CHAPTER 8 Flashcards
The BIG FIVE-factor model- why are their five traits?
Meta-research evidence has generally supported a 5 Factor model
However, there has also been a 3 factor universal model and a 6 factor
contemporary model proposed with strong evidence
THE “BIG FIVE” FACTORS
Costa & McCrae (1992) NEO-PI-R / NEO-PI-3
Openness
Conscientiousness
Extraversion
Agreeableness
Neuroticism
“O-C-E-A-N” (John, 1990)
Goldberg (1992) Adjective Inventorie- how did it differentiate from Costa & McCrae’s model?
Self-report ratings of Big Five Factors
Same overall factors as Costa & McCrae above
But C&M and Goldberg developed different ways to measure it …
Goldberg - Bipolar (e.g. opposites) ratings (using adjectives) (defined by test popn)
What is openness (TO NEW EXPERIENCE)
OPENNESS is a general appreciation for creativity,
adventure, unusual ideas, imagination, curiosity, and
variety of experience
The trait distinguishes imaginative people from
down-to-earth conventional people
Facets (6) Fantasy; Aesthetics; Feelings; Ideas;
Actions; Values
People who are open to
experience are…
intellectually curious, appreciative of art,
and sensitive to beauty
They tend to be more creative and more aware of their feelings
They are more likely to hold unconventional beliefs
Openness to experience: facet measurement example
The NEO PI-R personality test measures six facets of openness to experience:
Fantasy - the tendency toward a vivid imagination and fantasy life.
Aesthetics - the tendency to appreciate art, music, and poetry.
Feelings - being receptive to inner emotional states and valuing emotional experience.
Actions - the inclination to try new activities, visit new places, and try new foods.
Ideas - the tendency to be intellectually curious and open to new ideas.
Values - the readiness to re-examine traditional social, religious, and political values.
Closedness (opposite to openness)
> People with low scores on openness tend to have more conventional, traditional interests
> They prefer the plain, un-nuanced, noncomplex, and obvious over the complex, ambiguous, and subtle
> They may regard the arts and sciences with suspicion or view these endeavours as uninteresting
> Poly-math
Leon Battista Alberti (1404–72) was, person that “can do all things if they will.”
Openness attributes and example person with said attributes
Attributes:
Da Vinci: painter,
sculptor, architect, musician,
scientist, mathematician; polymath
Closedness attribute and example person with said attributes
Attributes:
Tony Soprano: Normal/plain,
conventional,
“the old ways”, traditional,
conservative
Psychological aspects to openness experience - Sam Gosling’s research
Sam Gosling’s research suggests it is possible to assess openness by examining one’s home and/or workspace.
> Highly open individuals tend to have distinctive and unconventional decorations
books on a wide variety of topics, a diverse music collection, and art on display
Openness to experience correlates with what? It is related to what?
Openness correlates with creativity, as measured by tests of divergent thinking
> i.e., spontaneous, free-flowing, “non-linear” manner
Openness is related to need for cognition
motivational tendency to think about ideas, scrutinize information, and solve puzzles
Those highly open to experience are generally more open to different cultures, foods and lifestyles because they tend towards exploration over “knowing”
Those highly open to experience are generally more what? What are their values?
open to different cultures, foods and lifestyles because they tend towards
exploration over “knowing.”
Values: “knowledge (seeking)” – moving towards the “unknown”(chaos) rather than “known” (order)
What is the Explorer/Hero archetype?
Unknown (Chaos) vs. Known (Order)
Hero:
> exploring the unknown, fighting adversity, and succeeding.
Reverse:
> Stay with what we know or look for new information/experience
Conscientiousness is defined as:
The tendency to self-discipline, act dutifully and aim for achievement
Traits include being organized, methodic, and thorough (industriousness)
> It influences how we control, regulate, and direct our impulses (e.g., delayed gratification)
> Facets (6): Self‐discipline; Dutifulness; Competence; Order; Deliberation; Achievement striving
Psychological aspects of conscientiousness
> High conscientiousness: more organized and less cluttered in their homes and offices
> For example, their books tend to be neatly shelved in alphabetical order, or categorized by topic, rather than scattered around the room
> Their clothes tend to be folded and arranged in drawers/closets; not lying on the floor
> The presence of planners and to-do lists are correlated with conscientiousness
Conscientiousness is related to what? What about low levels?
is related to successful academic performance in students
> Low levels of conscientiousness are strongly associated with facebook usage
Research indicates that after overall cognitive abilities are controlled for, conscientiousness is one of the best predictors of what?
> performance in the workplace / academia
> However, some aspects (i.e., facets) of openness (intellectual environment), disagreeableness (single-focus), and low neuroticism also relate (but more so in the workplace>academia)
> Conscientious employees are generally more reliable, more motivated, and harder working
What is the definition of extraversion?
> Extraversion is characterized by positive emotions, surgency, and the tendency to seek out stimulation and the company of others
> The trait is marked by pronounced engagement with the external world
> In groups extraverts tend to talk more, assert themselves, and draw attention to themselves
> Facets (6): Gregariousness; Activity Level; Assertiveness; Excitement Seeking; Positive Emotions; Warmth*
Warmth loads on Agreeableness in Goldberg’s FFM
What are the behavioural differences between extraverts and introverts?
> Extraverts tend to wear more decorative clothing
whereas introverts prefer practical, comfortable clothes
> Extraverts are likely to prefer more upbeat and energetic music than introverts
> Extraverts decorate their offices more, keep their doors open, keep extra chairs nearby, and are more likely to put dishes of candy on their desks
These are attempts to engage with co-workers and encourage interaction
> Introverts decorate less and tend to arrange their workspace to discourage social interaction
Introverts lack what?
> Introverts lack the social exuberance and activity levels of extraverts
> They tend to seem quiet, low-key, deliberate, and less involved in the social world
> Their lack of social involvement should not be interpreted as shyness or depression
> Introverts simply require less stimulation than extraverts and thus spend relatively more time alone
What is ambiversion?
> Ambiversion is a term used to describe people who fall more or less in the middle of the continuum and exhibit tendencies of both groups
> An ambivert is normally comfortable with groups and enjoys social interaction, but also relishes time alone and away from the crowd (…hmm, sound familiar to you?)
Do introversion and extraversion fall on a continuum?
> Although extraverts and introverts have real personality and behaviour differences, it is important to avoid pigeonholing or stereotyping by personality
Extraversion / Introversion vary along a continuum, we often see a mixture of both orientations
> Situational differences: An introvert may act extroverted in various scenarios (e.g., social conformity
What is agreeableness?
> Agreeableness is a tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious and antagonistic towards others
> The trait reflects individual differences in general concern for social harmony
Agreeable individuals value having a good relationship with others
> They are generally considerate, friendly, generous, helpful, and willing to compromise their interests with others; more submissive
> Agreeable people also have an optimistic view of human nature - they believe people are basically honest, decent, and trustworthy
