personality types and trait th

Before describing the major modern trait and type theories of personality the following key terms must be
defined; trait, type and personality. A personality trait represents a continuous dimension and can be
defined as a broad, stable and enduring characteristic which is used to explain behaviour
(Phares&Chaplin, 1997). A personality type is defined by Lefton, (2000 p. 708} as a "personality category
in which broad collections of traits are loosely tied together and interrelated" and which people can be
grouped into. Personality can be broadly defined (Myers, 1986; Pervin&John, 2001)as the enduring
characteristics of an individual that describe patterns of thinking, feelings and behaviour.

The major modern trait and type theories of Gordon Allport, Raymond Cattell, Hans Eysenck and the Big
Five vary in their approach and methods in their attempts to understand personality, yet all share the
belief that personality can be understood and individual's behaviour could be explained and described by
the use of types and traits. The trait and type personality psychologists used three methods in identifying
important traits and types; the lexical approach, meaning the more important a word is the more often it
will appear in language,

Most researchers agree with Eysencks classification and definition of dimension (1)
Introversion/Extroversion and dimension (4)Neuroticism/Emotionality. Dimension (2) Agreeableness, as
classified by Norman, Borgatta, Digman, Costa and McCrae, is generally supported {M, 1990 #31,
(Digman, 1990). Dimension (3) Conscientiousness as classified by Norman, Goldberg and McCrae is also
a generally accepted classification. Dimension (5) has been classified as Intellect by Digman and
Takemoto-Chock, Goldberg, intelligence by Borgatta and Openness to experience by Costa and McCrae
and this dimensions classification is the most controversial of the five factors(Digman, 1990).

Central traits describe the characteristics of a person which are noticeable in the person's interactions in
their daily life and have less influence or control over an individual's behavior than a cardinal trait. Central
traits control behaviour in different situations, however the control is not generalised in all aspects of a
person's life (Liebert&Spiegler, 1990; Monte, 1999; Pervin&John, 2001)

Cattell labeled traits that describe behaviour, are easily observable and have origin in source traits source
as surface traits. Cattell believed that; some source traits are hereditary and others are acquired through
learning/experiences, that one source trait can influences a number of surface traits and surface traits
result form the interactions of source traits (Liebert&Spiegler, 1990). He also believed each individual has
unique traits and common source traits, which have varying degrees of influence. Cattell distinguished
between ability, temperamental traits and dynamic traits, the most significant aspects personality. He
defined ability traits as skills that enable individuals to function effectively, temperamental skills as relating
to emotional functioning and dynamic traits as skills related to motivation {Phares, 1997}.