fei75766_ch14_435-462.indd 443  02/06/20 01:10 PM
Chapter 14    Eysenck’s Biologically Based Factor Theory443
Dimensions of Personality
WehaveseenthatEysenck andCattell arrived atadifferent number ofpersonality 
dimensions because theyworked atdifferent levels offactoring. Cattell’s 35traits are
allatthethird levelofthehierarchical structure, whereas Eysenck’s superfactors are
atthefourth level(seep.384,Chapter 13).
How many general superfactors exist? Many current factor theorists insist that
ample evidence exists thatfive—and nomore andnofewer—general factors willemerge 
from nearly allfactor analyses ofpersonality traits. Eysenck, however, extracted only
three general superfactors. Histhree personality dimensions areextraversion (E), 
 neuroticism (N), andpsychoticism (P), although hedidnotruleout“thepossibility 
thatfurther dimensions maybeadded later” (Eysenck, 1994b, p.151). Figure 14.2
shows thehierarchical structure ofEysenck’s P,E,andN.
Neuroticism andpsychoticism arenotlimited topathological individuals, 
although disturbed people tendtoscore higher thannormal people onscales measur -
ingthese twofactors. Eysenck regarded allthree factors aspartofnormal personality 
structure. Allthree arebipolar, withextraversion being atoneendofFactor Eand
introversion occupying theopposite pole. Similarly, Factor Nincludes neuroticism at
onepoleandstability attheother, andFactor Phaspsychoticism atonepoleandthe
superego function attheother.
Thebipolarity ofEysenck’s factors doesnotimply thatmost people areat
oneendortheother ofthethree main poles. Each factor isunimodally, rather thanType:
Habits:
Speciﬁc Behaviors:Introversion
PersistenceSocial
shyness
Keeps at
school
workPersists
with
hobbiesFinishes
a jobStudies
aloneTurns
down
invitationsWorks on
hobbies
aloneTraits:
FIGURE 14.1  The Organization of Behavior into Specific Actions, Habitual Responses, Traits, and Types. Besides 
Persistence and Social Shyness, Other Traits Such as Inferiority, Low Activity, and Serious-Mindedness Contribute to 
Introversion.Final PDF to printer