Final answer:
The correct answer is option a) Trait.
Step-by-step explanation:
The personality test taken by Cornelius, which gave him a score on 16 common attributes, aligns with the Trait Theory of Personality. The 16 Personality Factors (16PF) developed by Raymond Cattell forms the basis of this assessment, and it intends to measure an individual's traits on a continuum rather than a binary present or absent state. Each of the 16 factors is integral to this theory and is indicative of different characteristics and behaviors.
For instance, a score on warmth would delineate how friendly or aloof Cornelius might be towards others. Cattell's work contributes significantly to the broad field of personality research, providing a detailed and quantifiable analysis of personality traits.
While other theories like Eysenck's two-factor system or the widely accepted Five Factor Model (Big Five) exist, Cattell's model focuses on a greater range of traits. The Five Factor Model includes openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism, often remembered by the mnemonic OCEAN. Ultimately, the Trait Theory attempts to describe personality through consistent patterns of thoughts and behaviors, encompassing various traits that contribute to an individual's unique personality.