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What is trait? Explain Cattell’s trait theory.
What is trait? Explain Cattell’s trait theory.
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Remember: Cattell identified 16 primary traits that form the foundation of personality, using a data-driven approach.
Updated On: Mar 23, 2026
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Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Define trait.
A trait is a consistent and enduring pattern of behavior, thoughts, and emotions that characterizes an individual. Traits are relatively stable over time and influence how individuals respond to different situations.
Step 2: Explain Cattell’s trait theory.
Cattell’s trait theory suggests that personality can be described using 16 primary traits, such as warmth, reasoning, emotional stability, dominance, and liveliness. These traits were identified through factor analysis, a method that reduces a large set of variables into smaller, manageable categories.
Step 3: Discuss the significance of Cattell's theory.
Cattell's theory was one of the first attempts to provide a systematic way of describing and measuring personality using a scientific approach. The 16PF (16 Personality Factor) questionnaire, based on his theory, remains a widely used tool in personality assessment.
A trait is a consistent and enduring pattern of behavior, thoughts, and emotions that characterizes an individual. Traits are relatively stable over time and influence how individuals respond to different situations.
Step 2: Explain Cattell’s trait theory.
Cattell’s trait theory suggests that personality can be described using 16 primary traits, such as warmth, reasoning, emotional stability, dominance, and liveliness. These traits were identified through factor analysis, a method that reduces a large set of variables into smaller, manageable categories.
Step 3: Discuss the significance of Cattell's theory.
Cattell's theory was one of the first attempts to provide a systematic way of describing and measuring personality using a scientific approach. The 16PF (16 Personality Factor) questionnaire, based on his theory, remains a widely used tool in personality assessment.
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