Problem 6 - An Introduction to Theories of Personality

Question

Cattell finds that low ego strength is characteristic of people who are frequently unemployed. Does this mean that low ego strength causes unemployment?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

No, this does not imply that low ego strength causes unemployment. The finding only signifies a correlation, not causation between the two variables.

Step 1: Understanding the statement

First, it's important to understand what is being said. Cattell finds that there's a correlation between low ego strength and being frequently unemployed.

Step 2: Defining causation and correlation

Next, two related concepts need to be understood. Correlation is a statistical term describing the extent to which two variables move in relation to each other, while causation is any relationship between two events where there is a direct consequence.

Step 3: Applying definitions to the statement

The statement does not provide any information beyond a correlation between low ego strength and frequent unemployment. It does not prove that one leads to another. There could be multiple underlying factors not mentioned causing both low ego strength and frequent unemployment.

Step 4: Clarifying conclusion

Based on the information provided, we can deduce that while low ego strength is a characteristic of people who are frequently unemployed, it does not necessarily mean one directly causes the other. Low ego strength doesn't necessarily cause unemployment; the relationship could be coincidental, or there may be a third variable causing both.