Theories of Personality-II

UNIT 3 HANS EYSENCK: A TRAIT-TYPE

THEORY OF PERSONALITY

Structure
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Objectives
3.2 Type Theory of Personality
3.3 Sheldon’s Somatotype Personality
3.4 Ayurvedic Body Types (Doshas)
3.5 Jungian Personality Types
3.6 Type A and Type B Personalities
3.7 Block’s Personality Types
3.7.1 Strengths and Limitations of Personality Types
3.8 Eysenck’s Trait Type Theory
3.8.1 Hierarchical Taxonomy
3.8.2 Three Dimensions of Personality
3.8.3 Causal Aspects
3.9 Neurophysiological basis of Traits and Types
3.9.1 Extraversion and Cortical Arousal
3.9.2 Neuroticism and Visceral Activation
3.9.3 Psychoticism and Gonadal Hormones
3.10 Basic Personality Types
3.11 Measurement of Personality
3.11.1 Differences between Introverts and Extraverts
3.12 Let Us Sum Up
3.13 Unit End Questions
3.14 Glossary
3.15 Suggested Readings and References

3.0 INTRODUCTION
The type theories are slightly different from the trait theories. While type theories
are discontinuous the trait theories are in a continuum. According to Eysenck the
goal of psychology is to predict behaviour. In this Eysenck concurs with the
view of Cattell who also believed that the goal of psychology is to predict
behaviour. Eysenck’s approach is more theoretically anchored than is Cattell’s.
He suggests that not more than three supertraits (which he calls types) are needed
to account for most of human behaviour (Cattell accounts to at least 16 traits or
factors of personality). Eysenck places far more importance on genetic factors in
personality development than does Cattell, but he also does not completely ignore
the environmental or situational influences on personality. The present unit delves
deep into the Eysenck’s theory of personality. It provides definition, description
and the dynamics of the theory.

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 Hans Eysenck: A Trait-
3.1 OBJECTIVES Type Theory of Personality

After reading this unit, you will be able to:

• Define personality types;
• Differentiate between type and trait theories;
• Explain Eysenck’s theory of personality; and
• List out the applications of this theory.

3.2 TYPE THEORY OF PERSONALITY

Personality type theory aims to classify people into distinct categories , that is
this type or that. Personality types are synonymous with “personality styles”.

Types refer to categories that are distinct and discontinuous. For example, a
person may be humorous or drab type. That is the person is either this type or
that type. This is important to understand, because here it is either or of a type.
There is a discontinuity between the types. The person is humourous or not. On
the other hand in the trait theory the traits are ciontinuous in that the trait concerned
can be placed in a continuum and can coexist with other traits also. This distinction
between type and trait theory is to be kept in mind.

One example of the difference between types and traits, could be considered in
terms of the introversion factor. Introversion can be viewed in the personality
trait approach as:
• That one can be anywhere on a continuum ranging from introversion to
extraversion, with most people clustering in the middle, and fewer people
towards the extremes.
• In the case of introversion as a type, the person can be either an introvert or
an extravert.
Some of the well known and popular theories of personality type include the
following:
1) The four humours based personality types
2) Sheldon’s personality types
3) Ayurvedic body types
4) Jungian types based on temperament
5) Type A and Type B personalities
6) J.Block’s three personality types.
The above types are being considered below in greater detail.
The Four Humors based personality types
The ancient Greeks between 2000 BC to 0 AD, classified four types of humors
in people based on the excess of one of the bodily fluids. Some of the names
associated with this view are that of Hippocrates, Galen etc. Each of the humors
corresponded to the individual’s character. These are presented in the table below:

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Theories of Personality-II Table: Types of Character as related to humor and fluids of the body
Character Humour Fluid Corresponding trait in the Big 5
Irritable Choleric Yellow bile Agreeableness
Depressed Melancholic Black bile Neuroticism
Optimistic Sanguine Blood Openness to experience
Calm Phlegmatic Phlegm Neuroticism
From the above it is seen that persons with choleric humor and dominance of
yellow bile witll have an irritable personality. The person with black bile will be
melancholic in humor and the personality associated with this is one depressed
personality. Thus humors and bodily fluids made up the type of personality an
individual has.

3.3 SHELDON’S SOMATOTYPE PERSONALITY

William Sheldon identified three main types of personality called as somatotype
in which he called three types of personality viz., endomorph, ectomorph and
mesomorph. Endomorph is also referred to as viscerotonic and refers to a relaxed
character, sociable, tolerant, comfort loving, and peaceful. Such person’s body
build is plump and buxom. The mesomorph type of personality is generally an
active type, assertive, vigorous and combative and their body is muscular. The
ectomorph is a quiet type, fragile, restrained , non assertive , sensitive with a
body that of lean, delicate and poor muscles. No one person is purely of a particular
type. There is always a combination of the personality types. Hence Sheldon
further classified a person’s somatotype and giving a rating of 1 to 7 on each of
the three body types. In this scale 1 indicated very low and 7 indicated very high
and in between there were more or less of the types of personality identified.
To give examples, one could state that a stereotypical basket ball player will be
ectomorph (7), endomorph (1) and mesomorph (1). On the other hand a wrestler
like Mohammed Ali will be endomorph (1), mesomorph (7) and ectomorph (1).
More specifically a common man walking on the street would be for instance a
lanky individual will have ectomorph (5), endomorph (2) and mesomorph (3).
An example of a person of average height who is moderately muscular will be
endomorphic (4), mesomorphic (5) and ectomorphic (3) . An example of a person
with a heavy build, will be ectomorphic (3), mesomorphic (3) and endomorphic (5).
Sheldon measured the proportions of hundreds of juvenile delinquent boys and
concluded that they were generally mesomorphs.
Body types have been criticised for very weak empirical methodology and are
not generally used in psychology. The use of somatotyping is more often seen in
alternative therapies and Eastern psychology and spirituality.
Self Asssessment Questions
1) Discuss the Type theory of personality.
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 Hans Eysenck: A Trait-
2) What are the characteristic features of type theory of personality? How Type Theory of Personality
is it different from trait theory?
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3) Elucidate Sheldon’s somatotype personality.
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4) Give examples of endomorphic, ectomorphic and mesomorphic type
personality.
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3.4 AYURVEDIC BODY TYPES (DOSHAS)

In Ayurvedic medicine there are three main metabolic body types called as ‘doshas’
and these three doshas are ‘Vata’, ‘Pita’ and ‘Kapha’. These are given in the
table below:

Table: Ayurvedic doshas, character and shape.

Ayurvedic Character Shape

Doshas
(Sheldon
Somatotype)

Vata Changeability, unpredictability, Slender with prominent

(Ectomorph) variability in size, shape, mood, features, joints, and veins, with
and action. Moody, enthusiastic, cool, dry skin. Eat and sleep
imaginative, and impulsive. erratically. Prone to anxiety,
Quick to grasp ideas and good at insomnia, premenstrual
initiating things but poor at syndrome (in women) , and
finishing them. Energy fluctuates, constipation.
with jagged peaks and valleys,
Able, tolerant, comfort-loving,
peaceful

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Theories of Personality-II
Ayurvedic Character Shape
Doshas
(Sheldon
Somatotype)

Pita Relatively predictable. Medium build, strength, and

(Mesomorph) quick, articulate, biting intelligence, endurance. Well proportion and
and can be critical or passionate easily maintains a stable weight.
with short, explosive tempers. Often fair haired, red or blond,
Efficient and moderate in daily ruddy complexion.Tends to
habits, eats and sleeps regularly. sweat heavily and are warm and
often thirsty. Prone to acne,
ulcers, hemorrhoids, and
stomach ailments.
Kapha Relaxed. Slow to anger, slow to Solid, heavy, and strong, with
(Endomorph) eat, slow to act. They sleep long a tendency to be overweight,
and heavily. Tends to slow digestion and somewhat
procrastinate and be obstinate. oily hair, and cool, damp, pale
skin. Prone to high cholesterol,
obesity, allergies, and sinus
problems.

Table constructed from information at http://www.newyorkbodyscan.com/

ayurvedic-medicine.html

3.5 JUNGIAN PERSONALITY TYPES (MYERS-

BRIGGS AND THE FOUR TEMPERAMENTS)
Jungian psychological types are probably the most widely used and amongst the
best-known in everyday life. Jung viewed the ultimate psychological task as the
process of individuation, based on the strengths and limitations of the
psychological type.
Myers-Briggs developed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, a commercially
available questionnaire, which is widely used in business, training, etc. This
provides information and exercises for better understanding of one’s own
personality type and that of others with whom the individual interacts and works.
Underlying all these typologies are four personality functions:
Extroversion (E) — Introversion (I)
Do you recharge your energy via external contact and activity (Extroversion) or
spending time in your inner space (Introversion)?

Intuition (N) — Sensing (S)

Do you rely on your inner voice (Intuition) or observation (Sensing)?

Thinking (T) — Feeling (F)

When making decisions, what do you rely most on? Your thoughts or your
feelings?
Judgement (J) — Perception (P)
Do you tend to set schedules and organise your life (Judgement), or do you tend
36 to leave the options open and see what happens (Perception)?
Using the letters above, it is possible to have a unique 4 letter code to indicate Hans Eysenck: A Trait-
Type Theory of Personality
each of the 16 Jungian personality types, e.g., I am an INTJ. (Introvertive, Intuitive,
Thinking and Judging type of personality.)

Keirsey has renamed and reconceptualised the Jungian types, but they relate
very closely to the Jungian types. Keirsey refers to “temperaments” rather than
personality.

3.6 TYPE A AND TYPE B PERSONALITIES

Meyer Friedman, gave this term. He was a cardiologist and his patients were
made to wait in a sitting room where he had put some sofas. He found that
interestingly the patients who were very tense and impatient sat at the edge of
the sofas and these areas had become worn out. He hypothesised that his patients
were driven, impatient people, who sat on the edge of their seats when waiting.
He labelled these people “Type A” personalities. Type A personalities are
workaholics, always busy, driven, somewhat impatient, and so on. Type B
personalities, on the other hand are laid back and easy going. This tetrm is used
quite often in both scientific research and in common parlance.
Self Assessment Questions
1) What are the different Ayurvedic type personality?
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2) How will you compare this with Sheldon’s somatotype?
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3) What are Jungian personality types?
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4) Explain Myer Briggs 16 personality types.
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Theories of Personality-II
3.7 BLOCK’S PERSONALITY TYPES
J. Block (1971) identified 3 personality types based on his work with adolescent
boys. The three types were, for instance
i) Well-adjusted or Resilient person: adaptable, flexible, resourceful,
interpersonally successful.
ii) Overcontrolling: this is a maladjusted type, uptight, and difficult to deal
with person.
iii) Undercontrolled: another maladjusted type, impulsive, risky, delinquent or
even criminal behaviour; unsafe sex etc.
While type theories of personality remained popular for a period of time, these
theories were criticized as being too simple and that which did not take into
consideration the multidimensional aspects and the continuous nature of the
personality traits. Despite criticisms against type theories of personality, there
are yet certain strengths in these types of personality theories even though
considerable weaknesses have been identified.

3.7.1 Strengths and Limitations of Personality Types

Type theory in general has been criticised as over simplistic because it overlooks
the multi dimensional and continuous nature of personality traits.

Individual differences may be qualitative but not quantitative. In other words,

there may be a difference in the qualities of personality traits that people possess
rather than how much of a trait that one possesses. So measurement of these
aspects in quantitative terms is rather difficult.

A key strength of the personality type approach, is its simple applicability and
person centered relevance. For example one may be able to complete personality
type profiles for helping improve how people get along in relationships and at
work.

Self Assessment Questions

1) What are Type A and Type B personality types?
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2) What were the three personality types put forward by J.Block?
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 Hans Eysenck: A Trait-
3.8 EYSENCK’S TRAIT-TYPE THEORY Type Theory of Personality

Eysenck, Hans Jurgen 1916-97, was a British psychologist. He was known for
his theory of human personality. He suggested that personality is biologically
determined and is arranged in a hierarchy consisting of types, traits, habitual
responses, and specific responses. Eysenck did not believe in Freudian
psychoanalysis as he considered it rather unscientific.

1.8.1 Hierarchical Taxonomy

According to Eysenck Personality can be studied from either temperamental or
cognitive aspects, or both He focussed on the temperament aspect of personality
in his PEN model. For better understanding of the PEN model, therefore, the
study should begin with its description or taxonomy of personality or
temperament.
As Eysenck (1991) states, “In any science, taxonomy precedes causal analysis”
(p. 774). In the course of taxonomy (classification) , any organisms can be
organised into groups based on characters and their relationships. Eysenck
describes in plain terms how taxonomy in the study of personality can be achieved
using the correlational technique called factor analysis:
In the case of personality study the organisms concerned are human beings, the
characters are traits, measured by experiment, by rating, by self-rating, or in
some other way. Traits can be correlated over subjects, or subjects over traits,
giving us groups of people showing similarity over traits, or groups of traits,
cohering as factors over people. We can then look at the traits (or people) having
the highest factor loadings in order to better identify the trait clusters. (Eysenck,
1991, p. 775)
Individual differences in personality or temperament are analysed in terms of
traits, which can be defined as theoretical constructs based on “covariation of a
number of behavioural acts” (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1985, p. 12). However,
Eysenck (1991) further supposes that traits themselves intercorrelate and make
up higher-order factors or superfactors, which Eysenck calls “types.”
As a result, the PEN (Psychoticism Extraversion and Neuroticism) model
proposes a hierarchical classification of personality containing four levels.
At the very bottom level of the hierarchy are behaviours such as talking with a
friend on a single occasion.
At the second level are habits such as talking with friends on multiple occasions,
which are comprised of recurring behaviours.
The third level of the hierarchy is that of traits or factors such as sociability,
which are comprised of intercorrelated sets of habits.
At the top of the hierarchy are superfactors or dimensions of personality such as
extraversion, which are intercorrelated sets of traits or factors.
Eysenck suggests three such superfactors: extraversion (E), neuroticism (N), and
psychoticism (P). These three superfactors or dimensions of personality are
orthogonal to each other, which means that they do not correlate with each other
(Eysenck & Eysenck, 1985).
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Theories of Personality-II The PEN model is based on the principle of “aggregation,” in which measures
will have higher reliability if they are comprised of many items (Eysenck, 1990).
That is, each superfactor in the PEN model is comprised of many different factors,
habits, and behaviours, and thus reliability of measurement is increased.
The superfactors of extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism at the top level
of the hierarchy are stable, whereas behaviours such as talking with a friend on a
single occasion at the bottom of the hierarchy are changeable across time and
situation. In this respect, the distinction between levels is very important for the
analysis of personality in the PEN model.

3.8.2 Three Dimensions of Personality

Eysenck strongly advocates that there are only three major dimensions or
superfactors in the description of personality: extraversion-introversion; emotional
stability versus instability, or neuroticism; and psychoticism versus impulse
control (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1985).
In the PEN model, these dimensions or superfactors are based on “constitutional,
genetic, or inborn factors, which are to be discovered in the physiological,
neurological, and biochemical structure of the individual” (Eysenck & Eysenck,
1985, pp. 42-43).
Each person does not necessarily have either 100 percent or zero percent of
extraversion, neuroticism, or psychoticism. An individual may show some degree
of these superfactors on the continuum. A person may have high extraversion,
moderate neuroticism, and low psychoticism. Eysenck suggests after studying
psychosis:
1) Psychotic symptoms and illnesses do not form completely separate diagnostic
entities.
2) Psychosis is not a separate diagnostic entity which is categorically separated
from normality
3) This continuum is co-linear with the concept of psychoticism, embodied in
the P scale of the EPQ.
On this continuum, a person with high extraversion is sociable, popular,
optimistic, and rather unreliable, whereas a person with low extraversion is quiet,
introspective, reserved, and reliable. A person with high neuroticism is anxious,
worried, moody, and unstable, whereas a person with low neuroticism is calm,
even-tempered, carefree, and emotionally stable. A person with high psychoticism
is troublesome, uncooperative, hostile, and socially withdrawn, whereas a person
with low psychoticism is altruistic, socialised, empathic, and conventional
(Eysenck & Eysenck, 1985).

3.8.3 Causal Aspects

Based on a three-dimensional description of personality, the PEN model further
attempts to provide causal explanation of personality. The PEN model looks for
psychophysiological, hormonal, and other biological mechanisms responsible
for the personality dimensions, so that the theory can be tested by scientific
experiments. Eysenck and Eysenck (1985) clearly contend that “no theory would
be considered valid that did not make testable and verified predictions” (p. 187).
Consequently, Eysenck (1990) proposes the arousal theory, by modifying his
inhibition theory to explain the causal roots of the three dimensions of personality.
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 Hans Eysenck: A Trait-
Self Assessment Questions Type Theory of Personality
1) Elucidate the Trait Type theory of personality by Eysenck.
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2) What is meant by Hierarchical Taxonomy? How is personality types
conceived of by Eysenck in terms of the taxonomy?
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3) What are the three dimensions of personality?
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4) Define and describe the causal aspects of personality according to
Eysenck.
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3.9 NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF TRAITS

AND TYPES
According to Aleksandrov and Shchukina (1992), the neurophysiological indices
of neurotic patients with different types of individual character and their dynamics
are important factors of personality. They took 107 patients with different patterns
of neuroses, who underwent group psychotherapy (a personality-oriented
(reconstructive) variety).

Analysis of the dynamics of the neurophysiological characteristics, made during

group psychotherapy, supported the clinical data on varying curability of neurotic
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Theories of Personality-II patients with different types of character accentuations. For instance, Patients
with the hysteroid type character accentuation appeared more resistant to
psychotherapy.

Eysenck also made an attempt to specify a neurophysiological basis for each of

his three personality super traits or types. According to him, the super trait
Introversion-extraversion is closely related to levels of cortical arousal as
indicated by electroencephalographic recordings.

Eysenck(1982) used the term arousal to denote a continuum of excitation, ranging

from a lower extreme (e.g.,sleep) to an upper extreme (e.g., state of panic). He
was of the view that introverts are over aroused and thus are highly sensitive to
incoming stimulation. For this reason, they avoided situations that are apt to
overwhelm them.

Extraverts are under aroused and thus are highly insensitive to incoming
stimulation and thus they constantly seek out situations that are apt to excite
them.

Eysenck hypothesized that individual differences in stability vs neuroticism

reflected the degree to which the autonomic nervous system reacts to stimuli. He
linked this dimension with the limbic system, the brain’s visceral or feeling system,
which influences motivation and emotional behaviour.

He pointed out that persons high on neuroticism tend to react more quickly to
painful, novel, disturbing, or other stimuli than do more stable persons. Such
persons also exhibit a more persistent reaction (even after the stimulus has
disappeared) than do highly stable persons.

Eysenck’s neurophysiological interpretation of the dimensions of personality is

closely related to his theory of psychopathology. He was of the view that the
symptoms or disorders that befall a person are related to the combined impact of
personality traits and nervous system functioning. For instance, the person who
is high on the dimensions of introversion and neuroticism is more prone to develop
anxiety disorders such as phobias, obsessions, and, compulsions. On the other
hand, the person who is high on the extraversion and neuroticism dimensions is
at a risk for psychopathic (antisocial) disorders.

Eysenck stated that psychological disorders do not automatically occur as a result

of genetic predisposition. These genetic predispositions when interact with the
environment or a certain situation produce psychological disorders.

3.9.1 Extraversion and Cortical Arousal

According to the arousal theory, Eysenck (1990) provides a biological explanation
of extraversion in terms of cortical arousal via the ascending reticular activating
system (ARAS).

Activity in the ARAS stimulates the cerebral cortex, which, in turn, leads to
higher cortical arousal.

Cortical arousal can be measured by skin conductance, brain waves, or sweating

(Eysenck, 1990).

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Because of the different levels of ARAS activity, “introverts are characterised by Hans Eysenck: A Trait-
Type Theory of Personality
higher levels of activity than extraverts and so are chronically more cortically
aroused than extraverts” (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1985, p. 197, emphasis added).

Based on the Yerkes-Dodson law, which suggests that arousal and performance
have an inverted-U relationship, the arousal theory of the PEN model assumes
that “some intermediate level of arousal is optimal for performance” (Eysenck
& Eysenck, 1985, p. 199).

3.9.2 Neuroticism and Visceral Brain Activation

Eysenck (1990) also explains neuroticism in terms of activation thresholds in
the sympathetic nervous system or visceral brain. The visceral brain is also referred
to as the limbic system, which consists of the hippocampus, amygdala, septum,
and hypothalamus, and regulates such emotional states as sex, fear, and aggression.
It is responsible for the fight-or-flight response in the face of danger. Heart rate,
blood pressure, skin conductance, sweating, breathing rate, and muscular tension
in the forehead can measure activation levels of the visceral brain.

Neurotic individuals have greater activation levels and lower thresholds within
the visceral brain. They are easily upset in the face of very minor stresses.
However, emotionally stable people are calm under such stresses because they
have lesser activation levels and higher thresholds (Eysenck, 1990).

3.9.3 Psychoticism and Gonadal Hormones

Eysenck (1990) also provides a biological explanation of psychoticism in terms
of gonadal hormones such as testosterone and enzymes such as monoamine
oxidase (MAO).

Eysenck (1992a) reports that “low platelet monoamine oxydase (MAO) has been
found in psychotic patients, and also in their relatives and inpatients who have
recovered, suggesting that low MAO activity may be a marker for ‘vulnerability’”
(p. 774).

All things considered, the PEN model has contributed to the study of personality
in three distinctive ways.
1) It combines both descriptive and causal aspects of personality in one theory
(Eysenck, 1997; Stelmack, 1997). This characteristic clearly distinguishes
the PEN model from most other trait theories such as the five-factor model
(Costa & McCrae, 1992a, 1992b; Eysenck, 1991, 1992b, 1992c).
2) It provides causal explanations in addition to the description of personality.
3) The PEN model is supported by more credible evidence than purely
descriptive models.
4) The PEN model is comprehensive in description by proposing a hierarchy
of four levels and by making a clear distinction among those levels.
5) Finally, the PEN model becomes most compelling because of its experimental
approach to the study of personality, which makes the model more testable.
Consequently, the PEN model is likely to generate more specific predictions
about personality.

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Theories of Personality-II Thus the essence of Eysenck’s Trait-Type theory is that
1) Elements of personality can be arranged hierarchically.
2) Certain supertraits or types, such as extraversion, exert a powerful influence
over behaviour.
3) These supertraits comprised of several component traits, and these component
traits either are more superficial reflections of the underlying type dimension,
or are specific qualities that contribute to that dimension.
According to Eysenck, traits are composed of numerous habitual responses,
which, in turn, are derived from a multitude of specific responses.

The trait of sociability correlates with such response dispositions as activity,

liveliness, assertiveness etc. Taken together, these traits define a super trait or
type Eysenck calls extraversion.

In considering Eysenck’s hiearchichal model of personality structure, it should

be noted that the word “type” refers to dimensions of personality that he regards
as normally distributed along a continuum. This is almost equivalent to traits.
Thus, for example, the type concept of extraversion is a dimension with a low
end and a high end along which people may fall at various points between the
two extremes. It is not a dimension on which people can be classified as either
low or high. Eysenck does not imply discontinuity when he uses the word “type”.
Self Assessment Questions
1) Describe the neurophysiological basis of trait and types.
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2) How does Eysenck explain extraversion in terms of neurophysiological
explanation
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3) How is Neuroticism explained in terms neurophysiological mechanism?
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 Hans Eysenck: A Trait-
4) How does Eysenck connect psychoticism to Gomadal hormones. Type Theory of Personality
Explain?
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3.10 BASIC PERSONALITY TYPES

Eysenck used a variety of methods for gathering information about people in
order to delineate their personality. These methods included self-reports, observer
ratings, biographical information, assessments of physique and physiology, and
objective physiological tests. These data are factor analysed to determine the
structure of personality. Initially Eysenck found two basic type dimensions that
he labeled as introversion-extraversion and neurotocism-stability (a factor
sometimes called instability-stability).

Eysenck (1976) added a third type dimension of personality, which he called

psychoticism-superego strength. People high on this super trait dimension tend
to be egocentric, impulsive, sensitive to others, and opposed to social customs.
They are often seen as:
i) troublesome,
ii) not fitting in well with others, and
iii) intentionally upsetting other people.
Eysenck suggested that psychoticism is a genetic predisposition toward becoming
either psychotic or psychopathic. He regarded psychoticism as a personality
continuum along which all people can be located. He also added that this trait is
found more commonly in men than in women.

3.11 MEASUREMENT OF PERSONALITY

Eysenck constructed a number of self-report questionnaires to assess individual
differences associated with his three super trait dimensions of personality. One
of the more popular scale is the EPQ that is Eysenck Personality Questionnaire
(EPQ) (Eysenck &Eysenck, 1975). EPQ includes a lie scale aimed at detecting a
person’s tendency to fake responses to look good. A junior EPQ has been
constructed for use with children between the ages of 7 and 15 (Eysenck &
Eysenck,1973).

3.11.1 Differences Between Introverts and Extraverts

Eysenck argues that individual differences in behavioural functioning can be
discovered through factor analysis and measured through the use of questionnaires
and laboratory procedures.
A review of studies (Wilson,1978) conclude that
1) Extraverts have a greater tolerance for pain than do introverts.
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Theories of Personality-II 2) They engage in more talk and coffee breaks at work than do introverts.
3) Excitement enhances their perforemance whereas it interferes with the
performance of introverts.
4) Introverts prefer theoretical and scientific vocations(e.g., engineering and
chemistry, whereas extraverts tend to prefer people-oriented jobs(e.g., sales
and social work).
5) Introverts report more frequent masturbation than do extraverts, but extraverts
engage in sexual intercourse earlier in life, more often, and with more partners
than do introverts.
6) Introverts attain higher grades in college than do extraverts.
7) Also students who withdraw from college for psychiatric reasons tend to be
introverts, whereas those who withdraw for academic reasons tend to be
extraverts.
8) Introverts show higher arousal levels in the mornings, whereas extraverts
show higher arousal levels in the evening.
9) Introverts work better in the morning, and the extroverts work better in the
afternoon.
One of the most striking differences between introverts and extraverts is in their
sensitivity to stimulation. This difference can be easily demonstrated by the
“lemon drop test”(Corcoran,1964).When four drops of lemon juice are placed
on a person’s tongue, it turns out that introverts secrete almost twice the amount
of saliva as do extraverts.

The basis of this finding is related to different patterns of physiological functioning

in introverts and extraverts. Eysenck proposes that ascending reticular activating
system in the brain stem is responsible for controlling the differences in response
to stimulation between introverted and extraverted subjects.

3.12 LET US SUM UP

The trait-type theory of Eysenck is based on factor analysis. His hierarchichal
model of personality structure includes the dimensions of types, traits, habitual
responses, and specific responses. Types represent supertrait dimensions along
which people may be located at various points between two extremes. Eysenck
suggests that personality types are dimensional and that most people do not fall
into separate categories. Eysenck sees only two major types or traits as underlying
personality structure: introversion-extraversion and stability-neuroticism. At a
later stage he also added one more dimension that is psychoticism and super ego
strength. The differences in these two supertraiots, as well as a third factor called
psychoticism-superego strength, are closely related to differences in
neurophysiological functioning. Eysenck places far more emphasis on the genetic
foundations of traits than does Cattell. However accordfing to Eysenck the genetic
predisposition when interacts with the environmental factors produce the requisite
behaviours which may be normal or abnornmal.

Eysenck has developed several questionnaires to assess the three major supertraits
underlying his hierarchichal model of personality.EPQ is the most important
tool to assess the differences between introverts and extraverts.
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 Hans Eysenck: A Trait-
3.13 UNIT END QUESTIONS Type Theory of Personality

1) Discuss the Type theory of personality highlighting the characteristic features

2) How does type theory differ from trait theory of personality?
3) Discuss and compare the Sheldon somatotype personality with that of
Ayurvidc body type.
4) Discuss Jungian Personality types and indicate how the EPQ was devised.
5) Elucidate Eysenck’s trait type theory of personality.
6) Give neurophysiological explanations for neuroticism, exteraversion and
psychoticism.
7) How do you measure personality according to Eysenck?
8) What are the basic personality types?
9) Differentiate between extraversion and introversion personality types.

3.14 GLOSSARY
Extraversion : One end of the introversion-extraversion type
dimension of personality characterised by a
tendency to be sociable , impulsive, and excitable.

Introversion : One end of the introversion-extraversion type

dimension of personality characterised by a tendency
to be reserved , controlled ,and introspective.

Neuroticism : One end of the neuroticism-stability type

dimension of personality characterised by a
tendency to be anxious, moody, and depressed.

Psychoticism : One end of the neuroticism-stability type

dimension of personality characterised by a
tendency to be solitary and insensitive to others.

Stability : One end of the neuroticism-stability type

dimension of personality characterised by a
tendency to be calm, controlled and unemotional.

Superego strength : One end of the psychoticism-superego strength

type dimension characterised by a tendency to be
empathetic, sensitive, and cooperative.

Supertrait : General and continuous trait dimensions,such as

introversion-extraversion, that exert a powerful
influence on behaviour.

3.15 SUGGESTED READINGS AND REFERENCES

Eysenck,H.J.(1976).Sex and Personality. Austin: University of Texas Press.
Eysenck,H.J.(1982). Personality, Genetics, and Behaviour. New York: Praeger.
47
Theories of Personality-II Hjelle,L.A. & Zieglar, D.J.(1992). Personality Theories: Basic Assumptions,
Research and Applications. McGraw-Hill,Inc
References
Corcoran,D.W.(1964). The relation between introversion and salivation.American
Journal of Psychology,77,298-300.
Eysenck,S.B.,& Eysenck,H.J.(1973).Test –retest reliabilities of a new personality
questionnaire for children.British Journal of Psychology,43,26-130.

Eysenck,S.B.,& Eysenck,H.J.(1975).Manual of the Eysenck Personality

Questionnaire. San Diego,CA:EdITS.

Maddi,S.R.(1989).Personality Theories:A comparative analysis(5th edition) .

Homewood,IL:Dorsey Press.

Mischel,W.(1968).Personality and assessment. New York :Wiley.

Pervin,L.A.(1989).Personality:Theory and research(5th edition).New York:Wiley.

Wilson,G.(1978).Introversion/extroversion.In H.London & J.E. Exner (Eds.).

Dimensions of personality(pp. 217-261).New York:Wiley.

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