What is the term used to describe the measurable traits or characteristics of individuals?

Study for the Arizona State University PSY101 Introduction to Psychology Exam 4. Strengthen your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term that describes measurable traits or characteristics of individuals is personality. Personality encompasses the various dimensions of an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that consistently influence how they respond to different situations. These traits can be assessed and measured using various psychological tools and assessments, such as personality tests, which provide insights into the stable patterns of behavior and emotional responses that define individuals.

In this context, while behavior refers to the observable actions of an individual, it does not encapsulate the broader array of traits that personality includes. Motivation deals with the underlying factors that drive an individual to act, rather than the traits themselves. Cognition focuses on mental processes like thinking, perception, and memory, which are different from the trait dimensions encapsulated by personality. Thus, personality is the appropriate term to use when discussing the systematic and measurable characteristics that define individual differences.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy