What term is used to describe relatively enduring personal characteristics?

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Prepare for the UCF PSY2012 General Psychology Final! Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The correct term that describes relatively enduring personal characteristics is "traits." Traits are consistent patterns in the way individuals typically think, feel, and behave across different situations and over time. They serve as the building blocks of personality and play a critical role in how people respond to experiences and interact with others.

Traits are typically measured through various psychological assessments and observations, allowing psychologists to understand and predict behaviors based on these consistent characteristics. For instance, someone identified as conscientious is likely to consistently display organized and responsible behaviors in various contexts.

In contrast, behaviors refer to observable actions that may fluctuate depending on the situation or context, while motives emphasize the underlying reasons why an individual might act in a certain way, which can vary with circumstances. Temperaments, though related, usually refer to the inherent biological aspects of personality that manifest early in life and can influence traits but are not as specific or enduring as traits themselves.