A central principle of the trait perspective to personality is that:
A) an individual's personality traits change from day to day.
B) no two individuals share the same traits.
C) individuals can be understood based on how well specific traits describe them.
D) the idiographic approach is the only correct way to study personality.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The trait perspective focuses on identifying and describing the specific traits that make up an individual's unique personality. The belief is that by understanding these traits, we can gain insight into how an individual is likely to behave in different situations. Therefore, individuals can be understood based on how well specific traits describe them. Options A and B are incorrect as they suggest either inconsistency or total uniqueness in individuals' personalities, which is not supported by the trait perspective. Option D is also incorrect as the trait perspective supports both the idiographic and nomothetic approaches to studying personality.

A Central Principle of the Trait Perspective to Personality Is