• Sad
• Mad
Self-Monitoring
• How much do “monitor” your social setting
and alter your behaviors accordingly
• High SM
– Monitor every situation
– Look for cues how to act, alter behavior
• Low SM
– Consistent behavior regardless of situation
Self-Monitoring
• Findings:
• Actors tend to be high self-monitors
– Mental patients tend to be low
•
•
•
•
High SM interview better for jobs
High SM more likely to lie to go on dates
Jokes with a laugh track
Masturbate more often (r = .50; only for women)
The Many-Trait Approach
• Examine many traits simultaneously to
determine what type of person tends to
perform certain behaviors
The Many-Trait Approach
• Commonly use the California Q-Sort
– Forces you to compare traits to each other
• Rank order
• Healthy
• Wealthy
• Wise
Findings of the Many-Trait
Approach
• 64 undergraduates completed the SM
scale
• Friends and family q-sorted the subjects
Self-Monitoring
• High SM
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Skilled in social techniques
Talkative
Self-dramatizing
Initiates humor
Verbally fluent
Expressive in face
Has social poise and presence
Self-Monitoring
• Low Self Monitors
•
•
•
•
•
•
Distrustful
Perfectionist
Touchy and irritable
Anxious
Introspective
Independent
Findings of the Many-Trait
Approach
• Drug use and adolescent health
– Shedler & Block, 1990
• 101 subjects
• Age 11 – parents completed a q-sort
• Age 18 – Drug usage measured
– Abstainers, experimenters, frequent users
1. Prefers nonverbal methods of communication.
Abst.
4.6
Exp.
4.5
Freq.
5.1*
3. Is warm and responsive.
5.3**
6.2
5.2**
7
7.2
6.5**
8. Tends to keep thoughts, feelings, or products to
self.
5.6*
4.7
5.3
13. Characteristically pushes and tries to stretch
limits.
3.0*
3.6
4.2
6
6.1
5.3**
21. Tries to be the center of attention.
3.1**
3.8
3.9
23. Is fearful and anxious.
4.5***
3.3
4
25. Uses and responds to reason.
7.3**
6.6
6.5
26. Is physically active.
5.2**
5.9
5.7
6. Is helpful and cooperative.
14. Is eager to please.
Abst.
3.3
Exp.
3
Freq.
3.7**
4.9**
5.9
5.2
6.1
6.5
5.9*
34. Is restless and fidgety.
3.7***
4.6
5.1
35. Is inhibited and constricted.
5.1**
3.9
4.4
37. Likes to compete; tests and compares self with
others.
4.1**
4.5
4.6
39. Becomes rigidly repetitive or immobilized under
stress.
4.2*
3.5
4.2*
5.4***
6.4
5.7*
5.9
5.6
5.1*
5.1**
5.8
5.1*
27. Is visibly deviant from peers in physical
appearance.
28. Is vital, energetic, lively.
30. Tends to arouse liking and acceptance in adults.
40. Is curious, eager to learn, open to new
experiences.
41. Is persistent in activities; does not give up easily.
42. Is an interesting, arresting child.
Abst.
5.0*
Exp.
4.2
Freq.
5.2**
6.1
5.9
5.1**
5.1***
4
4.5
3.5
3.4
4.2**
59. Is neat and orderly in dress and behavior.
6.5***
5.5
5.2
60. Becomes anxious in unpredictable environment.
4.9**
4
4.8*
62. Is obedient and compliant.
6.5*
5.8
5.6
63. Has a rapid personal tempo; reacts and moves
quickly.
4.2**
5
4.6
64. Is calm and relaxed, easy-going.
5.0*
5.6
5.2
45. Tends to withdraw and disengage when under
stress.
47. Has high standards of performance for self.
52. Is physically cautious.
54. Has rapid shifts in mood; is emotionally labile.
The Many-Trait Approach
• Note: What this study is not saying
– To interpret the meaning of these traits need
to also interpret the context of the study
• How many adjectives can you use to
describe a person?
• Try it!
The Essential-Trait Approach
• Odbert and Allport found over 4,500 adjectives
that describe personality traits
– 17,953 adjectives overall (but some were not traits)
• Are all of these really independent of each
other?
• Essential Approach tries to find how many and
which traits are essential
The Big Five:
History
• Allport and Odbert (1936)
– 17,953 trait terms
• Cattell (1943)
– Factor analysis finds 35
clusters
• Fiske (1949)
– Factor analysis results in 5
factors
• Tupes & Christal (1961)
– Replicate Fiske
• Norman (1963) replicates
Tupes & Christal, and
writes a review about
these “big five” traits
–
–
–
–
–
Surgency (extraversion)
Agreeableness
Conscientiousness
Emotional stability
Culture
Essential Trait
• Big-Five Inventory
E
1, 11, 16, 26, 36
R 6, 21, 31
A
7, 17, 22, 32, 42
R 2,12, 27, 37
C
3, 13, 28, 33, 38
R 8, 18, 23, 43
N
4, 14, 19, 29, 39
R 9, 24, 34
O
5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 44
R 35, 41
R
1=5
2=4
3=3
4=2
5=1
Agreeableness
Trust
Straightforwardness
Altruism
Compliance
Modesty
Tender-mindedness
Obi-Wan Kenobi -- This loyal,
kind, and honorable young
Jedi is a good man.
Emperor Palpatine -- An evil,
power hungry tyrant, he is
manipulative, evil, and
ruthless.
Extraversion
Warmth
Gregariousness
Assertiveness
Activity
Excitement seeking
Positive emotions
Lando Calrissian -- An
energetic, sociable man.
He is adventure seeking,
talkative, and socially
skilled.
Wampas -- reclusive
creatures of the ice
planet Hoth. They are
rarely seen & generally
shy, leading a solitary
existence
Conscientiousness
Competence
Order
Dutifulness
Achievement striving
Self-discipline
Deliberation
Admiral Ackbar -- This rebel
Admiral is renowned for his
great powers of
organization, responsibility,
and administrative abilities.
He is individual who can be
relied upon.
Han Solo -- This disheveled
and scruffy smuggler leads a
reckless and haphazard life,
with little respect for rules
and procedures.
Neuroticism
Anxiety
Angry hostility
Depression
Self-consciousness
Impulsiveness
Vulnerability
Princess Leia -- A confident & calm
individual who does not crack under
pressure (e.g.,. when being threatened
by Lord Vader). She is brave and
relaxed, even when in great danger
(e.g., when disguising herself as a
bounty hunter to gain access to Jabba
the Hutt’s palace).
Tusken warriors -- These inhabitants of
Tatooine are unpredictable,
temperamental, and excitable, and
known to be especially moody.
Openness to Experience
Fantasy
Aesthetics
Feelings
Actions
Ideas
Values
Yoda -- This wise, philosophical,
and thoughtful Jedi master
challenges the establishment,
encouraging his pupils to unlearn
what they have learned and see
the world in novel, creative
ways.
C-3PO -- This droid versed in
political protocol of thousands of
cultures is governed by rules and
prefers not to meddle with the
ways and traditions of his hosts.
The Big Five
• Also known as the Five-Factor Model
•
•
•
•
•
Extraversion
Agreeableness
Conscientiousness
Neuroticism
Openness to Experience
• OCEAN
Example
• Preadolscent girls and risk behavior
– Markey, Markey, and Tinsley 2003
• Subjects were 160 girls
– 5th grade mothers completed BFI and girls
pubertal development was assessed
– 6th grade girls reported engagement in risky
behaviors
• e.g., smoking, drinking, deep kissing, etc.
Results
Puberty
.29
Extraversion
.10
Agreeableness
-.38
Conscientiousness
-.42
Neuroticism
.03
Openness
-.04
Results
0.7
Early Puberty
Risk = .44 (Open) + .54
0.6
Risk Behavior
0.5
Average Puberty
Risk = -.01 (Open) + .41
0.4
0.3
0.2
Late Puberty
Risk = -.25 (Open) + .28
0.1
0
Low
1
Average
2
Openness to Experience
High
3
Results
• Demonstrates predictive power of the Big-5
• Demonstrate show traits can interact with
other elements (e.g., pubertal development)
to create different behaviors
Using Traits to Understand
Behavior
• Different approaches:
•
•
•
•
The Single-Trait Approach
The Many-Trait Approach
The Essential-Trait Approach
The Simultaneous-Trait Approach
The Simultaneous-Trait Approach
• Trait approaches tend to be “onedimensional”
• They only consider one trait at a time
• “He is extraverted”
• Pro: Simple and automatic
• Con: Not all extraverts act the same
The Simultaneous-Trait Approach
• An “extraverted” and “agreeable” person
• An “extraverted” and “disagreeable”
person
The Simultaneous-Trait Approach
• An “extraverted” and “agreeable” person
– Warm
• An “extraverted” and “disagreeable”
person
– Controlling
The Simultaneous-Trait Approach
• This approach examines how traits “blend”
together within an individual
The Interpersonal Sphere
• Ask yourself:
• High (+)
• Moderate (0)
• Low (-)
– How dominant are you?
– How warm are you?
Interpersonal Circumplex
Cold
-
Warm
0
+
Interpersonal Circumplex
Dominant
+
0
Submissive
Interpersonal Circumplex
Dominant
Cold
Warm
Submissive
The Interpersonal Circumplex
0e
AssuredDominant
(PA)
o
90
GregariousExtraverted
(NO)
o
45
Dominance
ArrogantCalculating
(BC)
o
135
ColdHearted
(DE)
o
180
Warmth
AloofIntroverted
(FG)
o
225
UnassuredSubmissive
(HI)
o
270
0e
WarmAgreeable
(LM)
o
0
UnassumingIngenuous
(JK)
o
315
The Interpersonal Circumplex
0e
AssuredDominant
(PA)
o
90
GregariousExtraverted
(NO)
o
45
Dominance
ArrogantCalculating
(BC)
o
135
ColdHearted
(DE)
o
180
Warmth
AloofIntroverted
(FG)
o
225
UnassuredSubmissive
(HI)
o
270
0e
WarmAgreeable
(LM)
o
0
UnassumingIngenuous
(JK)
o
315
IPIP-IPC
• Warm-Agreeable
0e
AssuredDominant
(PA)
o
90
Am interested in people.
Reassure others.
Inquire about others’ well-being.
Get along well with others.
ColdHearted
(DE)
o
180
Warmth
AloofIntroverted
(FG)
o
225
UnassuredSubmissive
(HI)
o
270
0e
Markey & Markey, 2009
GregariousExtraverted
(NO)
o
45
Dominance
–
–
–
–
ArrogantCalculating
(BC)
o
135
WarmAgreeable
(LM)
o
0
UnassumingIngenuous
(JK)
o
315
IPIP-IPC
• Gregarious-Extraverted
0e
AssuredDominant
(PA)
o
90
Start conversations.
Love large parties.
Feel comfortable around people.
Talk to a lot of different.
ColdHearted
(DE)
o
180
Warmth
AloofIntroverted
(FG)
o
225
UnassuredSubmissive
(HI)
o
270
0e
Markey & Markey, 2009
GregariousExtraverted
(NO)
o
45
Dominance
–
–
–
–
ArrogantCalculating
(BC)
o
135
WarmAgreeable
(LM)
o
0
UnassumingIngenuous
(JK)
o
315
IPIP-IPC
• Assured-Dominant
AssuredDominant
(PA)
o
90
ArrogantCalculating
(BC)
o
135
ColdHearted
(DE)
o
180
Warmth
AloofIntroverted
(FG)
o
225
UnassuredSubmissive
(HI)
o
270
0e
Markey & Markey, 2009
GregariousExtraverted
(NO)
o
45
Dominance
– Do most of the talking.
– Demand to be the center of
attention.
– Speak loudly.
– Demand attention.
0e
WarmAgreeable
(LM)
o
0
UnassumingIngenuous
(JK)
o
315
IPIP-IPC
• Arrogant-Calculating
Cut others to pieces.
Contradict others.
Snap at people.
Have a sharp tongue.
AssuredDominant
(PA)
o
90
ArrogantCalculating
(BC)
o
135
ColdHearted
(DE)
o
180
Warmth
AloofIntroverted
(FG)
o
225
UnassuredSubmissive
(HI)
o
270
0e
Markey & Markey, 2009
GregariousExtraverted
(NO)
o
45
Dominance
–
–
–
–
0e
WarmAgreeable
(LM)
o
0
UnassumingIngenuous
(JK)
o
315
IPIP-IPC
• Cold-Hearted
0e
ArrogantCalculating
(BC)
o
135
ColdHearted
(DE)
o
180
Warmth
AloofIntroverted
(FG)
o
225
UnassuredSubmissive
(HI)
o
270
0e
Markey & Markey, 2009
GregariousExtraverted
(NO)
o
45
Dominance
– Believe people should fend for
themselves.
– Don’t fall for sob-stories.
– Don’t put a lot of thought into
things.
– Am not interested in other people’s
problems.
AssuredDominant
(PA)
o
90
WarmAgreeable
(LM)
o
0
UnassumingIngenuous
(JK)
o
315
IPIP-IPC
• Aloof-Introverted
Am a very private person.
Don’t talk a lot.
Have little to say.
Am quiet around strangers.
AssuredDominant
(PA)
o
90
ArrogantCalculating
(BC)
o
135
ColdHearted
(DE)
o
180
Warmth
AloofIntroverted
(FG)
o
225
UnassuredSubmissive
(HI)
o
270
0e
Markey & Markey, 2009
GregariousExtraverted
(NO)
o
45
Dominance
–
–
–
–
0e
WarmAgreeable
(LM)
o
0
UnassumingIngenuous
(JK)
o
315
IPIP-IPC
• Unassured-Submissive
0e
ArrogantCalculating
(BC)
o
135
ColdHearted
(DE)
o
180
Warmth
AloofIntroverted
(FG)
o
225
UnassuredSubmissive
(HI)
o
270
0e
Markey & Markey, 2009
GregariousExtraverted
(NO)
o
45
Dominance
– Dislike being the center of attention.
– Let others finish what they are
saying.
– Speak softly.
– Seldom toot my own horn.
AssuredDominant
(PA)
o
90
WarmAgreeable
(LM)
o
0
UnassumingIngenuous
(JK)
o
315
IPIP-IPC
• Unassuming-Ingenuous
Tolerate a lot from others.
Take things as they come.
Seldom stretch the truth.
Think of others first.
AssuredDominant
(PA)
o
90
ArrogantCalculating
(BC)
o
135
ColdHearted
(DE)
o
180
Warmth
AloofIntroverted
(FG)
o
225
UnassuredSubmissive
(HI)
o
270
0e
Markey & Markey, 2009
GregariousExtraverted
(NO)
o
45
Dominance
–
–
–
–
0e
WarmAgreeable
(LM)
o
0
UnassumingIngenuous
(JK)
o
315
The
Interpersonal Circumplex
• The IPC can help us understand sex –
well at least who does it the most!
0e
0e
AssuredDominant
GregariousExtraverted
WarmAgreeable
rs
io
n
GregariousExtraverted
Dominance
Warmth
Ext
ra
ve
n
io
rs
ColdHearted
AssuredDominant
ArrogantCalculating
Ext
ra
ve
Dominance
ArrogantCalculating
ColdHearted
ble
ea
re
Ag
Warmth
ss
ne
UnassumingIngenuous
UnassuredSubmissive
WarmAgreeable
ble
ea
re
Ag
ss
ne
AloofIntroverted
AloofIntroverted
UnassumingIngenuous
UnassuredSubmissive
0e
0e
Markey & Markey, 2007
Sex
• "Sex is a conversation carried out by other
means.”
• "Sex with love is the greatest thing in life.
But sex without love -- that's not so bad
either."
Sex and Personality
• What accounts for different people’s
willingness (or lack thereof) to engage in
sexual relations with multiple partners?
• Who has multiple partners?
– High Extraversion
– Low Agreeablness
Method
• Participates
– 210 participants
• 105 men and 105 women
• Measures
– IAS
– Sexual promiscuity (different levels of intimacy)
•
•
•
•
1) One minute continuous lip kissing
2) Manual manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
3) Oral manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
4) Sexual intercourse
Results
• 1) Men reported more partners for:
•
•
•
•
1) One minute continuous lip kissing
2) Manual manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
3) Oral manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
4) Sexual intercourse
Results
• 2) For both males and females dominance
was positively related to:
•
•
•
•
1) One minute continuous lip kissing
2) Manual manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
3) Oral manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
4) Sexual intercourse
Results
• 3) Warmth had a quadratic relationship
with:
•
•
•
•
1) One minute continuous lip kissing
2) Manual manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
3) Oral manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
4) Sexual intercourse
40
One minute continuous lip kissing
35
Manual manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
Oral manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
30
Number of partners
Sexual intercourse
25
20
15
10
5
0
-3
-2
-1
0
Warmth
1
2
3
One minute continuous lip kissing
Manual manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
PA
PA
12
8
4
DE
BC
NO
2
DE
LM
0
FG
4
JK
HI
HI
2
Number of partners = 9.28 + 2.38 (Sex) + 4.08 (Dom) - 1.40 (Warm) + 1.60 (Warm )
Number of partners = 2.43 + 3.60 (Sex) + 1.64 (Dom) - .14 (Warm) + 1.01 (Warm2)
Oral manipulation of nude partner’s genitals
Sexual intercourse
PA
PA
8
4
2
DE
Number of Partners
6
BC
LM
FG
JK
NO
0
BC
NO
4
2
LM
0
FG
6
DE
NO
LM
0
FG
JK
JK
HI
HI
Number of partners = 2.15 + 2.73 (Sex) + 1.21 (Dom) - .41 (Warm) + .72 (Warm2)
Number of Partners
16
Number of Partners
BC
Number of Partners
6
20
Number of partners = 2.82 + 2.70 (Sex) + 1.20 (Dom) - .51 (Warm) + .70(Warm2)
Note: Underlined values indicate a significant (p < .05) regression weight.
Conclusion
• Personality is a unique “blend” of traits
• Like chemistry’s periodic table
– Elements do not exist in a vacuum
– Combine together!
• H20, NH3, CO2, etc.
Using Traits to Understand
Behavior
• Different approaches:
•
•
•
•
The Single-Trait Approach
The Many-Trait Approach
The Essential-Trait Approach
The Simultaneous-Trait Approach