Big5

Introduction To The Big 5 Personality Model

The Big Five is a taxonomy of personality traits. Each of the five dimensions (or factors) is made up of a number of facets that provide a more in depth understanding of each of the five personality dimensions. The Big Five structure was derived from statistical analyses of which traits tend to co-occur in people's descriptions of themselves or other people. The underlying correlations are probabilistic, and exceptions are possible. For example, talkativeness and assertiveness are both traits associated with Extraversion, but they do not go together by logical necessity. For example, you could imagine somebody that is assertive but not talkative (the "strong, silent type"). However, many studies indicate that people who are talkative are usually also assertive (and vice versa), which is why they go together under the broader Extraversion factor. Average scores are in the middle and scores are distributed across a normalized bell curve. So, a person that scores 50 on a particular Big 5 dimension would be average in terms of the overall population whereas one who scores 90% is in the top 10% of the population with respect to demonstrating that personality dimension. The Big 5 and their underlying facets are summarized below:

Extraversion - This factor describes the degree to which an individual is introverted or extraverted. Individuals who score higher on extraversion are energized by being around people and in groups. Individuals who are more introverted gain energy and become rejuvenated by alone time. They tend to be quieter, more low key and more deliberate. The facets making up extraversion include:

• Activity level
• Assertiveness
• Cheerfulness
• Excitement-seeking
• Outgoing
• Gregariousness

Agreeableness - Highly agreeable people tend towards being friendly, helpful, considerate, trusting and make sacrifices for others. Low scoring people tend towards skepticism, suspicousness and place impersonal objectives above getting along. This factor Includes traits like sympathetic, kind, and affectionate. Facets under Agreeableness include: Altruism, Cooperation, Modesty, Uncompromising, Sympathy, and Trust

Conscientiousness - High scores on conscientiousness include a strong ability to regulate and control ones behavior. Individuals possessing this trait tend towards an achievement orientation and being organized, thorough and planful. Individuals with lower scores tend towards being more impulsive and less organized. Facets under Conscientiousness include Achievement striving, Cautiousness, Dutifulness, Orderliness, Self-discipline and Self-efficacy

Neuroticism - Neuroticism refers to the level of Emotional Stability an individual has. Highly neurotic people are more prone to negative emotions such as anger, anxiety or depression. They are more easily stressed out and tend towards being more reactive. Low scorers tend towards being more calm and collected. They are emotionally stable and balanced. Facets under Neuroticism include: Fiery, Prone to worry, Melancholy, Immoderation, Self-consciousness, and Susceptible to stress

Openness - This factor describes how open or closed your thinking is. Highly open people are intellectually curious, appreciate the arts, emotion, imagination and new experiences. People who are less open tend towards tradition, familiarity and do not like as much change in their lives. Facets associated with Openness include: Adventurousness, Artistic interests, Emotionality, Imagination, Intellect, and Authority-challenging