Question

Write a short note on the trait theory.

Answer 1

Trait theory of personality focuses on identifying and measuring the specific traits that make up human personality. It views personality as a set of stable characteristics that influence behavior across different situations and over time. Gordon Allport emphasized the uniqueness of the individual and classified traits as cardinal, central, and secondary. Raymond Cattell used factor analysis to develop a 16-factor model, distinguishing between source and surface traits. Hans Eysenck proposed three major dimensions of personality: extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism. Later, Costa and McCrae introduced the Five-Factor Model, which includes openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Trait theory is foundational in understanding personality and is widely used in psychological assessments.