Distinguish between cardinal, central and secondary traits proposed by Allport using suitable examples.

All port distinguished between cardinal, central and secondary traits – all these traits form a hierarchy.

Cardinal Traits: These are the traits which are so dominant that nearly all of the individual's actions can be traced back to them.

• These are highly generalized dispositions. If a person's whole life seems to be organized around the goal of achievement, it becomes a cardinal trait of his or her personality. Mahatma Gandhi's non-violence, Mother Teressa's humanitarianism are examples of cardinal traits.

Central Traits: All port described them as characterizing an individual's behaviour to some extent but not in a complete way as cardinal traits.

• These are less generalized disposition in comparison to cardinal traits.

• He described central traits as those that might be mentioned in a letter of recommendations or certification.

For Example: Honest, calm, talkative, touchy, etc.

Secondary Traits: These are the traits that exert relatively weak and limited effects on the behaviour. These are least generalized characteristics of the person like iikes chocolates' or 'prefer foreign cars'. These traits can be changed over time.

All port proposed that the way a person reacts in situations depends on his traits. However, people sharing the same trait may express it in different ways.