In this unit, you studied human personality. One of the things you had to consider is the role human difference plays in the development of personality. However, you also had to consider the role of similarity in determining and theorizing about personality
Trait Theories - Gordon Allport
Trait theories of personality focus on identifying and measuring consistent patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions that make up an individual's personality. Gordon Allport, a pioneer in the field of personality psychology, developed one of the earliest trait theories.
Allport believed that personality traits can be used to predict behavior across different situations and that these traits are relatively stable over time. He identified three types of traits:
1. Cardinal traits: These are dominant traits that influence all aspects of an individual's behavior. For example, someone with a cardinal trait of ambition may constantly strive for success in all areas of their life.
2. Central traits: These are general characteristics that form the basic foundations of an individual's personality. Central traits, such as honesty or friendliness, are typically seen in most situations.
3. Secondary traits: These are more specific, situational traits that may only be evident in certain contexts. For example, someone may exhibit a secondary trait of shyness in social situations but not at work.
Allport's trait theory emphasizes the uniqueness of individuals and the importance of understanding the complexity of personality. He believed that the interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental factors plays a significant role in shaping personality.
Overall, Allport's contributions to trait theory have helped psychologists better understand how personality traits influence behavior and how they can be used to predict and explain individual differences in personality.