Which of the following is a strong advantage of the trait approach to personality?

• A. It eliminates the need for empirical research in personality psychology.
• B. It focuses primarily on situational factors rather than stable characteristics.
• C. It explains the unconscious motivations behind behavior.
• D. It provides a systematic and quantifiable way to compare individual differences.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the trait approach to personality focuses on identifying and measuring stable characteristics that differentiate individuals.
2. Recognize that one key advantage of this approach is its ability to provide a systematic framework for describing personality traits using standardized measures.
3. Note that this approach allows researchers to quantify individual differences, making it easier to compare people based on specific traits.
4. Contrast this with other approaches that might emphasize situational factors or unconscious motivations, which are less quantifiable.
5. Conclude that the strength of the trait approach lies in its empirical and measurable nature, enabling clear comparisons across individuals.