Allen, B. P., & Potkay, C. R. (1981). On the arbitrary distinction between states and traits. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 41(5), 916-928.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.41.5.916
Posits that the distinction between state and trait is an arbitrary one and presents a delineation and analysis of factors that have contributed to the propagation of the distinction. Observational, philosophical, and empirical sources of evidence are cited. Three beliefs are examined: (a) that a label can refer to both a state and a trait; (b) that whether an instrument measures state or trait depends on the accompanying instructions; and (c) that state and trait are so inextricably tied that a measure of state is used to derive an index of trait. Overlap among terms used in the Profile of Mood States, the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List, the Adjective Check List, Cattell's (1943) list of personality labels, and the Allport-Odbert (1936) categories is presented. Empirical illustrations are cited in support of the contention that the state–trait distinction can be used to explain almost any personality research finding post hoc. (61 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)