Big Five personality traits
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In psychometrics, the big five personality trait model or five-factor model (FFM)—sometimes called by the acronym OCEAN or CANOE—is the most common scientific model for measuring and describing human personality traits. The framework groups variation in personality into five separate factors, all measured on a continuous scale:[1]
- openness (O) measures creativity, curiosity, and willingness to entertain new ideas.
- carefulness or conscientiousness (C) measures self-control, diligence, and attention to detail.
- extraversion (E) measures boldness, energy, and social interactivity.
- amicability or agreeableness (A) measures kindness, helpfulness, and willingness to cooperate.
- neuroticism (N) measures depression, irritability, and moodiness.
The five-factor model was developed using empirical research into the language people used to describe themselves, which found patterns and relationships between the words people use to describe themselves. For example, because someone described as "hard-working" is more likely to be described as "prepared" and less likely to be described as "messy", all three traits are grouped under conscientiousness. Using dimensionality reduction techniques, psychologists showed that most (though not all) of the variance in human personality can be explained using only these five factors.
Today, the five-factor model underlies most contemporary personality research, and the model has been described as one of the first major breakthroughs in the behavioral sciences. The general structure of the five factors has been replicated across cultures.[2] The traits have predictive validity for objective metrics other than self-reports: for example, conscientiousness predicts job performance and academic success, while neuroticism predicts self-harm and suicidal behavior.
Other researchers have proposed extensions which attempt to improve on the five-factor model, usually at the cost of additional complexity (more factors). Examples include the HEXACO model (which separates honesty/humility from agreeableness) and subfacet models (which split each of the big five traits into more fine-grained "subtraits").
- ^ Roccas, Sonia; Sagiv, Lilach; Schwartz, Shalom H.; Knafo, Ariel (2002). "The Big Five Personality Factors and Personal Values". Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 28 (6): 789–801. doi:10.1177/0146167202289008. S2CID 144611052.
- ^ McCrae, RR; John, OP (June 1992). "An introduction to the five-factor model and its applications" (PDF). Journal of Personality. 60 (2): 175–215. doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.1992.tb00970.x. PMID 1635039. Retrieved 2025-03-17.