Personality Traits and
Theories
Theories
A trait that is so obvious that it almost defines you
A cardinal trait
Refusing to accept the reality of something.
Denial
Someone who is outgoing and sociable would be described as this according to the MDTI.
A extrovert
The most popular intelligence test gives you an intelligence quotient score, also called this:
IQ Score
What is my favorite movie franchise?
Jurassic Park
This theory sorts our skills, knowledge, and intelligence into specific strengths, like interpersonal or kinesthetic.
Gardner's Multiple Intelligences (Multiple Intelligences)
The process of justifying or making excuses for behaviors, thoughts, or feelings that are uncomfortable or socially unacceptable.
Rationalization
Viewing yourself favorably due to positive feedback and interactions
Positive regard
This test sorts you into personality categories with four-letter acronyms.
Myers-Briggs
Which brand has the slogan "What's in your wallet?"
Capital One
This theory assigned certain traits to you depending on whether you were a sibling or an only child.
Adler's Birth Order Theory
The defense mechanism where a person attributes their own undesirable feelings, thoughts, or impulses onto someone else.
Projection
The humanist term for realizing one’s unique potential
Self-actualization
A type of test where answers are forced-choice, rather than free response.
Objective test
What is the only know type of fish that blinks with both of its eyes?
The shark
Which theory explores the impact of the unconscious on personality?
Psychoanalytic
Redirecting emotions or impulses from the original object or person that caused the distress to a less threatening or safer target.
Displacement
In psychoanalysis, it is part of the unconscious mind that contains drives, instincts, and repressed material
The id
A test that helps reveal talents, skills, and career options.
An interest inventory
Who is my celebrity crush?
Henry Cavill
The aspects of your personality that can be easily seen by other people
Surface traits
When a person behaves in a way that is the opposite of their true feelings or desires.
Reaction formation
Occurs when a person thinks vague personality descriptions apply specifically to them and not others
The Barnum/Forer Effect
A cumulative test that measures how much you've learned in a given area.
An achievement test
In which state is the oldest city in the United States?
St. Augustine, FL