Trait theory
Trait Theory
Trait theory (pronunciation: /treɪt θɪəri/), also known as dispositional theory, is an approach to the study of human personality. Trait theorists are primarily interested in the measurement of traits, which can be defined as habitual patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion.
Etymology
The term "trait" originates from the Latin word "tractus", meaning "drawn out", and the term "theory" comes from the Greek word "theoria", meaning "contemplation" or "speculation".
Definition
In psychology, trait theory (also called dispositional theory) is an approach to the study of human personality. Trait theorists are primarily interested in the measurement of traits, which can be defined as habitual patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion. According to this perspective, traits are aspects of personality that are relatively stable over time, differ across individuals (e.g. some people are outgoing whereas others are not), are relatively consistent over situations, and influence behavior.
Related Terms
- Personality psychology: The branch of psychology that studies personality and its variation among individuals.
- Big Five personality traits: The five broad domains or dimensions of personality that are used to describe human personality.
- Personality test: A method of assessing human personality constructs.
- Psychometrics: The field of study concerned with the theory and technique of psychological measurement.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Trait theory
- Wikipedia's article - Trait theory
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