Final answer:
Criticisms of the trait approach include the idea that traits may not account for flexibility over time and the difficulty in operationalizing trait theories in experimental settings. However, underestimating situational factors, not overestimating, is a notable criticism, while focusing too much on the 'why' is not typically associated with trait theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Criticisms of the trait approach to personality suggest that while trait theories are useful for categorizing and describing personality, they may fall short in other areas. The following are considered criticisms of the trait approach:
- Traits do not account for flexibility over time. This criticism suggests that trait theory may not adequately address how an individual's traits can change or adapt to different situations or throughout their life.
- They overestimate situational components of personality. This option is not a criticism; rather, the trait approach is often criticized for underestimating the importance of situational factors in determining behavior.
- Trait theories are difficult to operationalize in an experimental setting. Using trait theories to make predictions or conduct experiments can be challenging because of the abstract nature of traits and personality measurement issues.
- Trait theory focuses too much on the "why" of personality. This is not a common criticism; instead, trait theory generally emphasizes the "what" of personality traits rather than delving into the underlying causes or 'why' of these traits.
With these points in consideration, the criticisms that apply to the trait approach are that traits do not account for flexibility over time, and trait theories are difficult to operationalize in an experimental setting.