Cattell describes which type of traits as those that can be seen through observations of behavior?

Cattell identified surface traits as observable characteristics that can be seen through behaviors in various situations. These traits are manifestations of deeper personality dimensions and are often the first things noticed by others. For instance, if someone consistently shows a friendly demeanor, this behavior reflects their surface traits related to agreeableness or sociability.

In contrast, source traits refer to the underlying factors that are not directly observable but contribute to a person's personality structure. Primary traits and global traits are not standard terminology within Cattell’s framework and do not specifically denote the behavior-based traits that surface traits do. Therefore, recognizing surface traits as behaviors that can be observed in real-life interactions helps in understanding Cattell's approach to personality.