Download Five Factor Model

Five Factor Model
Factor analysis
R technique – large groups of subjects take a variety of personality tests
- scores are intercorrelated
1. measure surface traits
indecisiveness
tendency to brood
depression
aggressiveness
competitiveness
conceit
2. look for source traits
- indecisiveness, depression and tendency to brood are highly
intercorrelated
suggests a common factor, a primary factor
tentative label: guilt proneness
- aggressiveness, competitiveness and conceit are also highly
intercorrelated
- suggests another primary factor
- tentative label: dominance
Factor loading – the degree of association between a surface variable and
its underlying factor
3. Identify second-order factors
-Primary factors:
suspiciousness
guilt-proneness
ego weakness
innate tension
Possible label:
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Five Factor Model/Big Five
- Associated with the NEO-PI Five Factor Inventory
- 300 items
- to what degree is a statement characteristic of the person
- 5-point scale (strongly agree to strongly disagree)
The Factors (Supertraits)
Extraversion – interpersonal interaction
activity level
need for stimulation
Agreeableness – quality of interpersonal
orientation
Conscientiousness – degree of persistence,
motivation and organization in
goal-directed behavior
Emotionality/Neuroticism – adjustment vs.
emotional instability
Intellect/Openness to Experience –
appreciation of experience;
tolerance and exploration of the
unfamiliar
Limitations of the Five - Factor Model:
- self-report measures
Note: self-ratings and observer ratings show agreement
- labeling the factors
- reductionist: does knowing the parts help us know the person?
Note: Facets are better predictors of behavior
- does it explain anything?
- circular: behavior infers the trait, which explains the behavior
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- universal?
- research using translated questionnaires yielded four of the five
factors in the Philippines, Japan and Hong Kong
- research using Chinese terms commonly used for personality
yielded somewhat similar factors: social orientation, competence,
expressiveness, self-control, and optimism
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