Allport distinguished between common traits and personal dispositions. Common traits are trait dimension on which individuals can be comepared with one another. personal dispositions refer to the unique patterning or configuration of traits within the individuals.Two people may both be honest but may differ in the way that honesty relates to their other traits.One,sensitive to the feelings of others,may tell a "white lie" on occasion:for this person,sensitivity ranks higher than honesty.The other,ranking honesty higher,is scrupulously honest even if it hurts someone.People may also possess the same trait but for different motives. One person may be conscientious because he or she is concerned about the opinion of other people.Another person may be conscientious because it expresses a need to keep life orderly.