5-factor model of personality
Openness
- people with high scores of openness tend to be intellectually curious, open to experience, and sensitive to beauty
- people with low scores of openness tend to be conventional thinkers who prefer straightforward answers, and regard arts/sciences with suspicion
Conscientiousness
- high scorers tend to be self-disciplined, organised, and motivated to achieve their personal goals
- low scorers tend to be impulsive, careless, and undependable
Extroversion
- high scorers: sociable, talkative, and enthusiastic
- low scorers: quiet, reserved, prefer time alone
Agreeableness
- high scorers: trusting, cooperative, helpful
- low scorers: suspicious, argumentative, uncooperative
Neuroticism
- high scorers: insecure, easily upset, anxious, moody
- low scorers: laid back, easygoing, emotionally stable
CRITICISMS OF THE BIG-FIVE MODEL
underestimates how behaviour varies depending on situation
ex: a person can be extrovert in a setting where they feel comfortable, and very reserved in a place where they are uncomfortable
does a good job of describing personality, but not why people develop personality traits
neglects key personality traits like religiousness, manipulativeness, or sense of humour