Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Measuring personality refers to the process of assessing and quantifying individual traits, behaviors, and characteristics that make up a person's unique psychological makeup.
Trait theory focuses on identifying and categorizing stable patterns of behavior, emotions, and thoughts that are consistent across different situations.
Self-report Measures: Self-report measures involve individuals providing their own subjective assessments or responses about their own personality traits or characteristics.
Observer Ratings: Observer ratings refer to assessments made by others who know the individual well, such as friends, family members, or peers. These ratings provide an external perspective on an individual's personality.