
Trait theory
Trait theory is a psychological framework that focuses on identifying and measuring individual characteristics, known as traits, that influence behavior and personality. It suggests that people have consistent patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, which can be quantified and categorized. Commonly studied traits include openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. By assessing these traits, psychologists aim to understand personality differences and predict how individuals may react in various situations. This approach helps create a clearer picture of human behavior while recognizing that personality is a combination of both inherent traits and environmental influences.