Social-cognitive theorists are critical of trait theory because they think that
A) variability in action is important to understanding people's personality, yet is relatively disregarded by trait theory.
B) trait theorists have placed far too much emphasis on unconscious forces.
C) trait theorists are interested in individual differences.
D) people do not have distinctive characteristics, or traits.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social-cognitive theorists believe that variability in behavior is important to understanding personality, but trait theory does not take this into account as much as they should. Trait theory assumes that people's behavior is consistent across different situations, which social-cognitive theorists argue is not always true.

Social-Cognitive Theorists Are Critical of Trait Theory Because They Think