Factor Analytic Theories: Raymond Cattell, The Big Five Personality Traits, Genetic and Evolutionary Developments

Chapter 11

Raymond Cattell (1905-1998)

Born in England Received B.S.C. from University of London Ph.D. in 1929 Worked at several universities

Cattells Definition of Personality

Personality: that which permits a prediction of what a person will do in a given situation Surface traits versus source traits
Surface traits = behavior responses that appear to go together Source traits = underlying variables that determine surface traits

Assessment and Research in Cattells theory

Factor analysis = correlational technique used to identify traits
Source Traits

Cattell's Sixteen Basic Source Traits

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Outgoing reserved More intelligent less intelligent High ego strength low ego strength Assertive humble Happy-go-lucky sober Strong conscience lack of internal standards 7. Adventuresome shy 8. Tough-minded tender-minded 9. Trusting suspicious 10. Imaginative practical 11. Shrewd forthright 12. Apprehensive self-assured 13. Experimental conservative 14. Group-dependent self-sufficient 15. Casual controlled 16. Relaxed - tense

The Big Five Personality Traits

Five Factor Model

Five Factor Model is an interpretation of Big Five Factors
FFM asserts that we can describe personality in terms of five broad categories, each of which includes specific attributes Suggests differences among people in these dimensions are
Stable Genetic Due to internal mechanism

Applications of theThe Five Factor Model

Job performance

Job satisfaction
Personality disorders Determine types of therapy

The genetic influence on traits

Behavioral genetics examines cause of individual differences in human behavior in terms of heredity Twin studies Heritability is degree to which a trait or characteristic is caused by genes rather than the environment Quantitative Trait Loci Genetic influences on psychiatric disorders

Sample Genogram

Evolutionary Personality Theory

A way of thinking about human behavior based on data drawn from biology, anthropology, sociology, cognitive psychology, and the neurosciences Specific behavior patterns of today are patterns that survived in our ancestors because they were more successful than other behaviors Big Five traits survived for a reason

Evaluating Factor Analytic Trait Theories

Based on highly objective and precise scientific techniques Reflects current emphasis on quantitative methods and empirical data Big-Five: very popular Behavioral genetics and evolutionary psychology provide shift from focus on environmental forces

Factor Analysis
1. Feel little concern for others. 2. Insult people. 3. Sympathize with others' feelings. 4. Am not interested in other people's problems. 5. Have a soft heart. 6. Take time out for others. 7. Make people feel at ease. 8. Am always prepared. 9. Leave my belongings around. 10. Pay attention to details. 11. Get chores done right away. 12. Like order. 13. Follow a schedule. 14. Am precise in my work.