Trait Approach Reaction Paper - Personal Statement Example

Trait approach Trait is a reliable pattern in the way individuals’ reason, feel or act. A group of traits makes up complete personality. Trait approach is a major theory used in the study of characteristics of a person. In this perspective, human traits are comparatively stable, influence behavior and vary across individuals (McCrae et al. 27). Limitless number of possible traits defines personality. Various statistical techniques suggest that, certain groups of traits consistently associate together.

Five- factor model is an approach employed to describe human personality.Five- factor model recognizes five elementary traits which are molded by early learning and genetics. This strong and robust model is useful in understanding human behaviors. The five factors include, Agreeableness, openness, Neuroticism, Extraversion and Conscientiousness (McCrae et al. 130). Below each factor, groups of interconnected definite traits are found. The model was developed through extensive, comprehensive and empirical research.

However, while a person may score high on evaluation of a particular trait, he or she might not continually behave in a similar manner in every situation. Nevertheless, for more reliable outcomes, these factors are intended to be uncorrelated. Five -factor model elements have some positive correlations which attract criticisms (McCrae et al. 47).Additionally, being extensive and comprehensive makes them less powerful in forecasting and explaining specific behaviors. Study confirms that, the more precise the method in predicting concrete behavior, the more effective it is.

Many- trait approach looks at numerous traits at a time. Trait which correlates with particular behavior is determined. For instance, aggression and disobedient in childhood can be linked to drug abuse in adulthood. Single trait approach involves looking thoroughly at single trait. The origin, consequences and nature is investigated (McCrae et al. 105). Such study may be highly applicable when studying racial prejudice and readiness to follow orders. Essential trait approach narrow down to traits that are most likely to describe and understand people’s behavior.

ConclusionThough people can be described based on their traits, there are debates on the number of basic traits that frame human personality. Trait approach does not explain how individual differences emerge. Trait approach may not consistently predict human behavior. At the same time, integrated trait approaches are essential in predicting human behavior.Work citedMcCrae, Robert R, and IU Allik. The Five-Factor Model of Personality Across Cultures. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 2002. Print.