Introduction
Over the years, various theorists conducted trait research in order to understand the comprehensive taxonomy of human personality. The practice of these trait theories has introduced a significant amount of tests as well as studies. One big test is known as the big five, which was designed to assist as well as specify the precise personality characteristics of individuals. This particular test was designed to generate questions that would put one at a range among various limits concerning five factors.
Origin of the big five personality traits.
The five-factor model begun when theorists were unable to find support for Raymond Cattell’s sixteen personality factor questionnaire and Eysenck’s three dimensions of personality. Thus, as a result of the inadequacies of the two theories, a new trait theory emerged. The five-factor model showed significant consistency in self-descriptions, interviews, and observations across a significant number of participants of different cultures and ages. The model has since become the most widely accepted trait personality theory of personalities in psychology today. It is considered the most accurate for an approximation of the underlying trait dimensions. The model was, however, developed independently by various theorists; thus, the name of the five factors differ depending on the particular theorists referencing it. The theorist who focused on the research included D.W Fiske (1949) and was later supported by Goldberg (1981) and McCrae & Costa (1987). However, costa & McCrae’s version is the most refereed to today when discussing the five-factor model.
General information about the big five personality theory
A personality trait reflects the behaviors, feelings, and patterns of thought that are consistent and stable over time and across different situations. The big five personality traits represent five core traits that combine and interact to form human personality. Depending on the theorists involved, the big five personality traits can also be referred to as the OCEAN model of the five-factor model. These five factors are known as extremities, which symbolizes contraries of the additional factors. The big five factors consist of extraversion versus introversion, agreeableness versus antagonism, conscientiousness verse un-directedness, Neuroticism versus emotional stability, and openness to experience versus not open to experience. These five dimensions are considered to have a significant influence on personality traits and how they impact life outcomes. According to McCrae and Costa, the big five traits are universal and can be used to describe personalities accurately.
Discussion of the big five traits
Openness
This refers to the intellect of an individual in terms of their levels of creativity, curiosity, and artistic activities. People with high levels of openness avoid routine and are more likely to engage in careers that are creative in nature. Individuals who are considered open-minded are willing to engage in new things like exploring unfamiliar cultures and customs. People with low levels of openness are, however, more afraid to explore new experiences, and are more likely to question beliefs and ideas that challenge their status quo().
Conscientiousness
This refers to the tendency to act in socially acceptable ways that facilitate goal-directed behavior. Highly Conscientious people are often well organized, observe deadlines, mindful of details, and plan ahead. These types of individuals are often reliable and resourceful, especially for leadership positions. Low levels of conscientiousness are reflected by procrastination, dislike for structures and schedules, and impulsiveness. Individuals with this tendancies are often reflected as less motivated. Traits within this factor usually include ambition, persistence, consistency, and perseverance.
Extraversion
This factor is viewed from two different dimensions; extroversion and introversion. People who are high in extraversion are known as extroverts. They tend to be more socially confident and outgoing. They enjoy being around other people and will often seek the attention of others. Introverts, however, are often shy around people and tend to be more reserved. They avoid social gatherings that will require constant interaction or socialization. Traits associated with this factor is friendliness, assertiveness, fun-loving, and outgoing nature.
Agreeableness
This refers to how well people get along with each other. Individuals who are likable, respectful, and sensitive to the needs of others are often considered to be high on agreeableness. Agreeable individuals work well in teams and dislike causing or being part of conflicts. Disagreeable individuals, on the other hand, are less likely to be trusted or liked by their peers. They tend to be ill-tempered, rude, or callous, especially in conversations. Personality traits for this factor might include cheerfulness, sensitivity, tact, and kindness.
Neuroticism
This trait is often characterized by emotional instability or stability. Individuals with high Neuroticism are more prone to anxiety, self-esteem issues, and constant worrying. Such persons are easily irritable and are often self-conscious and fearful of people’s opinions. High Neuroticism makes it hard for people to cope with day to day stressors in our lives. Individuals with low Neuroticism feel more confident and are less preoccupied with opinions of people or negative concerns. These individuals are emotionally resilient, especially when dealing with stressful situations.
Strengths and weaknesses
The first weakness of the big five is that the model relies on self-support questionnaires to be measured; thus, the falsification of responses and self-report bias is unavoidable. For instance, when considering why scores differ between individuals, the differences may be due to underlying actual personality differences or can simply be a result of the way the subjects answered the questions. Another weakness is that the model does not account for all human personalities. Several psychologists have pointed out that the model neglects other personality traits that are privately held or context-dependent, such as religiosity, Masculinity/Femininity, sexiness, sense of humor, among others. Critics have equally pointed out that any actual theory does not accompany the five-factor model, it is an empirical finding that does not explain the causes behind the five factors in the model. The primary strength of the big five trait model is that it appears to be universally applicable across cultures. Additionally, the model has been useful for categorizing human personalities. Besides, the model is recognized and adopted for use by most personality researchers and psychologists. The theory has also provided a conceptual framework to organize and summarize personality findings from other disciplines and studies such as leadership.
Conclusion
The five-factor model of personality has focused on the natural system that people use to communicate and understand each other. The model is not based on the theory of a particular psychologist, which makes it unique and significant since it facilitated the organizing of the previously scattered and disorganized field of human personality. The model has also influenced how people interact with each other in conversations. Besides, people are now able to understand each other more effectively through the scope of the big five traits.