Abstract
This paper describes the typical developmental pattern in the evolution of single and then multiple trait measures (and theories) in psychology. It is argued that eight stages typically exist: the identification through observation or experiment of behaviour pattern (phenomenon); tests for the robustness, validity and extrapolatory nature of the behaviour pattern; the development of a self-report single-trait measure; numerous construct and predictive validity studies on correlates of the measure; factor analytic work which suggests the behaviour pattern is multi- rather than uni-dimensional; the development and refinement of more than one, often sphere-specific and multi-dimensional measures of the same concept; doubts as to the actual validity of the original construct; acceptance into the canon of psychological measures. Different concepts and measures such as assertiveness, A-Type behaviour, and locus of control are used to illustrate these developmental stages. Problems associated with this proto-typical development are discussed along with difficulties associated with the notion of a trait.
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