Towards disentangling correspondence and emergence

50-word summary. Two theories can explain the coalescence of elements of the personality system into traits: Correspondence relies on a realist interpretation of latent variables, emergence relies on a network perspective. We outline a three-step framework, combining network analysis and experimental research, to test them. We present examples for trait conscientiousness. 100-word summary. Two theories explain the coalescence of elements of the personality system into traits: Correspondence relies on a realist interpretation of latent variables, emergence relies on a network perspective. They differ in predicting that changes in the environment can (emergence) or cannot (correspondence) affect traits. We propose a three-step framework to test this prediction, considering experimental manipulations as changes in the environment: (1) Identify targets for manipulation through network analysis, (2) identify an effective experimental manipulation of the target through laboratory research, and (3) evaluate its ability to change traits through ecological momentary intervention. We present examples for trait conscientiousness.