Final answer:
The statement that a latent trait can be present at birth or established early in life and remain stable is true. In psychology and genetics, traits can range in expression and be influenced by both inheritable factors and environmental conditions. These foundations support the understanding that latent traits have both biological and potential developmental stability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a latent trait may be either present at birth or established early in life and can remain stable over time is generally true. Latent traits often refer to characteristics that are not immediately apparent but can be revealed under certain conditions. In psychology, trait theorists suggest that personality is composed of different traits which are present to varying degrees within individuals. Similarly, in biology, a recessive trait may be considered 'latent' when paired with a dominant trait but can be expressed when two copies are present.
In personality theory, early trait theorists such as Gordon Allport categorized traits into cardinal traits, central traits, and secondary traits, emphasizing that traits exist within a spectrum rather than simply present or absent. Meanwhile, Raymond Cattell's personality assessment, the 16PF, measured 16 personality factors indicating that personality traits are scored on a continuum.
From the standpoint of genetics, epigenetics demonstrates how environmental factors can influence the expression of genes within our lifetime, providing an understanding that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the stability and variability of traits.