Theory of Personality (D564) Practice Exam

Which statistical method is often used in trait theory to identify clusters of correlated behaviors?

1. Correlation analysis

2. Factor analysis

3. Regression analysis

4. Variance analysis

The correct answer is: Factor analysis

The correct answer is factor analysis, which is a statistical method widely used in trait theory to identify clusters of correlated behaviors. This technique helps researchers determine the underlying relationships between various traits by analyzing the patterns of correlations among multiple variables. In the context of personality traits, factor analysis can uncover how different behaviors or characteristics group together, revealing dimensions of personality. For example, if certain traits like sociability, assertiveness, and gregariousness frequently cluster together, they might indicate a broader trait such as extraversion. By using factor analysis, psychologists can simplify complex data sets and articulate a more comprehensible framework of personality traits, which is essential for developing various personality assessments and theories. The other statistical methods listed serve different purposes: correlation analysis measures the strength and direction of relationships between two variables without identifying clusters, regression analysis focuses on predicting one variable based on another, and variance analysis is used for comparing group means. These methodologies do not specifically aim to identify the underlying structure of personality traits, making factor analysis the most suitable choice for this context.