Aspect Eysenck's Theory Cattell's Theory

Focus Emphasized the biological basis of personality. Centered on a trait-based theory of personality.

Three primary dimensions: Psychoticism, 16 primary factors (source traits) derived through
Structure Extraversion, Neuroticism. factor analysis.

Stressed the enduring stability of traits over Highlighted the consistent and enduring nature of
Trait Stability time. personality traits.

Strong emphasis on genetic impact on

personality traits, particularly extraversion and Acknowledged the influence of genetics but placed
Genetic Influence neuroticism. less emphasis on biological underpinnings.

Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) was Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF)
Assessment Tools developed to measure traits. designed to assess 16 primary factors.

Hierarchical structure with three higher-order Hierarchical arrangement with 16 primary factors
Hierarchical Models traits and lower-level facets. and nested sub-factors.

Cross-Cultural Aimed for cross-cultural applicability of identified

Applicability Propounded universal dimensions of personality. traits and factors.

Influential in the realms of research and clinical Significant impact in various areas of psychology,
Impact on Psychology psychology. education, and personnel selection.

Eysenck integrated a robust biological basis,

highlighting the significant influence of genetic Cattell acknowledged genetic impact but didn't
Biological factors, especially in extraversion and emphasize biological underpinnings as
Foundations neuroticism. prominently as Eysenck.

Cattell's theory consisted of 16 primary factors,

Eysenck originally focused on three dimensions, allowing for a more detailed breakdown of
Structural Variance later refining into two higher-order factors. personality traits.

Approaches in Factor Eysenck used factor analysis to identify broader Cattell employed factor analysis extensively to
Analysis dimensions influenced by genetics. derive specific primary factors in his theory.

Divergence in Eysenck's model converged into two higher-

Primary Factor order factors, whereas Cattell's theory featured Eysenck's focus on broader dimensions contrasted
Numbers 16 primary factors. with Cattell's larger number of primary factors.

Cattell's theory comprised a more intricate

Hierarchical Trait hierarchical arrangement with 16 primary Eysenck's model evolved into highlighting two
Arrangement factors and multiple sub-factors. higher-order factors governing lower-level traits.

Integration of Eysenck associated his dimensions with Cattell's theory did not explicitly address
Personality with psychopathology, linking neuroticism to personality dimensions within the context of
Aspect Eysenck's Theory Cattell's Theory

emotional instability and predisposition to

Psychopathology mental health conditions. psychopathology.

While both aimed for cross-cultural applicability, Cattell's 16PF theory also aimed for cross-cultural
Cross-Cultural Eysenck's later emphasis on biological factors applicability but focused more on identifying
Implications might not universally apply across cultures. universal personality traits.

Cattell stressed trait stability, proposing that Eysenck recognized stability but also
Perception on Trait personality traits remain relatively consistent acknowledged the potential for change,
Stability throughout an individual's life. particularly in response to life experiences.

Eysenck's model initially focused on three Cattell's approach resulted in a larger number of
Precision in Trait dimensions but later converged into two higher- primary factors, offering a more detailed
Dimensions order factors based on empirical findings. breakdown of personality traits.

Eysenck's model highlighted the predictive Cattell's 16PF theory aimed for a comprehensive
power of extraversion and neuroticism in description of personality without specific
Predictive Value of understanding behavior, especially concerning emphasis on predicting behavior based on primary
Traits biological predispositions. factors.

Development of Cattell's theory led to the creation of the widely Cattell's focus was on measuring specific traits,
Assessment used 16PF Questionnaire, while Eysenck devised while Eysenck's assessment tools aimed at
Instruments the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). capturing broader dimensions.

Aspect Eysenck's Three-Dimension Model McCrae and Costa's Five Factor Model (Big Five)
Number of Three major dimensions: Psychoticism, Five primary factors: Openness, Conscientiousness,
Factors Extraversion, Neuroticism. Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism.
Hierarchical model with three main dimensions Hierarchical model featuring five broad factors and
Structure and lower-level facets. specific traits nested within each factor.
Traits Psychoticism: Aggressiveness, Tough- Openness: Imagination, Creativity;
 Aspect Eysenck's Three-Dimension Model McCrae and Costa's Five Factor Model (Big Five)
Conscientiousness: Organization, Industriousness;
Mindedness; Extraversion: Sociability, Extraversion: Assertiveness, Sociability;
Assertiveness; Neuroticism: Emotional Agreeableness: Altruism, Cooperation;
Represented Stability/Instability. Neuroticism: Emotional Stability/Instability.
Emphasized genetic impact, particularly in Acknowledged genetic influence on personality traits
Genetic Influence extraversion and neuroticism. within the Big Five framework.
Cross-Cultural Originally proposed universal dimensions of The Big Five has been extensively studied for cross-
Applicability personality. cultural applicability and universality.
Stability Over Stressed the enduring stability of traits over The Big Five traits have shown stability across
Time time. different life stages and over time.
Hierarchical A hierarchical structure with three higher-order Features a hierarchical arrangement with five broad
Arrangement traits and lower-level facets. factors and nested specific traits.
Extensively utilized in various fields including
Practical Widely used in research and clinical psychology, psychology, personality assessment, and social
Applications though not as prevalent as the Big Five. sciences.
Eysenck's model was influential but has seen
Historical less widespread adoption compared to the Big McCrae and Costa's Big Five model has become a
Significance Five. dominant paradigm in personality psychology.
Factor Developed through factor analysis of personality
Development Derived through factor analysis and theoretical traits and lexical studies across languages and
Process considerations. cultures.
Represented Trait Focuses on key aspects of personality linked to Broadly represents major domains of personality
Domains psychopathology and behavioral tendencies. encompassing various traits and behaviors.
Complexity of Initially focused on three major dimensions but Features five broad factors, offering a more
Traits later refined into two higher-order factors. comprehensive breakdown of personality traits.
Practical Utility Has been employed in personality assessment The Big Five has inspired numerous assessment tools
and Assessment tools such as the Eysenck Personality Inventory like the NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI) and Big
Tools (EPI). Five Inventory (BFI).
The Big Five has implications for various life
Psychological Linked dimensions to behavioral dispositions outcomes, including social, occupational, and health-
Implications and psychiatric conditions. related aspects.
Degree of Eysenck's dimensions might have less cross- The Big Five traits have demonstrated some degree
Universality cultural applicability compared to the Big Five. of universality across diverse cultures.
Widely employed in diverse research areas like
Research Used in studies examining behavioral personality psychology, social sciences, and health-
Applications tendencies and psychological disorders. related studies.

Costa and McCrae's Trait Theory

Aspect Cattell's Trait Theory Eysenck's Trait Theory (Big Five)
Number of Cattell proposed 16 primary Eysenck initially posited three Costa and McCrae proposed five
 Costa and McCrae's Trait Theory
Aspect Cattell's Trait Theory Eysenck's Trait Theory (Big Five)
primary factors known as the Big
Five: Openness, Conscientiousness,
factors derived through factor major dimensions: Psychoticism, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and
analysis. These factors Extraversion, and Neuroticism. Neuroticism, representing broad
encompassed specific Later, he refined his model to two domains of personality traits like
personality traits such as higher-order factors: Extraversion creativity, organization,
warmth, reasoning, anxiety, and and Neuroticism, emphasizing assertiveness, altruism, and
Factors more. genetic influence on these traits. emotional stability.
Costa and McCrae's Big Five model
Cattell's theory consisted of a Eysenck's model initially embraced adopted a hierarchical arrangement
hierarchical model with 16 a hierarchical structure with three with five broad factors and specific
primary factors and sub-factors, major dimensions and later traits nested within each factor,
offering a detailed and evolved into two higher-order providing a comprehensive yet
multifaceted view of personality factors, aiming to simplify and parsimonious representation of
Structure traits. refine the trait structure. personality dimensions.
Costa and McCrae's Big Five traits
represented broader domains of
personality, encompassing
Openness (imagination, creativity),
Conscientiousness (organization,
Cattell's 16 factors encompassed Eysenck's dimensions represented industriousness), Extraversion
specific traits linked to each traits related to Psychoticism, (assertiveness, sociability),
factor, providing a nuanced Extraversion, and Neuroticism, Agreeableness (altruism,
understanding of individual incorporating aspects like cooperation), and Neuroticism
differences across various aggressiveness, sociability, and (emotional stability/instability),
aspects of personality, such as emotional stability, focusing on providing a comprehensive
Traits temperament, intelligence, and the biological underpinnings of framework for understanding major
Represented motivation. these traits. personality traits.
Eysenck strongly emphasized the Costa and McCrae recognized the
Cattell acknowledged genetic genetic impact on certain traits, role of genetics in shaping
influence on personality traits particularly extraversion and personality traits within the Big Five
but did not emphasize neuroticism, highlighting the framework, acknowledging genetic
Genetic biological underpinnings as biological basis of personality influences on traits like extraversion,
Influence prominently as Eysenck. dimensions. conscientiousness, and neuroticism.
Eysenck's initial model suggested The Big Five traits have been
Cattell aimed for cross-cultural universal dimensions but might extensively studied for their cross-
applicability of identified traits, not have been as extensively cultural applicability and
Cross-Cultural proposing universal dimensions studied for cross-cultural universality, demonstrating
Applicability of personality across cultures. applicability as the Big Five. consistency across various cultures.
Stability Over Cattell proposed enduring Eysenck stressed the enduring The Big Five traits have
Time stability of traits over time, stability of traits, particularly demonstrated stability across
emphasizing consistency in extraversion and neuroticism, but different life stages and over time,
personality factors throughout also acknowledged the potential contributing to the understanding
 Costa and McCrae's Trait Theory
Aspect Cattell's Trait Theory Eysenck's Trait Theory (Big Five)
for change in response to life of personality development and
an individual's life. experiences. continuity.
Costa and McCrae's Big Five model
Cattell's theory featured a Eysenck's model initially had a adopted a hierarchical arrangement
complex hierarchical structure hierarchical structure with three with five broad factors and specific
with multiple primary factors higher-order traits and lower-level traits nested within each factor,
and sub-factors, offering a facets, later simplified into two aiming for a balanced yet
Hierarchical detailed breakdown of higher-order factors to streamline comprehensive representation of
Arrangement personality traits. the trait organization. personality traits.
Cattell's theory led to the The Big Five model has been
development of the widely used extensively utilized in various fields,
16PF Questionnaire, employed including psychology, personality
in personality assessment and Eysenck's dimensions found assessment, social sciences, and
research. applications in research and health-related studies, influencing
Practical clinical psychology, though not as research and practical applications
Applications prevalent as the Big Five. significantly.
Cattell's theory focused on The Big Five has implications for
understanding specific Eysenck linked dimensions to various life outcomes, including
behavioral tendencies and behavioral dispositions and social, occupational, and health-
individual differences across a psychiatric conditions, related aspects, providing insights
Psychological broad spectrum of personality emphasizing the biological basis into an individual's behavioral
Implications traits. of certain personality traits. tendencies and predispositions.
Eysenck's dimensions were The Big Five traits have been widely
Cattell's theory was utilized in employed in studies examining employed in diverse research areas,
studies examining various behavioral tendencies and including personality psychology,
personality traits and behaviors, psychological disorders, though social sciences, health-related
contributing to the not as extensively as the Big Five. studies, and beyond, influencing a
Research understanding of individual broad spectrum of research
Applications differences. endeavors.

Psychoanalytical Behavioristic
Humanistic (Rogers (Freud, Jung, (Skinner & Cognitive Genetics (Allport, Cattell,
Aspect & Maslow) Adler, Erikson) Bandura) (George Kelly) Eysenck, McCrae & Costa)
Self-actualization, Unconscious Observable Perception,
personal growth, processes, dreams, behavior, interpretation, Personality traits, genetic
empathy, self- early childhood conditioning, personal predispositions,
Focus concept experiences reinforcement constructs temperament, heritability
Focuses on
Emphasizes personal unconscious drives External Cognitive
growth and shaped by both environment's processes Interaction between
Nature vs environment's role in innate factors and influence on influenced by both genetic predispositions and
Nurture fostering it experiences behavior nature and nurture environmental factors
 Psychoanalytical Behavioristic
Humanistic (Rogers (Freud, Jung, (Skinner & Cognitive Genetics (Allport, Cattell,
Aspect & Maslow) Adler, Erikson) Bandura) (George Kelly) Eysenck, McCrae & Costa)
Focuses on early
childhood
Views development experiences and Behavior shaped Personal constructs Genetic factors and
as a continuous unconscious by environmental evolve over time environmental influences
Developmental process, striving for conflicts shaping stimuli, rewards, through contribute to personality
Theory self-actualization personality and punishments experiences development

Sigmund Freud, Carl Gordon Allport, Raymond

Carl Rogers & Jung, Alfred Adler, B.F. Skinner & Cattell, Hans Eysenck,
Key Theorists Abraham Maslow Erik Erikson Albert Bandura George Kelly Robert McCrae, Paul Costa
Observable
behavior,
Emphasizes the self, Focuses on the id, responses to Personal constructs
Personality self-concept, and ego, superego, stimuli, and cognitive Traits, temperament, and
Structure self-actualization unconscious mind reinforcement processes characteristic adaptations
Personal
Unconscious drives, constructs,
Self-actualization, ego defense Conditioning, cognitive
unconditional mechanisms, operant behavior, processes, Traits, heritability, genetic
positive regard, collective observational individual predispositions, Big Five
Key Concepts hierarchy of needs unconscious learning interpretation traits
Client-centered Behavior Cognitive
therapy, empathy, Psychoanalysis, modification, restructuring, Psychometric assessment,
Therapeutic unconditional dream analysis, free reinforcement, exploring personal trait theory, genetic
Approach positive regard association modeling constructs studies, personality traits
Focuses on Cognitive
subjective Interpretation of Experimental, assessment, Psychometric tests,
experiences, dreams, free observational, and exploration of behavioral genetics, twin
qualitative association, case conditioning personal studies, longitudinal
Methodology approaches studies studies constructs research
Lack of empirical Complexity of
Lacks empirical evidence, overly Oversimplification cognitive
evidence, subjective focused on sexual of behavior, limited processes, Reductionist approach,
Critiques and nature of self- and aggressive focus on internal subjective limited focus on
Limitations concept drives mental processes interpretation environmental influences
Aspect of Comparison Cattell's Theory Allport's Theory

Primarily on traits and factors influencing Centered on the study of traits and the uniqueness of
Focus of Study behavior. individuals.

Allport: Classified traits into cardinal, central, and

Cattell: Distinguished between surface and
source traits. Surface traits are observable
characteristics, while source traits are underlying
factors that drive behavior. They are measurable
Definition of Traits and serve as the building blocks of personality.
secondary traits. Cardinal traits are dominant and
define an individual's personality, while central traits
form the core characteristics. Secondary traits are
more situational and less impactful on behavior.
Emphasized uniqueness and individualistic aspects.

Proposed three levels of traits, rather than a specific

Identified 16 primary factors known as the 16 number, comprising cardinal, central, and secondary
Number of Traits Personality Factors (16PF). traits.

Cattell: Developed a hierarchical model with Allport: Organized traits into levels but emphasized
global traits at the top and specific traits below. their uniqueness and individual relevance, rather
Trait Structure These traits were interconnected. than a hierarchical structure.

Allport: Recognized the role of both hereditary and

Cattell: Believed traits were influenced by innate, environmental factors in shaping traits. Emphasized
Source of Traits genetic factors. the interaction between genetics and environment.

Relied on case studies, idiographic approach, and

Used factor analysis and objective tests to subjective judgments to assess traits and personality
Measurement measure and identify traits. characteristics.

Emphasized the uniqueness of individuals, their

Universal vs. Unique Emphasized universal traits across individuals personal experiences, and how they shape their
Traits based on factor analysis and statistical methods. personalities.

Allport: Emphasized growth and development

Cattell: Believed in the stability of traits over throughout life, acknowledging that traits could
Personality time, suggesting consistency in behavior across change over time due to experiences and
Development situations. interactions.

Allport: Acknowledged the role of both hereditary

and environmental factors, highlighting the
Cattell: Less emphasis on environmental interaction between traits and the environment in
Role of Environment influences, focusing more on inherent traits. shaping personality.

Allport's theory has been utilized in individual case

Cattell's theory has been applied to predictive studies, counseling, and understanding personal
Application assessment, especially in selection processes. uniqueness.

Criticism Criticized for overemphasis on traits and Criticized for the lack of empirical evidence for some
Aspect of Comparison Cattell's Theory Allport's Theory

neglecting the influence of situations on concepts and for being more descriptive than
behavior. explanatory in understanding personality.