The Five Factor Model of Personality: Detailed Notes

The Five Factor Model of Personality

In the Five Factor Model, every individual possesses each of the five factors to varying degrees. The factors are: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.

1. Openness to Experience

  • Characterized by: Imagination, feelings, actions, and ideas.

  • High Scorers: Tend to be curious and exhibit a wide range of interests.

2. Conscientiousness

  • Characterized by: Competence, self-discipline, thoughtfulness, and achievement-striving (behavior directed towards goals).

  • High Scorers: Are typically hardworking and dependable.

  • Correlation: Numerous studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between conscientiousness and academic success. This finding has been supported by multiple researchers (e.g., Akomolafe, $2013$; Chamorro-Premuzic & Furnham, $2008$; Conrad & Patry, $2012$; Noftle & Robins, $2007$; Wagerman & Funder, $2007$).

3. Extroversion

  • Characterized by: Sociability, assertiveness, excitement-seeking, and emotional expression.

  • High Scorers: Are commonly described as outgoing and warm.

  • Interactions with other factors: Individuals who score high on both extroversion and openness are more inclined to participate in adventure and risky sports. This propensity is attributed to their inherent curious and excitement-seeking nature (Tok, $2011$).

4. Agreeableness

  • Characterized by: A general tendency to be pleasant, cooperative, trustworthy, and good-natured.

  • Low Scorers: Are often described as rude and uncooperative.

  • Unexpected Finding: A recent study reported an interesting finding where men who scored low on agreeableness actually earned more money than men considered more agreeable (Judge, Livingston, & Hurst, $2012$).

5. Neuroticism

  • Characterized by: The tendency to experience negative emotions.

  • High Scorers: Tend to experience emotional instability and are often characterized as angry, impulsive, and hostile. Watson and Clark (1984) found that individuals reporting high levels of neuroticism also tend to report feeling anxious and unhappy.

  • Low Scorers: Conversely, people who score low in neuroticism tend to be calm and even-tempered.