Question

Who is NOT associated with the trait approach of personality?

• A. Costa and McCrae
• B. Allport
• C. Sheldon
• D. Cattell

Hint:

Remember the key difference: Trait theories put you on a continuum (e.g., you are more or less extraverted). Type theories put you in a box (e.g., you are an endomorph). Sheldon's body types are distinct boxes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The trait approach to personality identifies and measures stable, consistent individual characteristics (traits). The type approach, in contrast, classifies people into distinct, discrete categories (types). The question asks to identify the theorist who does not belong to the trait approach.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's review the theorists listed:

Costa and McCrae: They are modern trait theorists famous for developing the "Big Five" or Five-Factor Model of personality (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism).
Allport: Gordon Allport is considered a pioneer of the trait approach, distinguishing between cardinal, central, and secondary traits.
Sheldon: William Sheldon is known for his constitutional theory of personality, which is a type theory. He categorized people into three body types (somatotypes): endomorph, mesomorph, and ectomorph, and linked these types to specific personality characteristics.
Cattell: Raymond Cattell was a prominent trait theorist who used factor analysis to identify 16 primary source traits of personality (the 16PF).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Costa and McCrae, Allport, and Cattell are all key figures in the trait approach. Sheldon is associated with the type approach. Therefore, Sheldon is the correct answer.