Chapter 110. The "Big Five" Personality Traits
Learning Objectives
Describe the five-factor model of personality.
Identify the characteristics associated with each of the "Big Five" personality factors.
Review
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1. After decades of work within the trait perspective on personality, researchers have identified five major factors, or dimensions, of personality: conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness, and extraversion. This view of personality is known as the five-factor model of personality.
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2. Each of the "Big Five" personality factors represents a continuum anchored by "socially positive" personality traits at one end and "socially negative" traits at the other. Four of the factors have a name that reflects the socially desirable end of its continuum. However, the neuroticism factor focuses on the socially undesirable traits in that factor, which is why some psychologists prefer to call this factor emotional stability instead.
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3. Locating an individual’s position on each of these five dimensions currently offers the most comprehensive picture of that individual's personality.
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4. Research suggests that an individual’s position on the "Big Five" factors may change a bit during childhood and adolescence, but is generally stable during the adult years. If there is any movement on one or more of the factors during adulthood, it tends to be in the positive, or socially desirable, direction. Remarkably, the five-factor model appears to apply fairly well in all cultures that have been studied—which suggests that the basic components of personality may be built into the human genetic heritage.
Practice 1: Exploring the Big Five Factors
Practice 1: Exploring the Big Five Factors
Roll over each term to see a brief description of that personality factor.
Conscientiousness
Extraversion
Agreeableness
Openness
Neuroticism
Description:
tendency to show self-discipline, act carefully, value achievement, and prefer planned rather than spontaneous behavior
tendency to seek social interaction and adventure, and to maintain a high level of physical activity
tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious and antagonistic toward others
tendency to be attracted to new ideas and new ways of doing things; appreciation for art, imagination, and creativity
tendency toward negative emotionality and emotional instability, along with an inability to cope with stress
Practice 2: Characteristic Personality Traits
Practice 2: Characteristic Personality Traits
For each of the "Big Five" factors, roll over the LOW and HIGH end of the continuum to see the difference in characteristic personality traits.
LOW
Extraversion
HIGH
Extraversion
LOW
Openness
HIGH
Openness
LOW
Conscientiousness
HIGH
Conscientiousness
LOW
Agreeableness
HIGH
Agreeableness
LOW
Neuroticism
HIGH
Neuroticism
Characteristic personality traits:
Persons low on the extraversion factor are more reserved, perhaps even shy and withdrawn. They don't talk much in groups.
Persons high on the extraversion factor are sociable, fun loving, and affectionate. They have a lot of energy and like to draw attention to themselves.
Persons low on the openness factor are practical and prefer a familiar routine. They don't like to try new things, and they tend to conform to other people's behavior.
Persons high on the openness factor are creative, imaginative, and independent. They prefer variety, and are intellectually curious.
Persons low on the conscientiousness factor are careless, impulsive, and disorganized. More positively, they are colorful, "zany," and spontaneous.
Persons high on the conscientiousness factor are careful, well-organized, and show self-discipline and ambition.
Persons low on the agreeableness factor are uncooperative and suspicious, and don't get along well with other people.
Persons high on the agreeableness factor are helpful and cooperative. They are also compassionate and concerned about others.
Persons low on the neuroticism factor are calm, stable individuals, with generally positive emotions and effective ways of managing stress.
Persons high on the neuroticism factor are anxious, insecure, and moody. Their emotions tend to be more negative. This factor is sometimes called emotional stability, with the "high" and "low" characteristics reversed.
Quiz 1
Quiz 1
Drag each of the terms for "Big Five" factor names to the gray area near the appropriate set of personality traits. When all the terms have been placed, select the CHECK ANSWER button.
Quiz 2
Quiz 2
Match the names of the personality factors with the examples by dragging each colored circle to the appropriate gray circle. When all the circles have been placed, select the CHECK ANSWER button.
Conclusion