A human model for primate personality. Issue 1864 (11th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weiss, Alexander
• Is Part Of: Proceedings. Volume 284:Issue 1864(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-10-11
• Subjects: behaviour -- emotion -- evolution -- personality -- primate -- trait; Biology -- Periodicals; 570.5
• DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1129
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8452

Abstract

Abstract : In this article, I review the literature to determine how successful the latent trait theory model of personality from differential psychology has been for studying personality in non-human primates. The evidence for the success of this model is quite good, and offers insights and directions for personality research in primates and other animals. This, I conclude, stems from (i) the human trait model's simplicity, and (ii) the fact that the human differential model of personality developed in the face of harsh criticism, which led researchers to test and refine their models.