What are Personality Traits? Definitions
Traits are distinguishing qualities or characteristics of a person.
Traits are a readiness to think or act in a similar fashion in response
to a variety of different stimuli or situations.
In general, trait theory assumes that people differ on variables or
dimensions that are CONTINUOUS. People are seen to differ in the AMOUNTS
or QUANTITIES of a characteristic rather than differ in the QUALITY of
their characteristics.
Traits are now more in favour than types. Remember, traits are
continuous; types are categorical.
|
Category |
Character |
Number |
|
Types |
discontinuous, discrete, qualitative |
Few |
|
Traits |
continuous, degree, quantitative |
Many |
|