PSY305 – Theories of Personality
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Factor Analysis
PSY305 – Theories of Personality
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Factor Analysis of Traits
Due Date: 11:59 p.m. EST, Sunday of Unit 4
Points: 100
Overview:
In this exercise, you will perform a non-mathematical factor analysis of people’s personality traits. This is a simulation of what scientists do (with computers, numbers, and math) to come up with a bunch of traits that do not correlate with one another. Factor analysis is how psychologists came up with the “big five” of traits.
The traits should be “enduring characteristics that describe” that person and while a person does not need to always display that trait, the trait applies to him/her most of the time. For example, you may have the trait of extraversion, but don’t act like an extrovert all of the time.
Instructions:
For this assignment, you will:
Download and use the form entitled “trait worksheet” for this exercise.
Choose seven people you know and write five traits that describe their personalities.
Cut out the traits into little cards.
You will have a total of 35 cards.
Some traits will be duplicated so you will have about 10-15 different cards.
Combine the cards into categories.
For example, “friendly” and “outgoing” are similar, can be grouped together, and if you had 15 different traits in the first part, you now have 14 traits.
Continue this exercise until you can’t combine the traits anymore.
How many piles of traits do you have? Come up with a name for each pile.
For example, if you had a pile with “friendly” “outgoing” and “gregarious” you might call this pile “friendly” or “social.” There is no one correct name; however, it should describe all traits in the pile.
Write a few paragraphs describing the traits.
Compare the traits you had at the beginning and how they changed by grouping them into categories.
Explain the piles you created and how you named them.
Give an opinion about how accurate this method is at coming up with a list of traits you chose. What do you think might make it more accurate?
Requirements:
Incorporate all ideas into your own words.
Complete your work in a Microsoft Word document.
Be sure to read the criteria by which your work will be evaluated before you write and again after you write.
Evaluation Rubric for Factor Analysis of Traits Assignment
CRITERIA
Deficient
Development Needed
Proficient
Exemplary
0-14 points 15-19 points 20-22 points 23-25 points
Comparison of traits from beginning to grouping
Comparison of traits is minimally or not addressed. Comparison of traits is somewhat addressed. Comparison of traits is mostly addressed. Comparison of traits is thoroughly addressed.
0-14 points 15-19 points 20-22 points 23-25 points
Explanation of piles and reason for naming
Explanation and reason for naming is minimally or not addressed. Explanation and reason for naming is somewhat addressed. Explanation and reason for naming is mostly addressed. Explanation and reason for naming is thoroughly addressed.
0-14 points 15-19 points 20-22 points 23-25 points
Opinion of accuracy of method in coming up with list of traits
Opinion is lacking in demonstrating critical thinking. Opinion somewhat demonstrates critical thinking. Opinion is adequate in demonstrating critical thinking. Opinion is insightful and demonstrates critical thinking.
0-8 points 9-11 points 12-13 points 14-15 points
Structure and Flow
Flow is poor. Paragraphing is inappropriate. Transitions are minimal or absent. Significant redundancy is evident. Flow is adequate. Paragraphs may be too long or too short. Transitions are minimal, and redundancy is evident. Flow is good. Paragraphing is mostly appropriate. Transitions are present, and redundancies are minimal. Flow is excellent. Paragraphing is clear, and transitions are smooth and consistent. Inappropriate redundancies are absent.
0-5 points 6-7 points 8 points 9-10 points
Grammar and Spelling
Errors impede professional presentation; guidelines not followed. Numerous errors somewhat interfere with professional presentation. Few errors that do not impede professional presentation. Writing and format are clear, professional, and error-free.
