Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Psychology

Chapter

Self and Personality

Question:

Allport's theory of personality includes-

Options:

Factor, source, surface traits

Cardinal, central, secondary traits

Neuroticism, extraversion, introversion dimensions

Endomorphic, mesomorphic, ectomorphic typology

Correct Answer:

Cardinal, central, secondary traits

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) → Cardinal, central, secondary traits

Allport categorised traits into cardinal, central, and secondary. Cardinal traits are highly generalised dispositions. They indicate the goal around which a person’s entire life seems to revolve. Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence and Hitler’s Nazism are examples of cardinal traits. Such traits often get associated with the name of the person so strongly that they derive such identities as the ‘Gandhian’ or ‘Hitlerian’ trait. Less pervasive in effect, but still quite generalised dispositions, are called central traits. These traits (e.g., warm, sincere, diligent, etc.) are often used in writing a testimonial or job recommendation for a person. The least generalised characteristics of a person are called secondary traits. Traits such as ‘likes mangoes’ or ‘prefers ethnic clothes’ are examples of secondary traits.