FFM and Big 5

Question 1

The FFM and the Big 5 have the same domains, what are these?

Answer 1

1. Neuroticism
2. Extraversion
3. Openness
4. Conscientiousness
5. Agreeableness

Question 2

What are some of the key differences between the BIG 5 and the FFM?

Answer 2

Goldberg’s Big 5 is a lexical approach whereas Costa and McCrae’s FFM used questionnaires.
The FFM has a hierarchical structure of traits(domains to facets) whereas the Big 5 doesn’t( only domains).
FFM states that traits cause behaviour whereas the BIG 5 makes no causal claims.
FFM has a biological origin whereas the BIG 5 represents natural language.
FFM-measurement used is a questionnaire of questions whereas the BIG 5 uses adjectives.

Question 3

FFM has a biological basis. Explain this using behavioural genetics, molecular genetics and neurological structures.

Answer 3

Behaviour Genetics- Leohlin et al(1998)-twin studies showed a stronger degree of genetic influence than shared and non shared environments on traits.
Molecular genetics-Genome-Wide Associations Studies-Terracciano et al(2010)-associations were found with specific traits and behvaioural manifestations. E.g C linked to Alzheimers.

Question 4

Eysenck’s model predicts that those high in extraversion need to increase arousal more to perform a task. What evidence supports this?

Answer 4

Kumari et al, 2004
Structural fMRI
As extraversion increases, cortical activity decreases This shows that extraversion is linked to reduced cortical arousal.

Question 5

Is FFM observed universally?

Answer 5

Yes, FFM is stable across 50 cultures.

Question 6

Does the FFM have temporal stability?

Answer 6

Srivastava et al (2003)- assessed 4 people on a trait at three points in time. They found that although the scores increased at each point, the relative rank remained the same across the people.

Question 7

What is the WEIRD problem (Gurven et al, 2013)?

Answer 7

All FFM cross-ultural samples are Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich and Democratic(Henrich et al, 2010).

Question 8

What did Gurven et al 2013 find that supported his WEIRD critique of the FFM?

Answer 8

They found that in a small population of hunter-gatherers called the Tsimane in Bolivia, there was no evidence for the FFM.