According to Cattell, which of the following is at the core of personality?

• A. Surface traits
• B. Defense mechanisms
• C. Unconscious motives
• D. Source traits

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Raymond Cattell's theory of personality distinguishes between surface traits and source traits. Surface traits are observable behaviors, while source traits are the underlying factors that give rise to these behaviors.
2. Recognize that source traits are considered the core components of personality in Cattell's model because they represent the fundamental dimensions that influence a wide range of behaviors.
3. Note that defense mechanisms and unconscious motives are concepts more closely associated with psychoanalytic theories, such as those proposed by Freud, rather than Cattell's trait theory.
4. Recall that Cattell used factor analysis to identify these source traits, which are fewer in number and more stable over time compared to surface traits.
5. Conclude that the core of personality, according to Cattell, is best described by source traits, as they form the basic structure underlying all observable personality characteristics.