Transcript Raymond Cattell - PSYC DWEEB - New Page

Raymond Cattell
1905 - 1998
Theory
Credited with developing one of the first
comprehensive trait theories of personality that
relied strictly on the assessment and quantification
of traits
Theory
Personality summarizes a persons traits
“A trait may be defined as that which
defines what a person will do when faced
with a defined situation”
Theory
Result of both nature and nurture
Constitutional factors
– Genetically determined (nervous system arousal)
Environmental-mold factors
– Based on environment and experience (values)
Three Classifications of Traits
Stability and permanence traits
Common and unique traits
Ability, temperament, and dynamic traits
Stability and Permanence Traits
Surface Traits
Observable behavior that is most visible evidence of a trait
Manifestation of several source traits which cluster together
May be unstable, impermanent
Less important in describing behavior and personality (but is what
is used in factor analysis to determine ones source tratis)
Stability and Permanence Traits
Source Traits
Underlying causes of our consistent behavior and basic factor of
personality and which accounts for the uniqueness and diversity of
each persons personality
Single, stable, permanent
All have same source traits in differing degrees
16 in all
Common and Unique Traits
Common Traits
Possessed by everyone to some degree (similar to Allport’s idea)
Ex. Intelligence , Anxiety, Self Concept
Unique Traits
Distinguish us from others
Specific to one person
Particularly apparent in our interests, attitudes, and beliefs
Ability, Temperament, and
Dynamic Traits
Ability Traits
Skills and abilities in dealing with complex problem solving
situations (ex. insightfulness, creativity)
How effectively we work toward our goals
Intelligence is most important
Fluid Intelligence (general)
Crystallized Intelligence (learned)
Ability, Temperament, and
Dynamic Traits
Temperament Traits
Emotions and feelings
The general tone and emotional style of our behaviors
Easy going
Intense
Help determine our interactions with others and reactions to
situations
Ability, Temperament, and
Dynamic Traits
Dynamic Traits
Driving force (motivation) of behavior
Provides energy and direction of behavior
– Are you driven to learn or an underachiever
Define motivations, interests, and ambitions
Ability, Temperament, and
Dynamic Traits
Dynamic Traits
Two kinds
Ergs (from Greek term for energy ergon)
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Innate (constitutional) energy source or driving force for all behaviors
Permanent
Basic units of motivation that direct us toward specific goals
Needs, instincts or drives
Creates: (hunger)
• Selective perception
• Emotional response
• Goal directed behavior
• Consummatory response
Ability, Temperament, and
Dynamic Traits
Ergs
– 11 identified
• Anger
• Curiosity
• Gregariousness
• Self-submission
Appeal
Disgust
Hunger
Sex
Protection
Security
Self-assertion
Ability, Temperament, and
Dynamic Traits
Dynamic Traits
Two kinds
Meta-ergs (Sentiments)
– Learned patterns of behavior (environmental-mold) that focus on
important aspects of life
– Energy from ergs channeled through these
– Can be unlearned and disappear
– Divided into:
• Sentiments
- Areas of importance to us
• Attitudes
- Specific tendencies and responses toward situations
revolving around our sentiments
Personality Development
Infancy (Birth to age 6)
Major formative period for personality
Influenced by:
Parents and siblings
Experiences of weaning and toilet training
Personality Development
Infancy:
Development of :
Social attitudes
Ego and Superego
Security and Insecurity
Attitudes toward authority
Possible tendency toward neuroticism
Personality Development
Childhood (age 6 to 14)
Independence from parents
Identification with peers
Few psychological problems
Adolescence (age 14 to 23)
More troublesome and stressful
Conflicts center on drive for independence, self assertion, and sex
Emotional disorders and delinquency may result
Personality Development
Maturity (age 23 – 50)
Satisfaction with career, marriage and family
Personality becomes less flexible yet more emotional stablity
Late Maturity (age 50 - 65)
Personality changes in response to physical ,social, and
psychological changes
Reexamine values and search for a new self
Personality Development
Old Age (age 65+)
Adjustment to loss of friends, spouses, and career
Loss of status in a culture that worships youth
Pervasive sense of loneliness and insecurity