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surface trait

in Cattell’s personality trait theory, a characteristic manifested as a group of interrelated observable behaviors. For example, arriving early for appointments and leaving the office only after one’s work is complete are visible manifestations of the characteristic of conscientiousness. Surface traits appear consistently and are thought to cluster and to reflect source traits, which are regarded as the underlying building blocks of personality.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

anthropometry

anthropometry

n.

1. the scientific study of how the size and proportions of the human body are affected by such variables as age, sex, and ethnicity.

2. the taking of measurements of the human body for purposes of comparison and study. —anthropometric adj. —anthropometrist n.