RUNNING HEAD: WRITING ASSIGNMENT 3

Writing Assignment 3
Big 5 Dimensions Of Personality
Brooke Gregory
Oklahoma State University

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There are numerous personality trait tests and theories across the Internet and
various places, but the particular one being discussed today is The Big Five Trait Theory.
This theory involves 5 terms. Each term is briefly described by a number of broad
characteristics within each term. One way it can be described is as a base to
understanding some general components of an individuals personality that have a strong
importunacy on our social and interpersonal interactions(Rentfrow,2015).It is usually
measured in percentiles. The 5 terms used are Openness, Conscientiousness,
Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. It can also be referred to as O.C.E.A.N.
The first of the five terms is Openness. Individuals with high percentages in this
trait often carry traits such as desire for new experiences, curiosity, originality, being
intellectual, and creative. These characteristics are all great because they can enable one
to live life to the fullest or take experiences other individuals possibly would not. A con
within this term could be an individual loosing touch with reality. (Arbor, 2015)
The next term is conscientiousness. It can be described as organized, systematic,
punctual, and achievement oriented. Individuals scoring high in in this category might be
more likely to set goals and complete them with more drive. Another pro within
conscientiousness would be an individuals attention to detail is greater (Arbor, 2015).
A possible con within the term is an individual could be less likely to be creative.
The next term that is part of the Big 5 personality traits is extraversion.
Extraversion refers to traits involving being outgoing, talkative, sociable, and enjoyment
of social situations. Some positive things within this trait would be an individuals ability
to get along with others and get involved in conversations. (Arbor, 2015) stated some

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cons within high scoring in extraversion. An individual could experience some

heightened impulse and reliance on an outside stimulus.
Next trait in the big 5 is Agreeableness. This trait is associated with adjectives like
affable, tolerant, sensitive, trusting, kind and warm. Individuals often associate this trait
with likeableness and getting along with other individuals. Individuals scoring low within
this trait often carry characteristics such as suspicious, pessimistic, hard-hearted,
demanding, assertive, and impatient. (Scholl, 2002)
The last trait involved in O.C.E.A.N is Neuroticism. One scoring high within this
trait will exhibit things such as anxiousness, irritability, being temperamental, and moody.
An individual that scored lower in this subject could exhibit lower confidence and
optimism. (Scholl, 2002) Individuals often use these tests to assist in choosing the best
career for themselves. It is an aid in the process because say if one scores low in social
situations, then that individual would probably not want a career involving lengthy
discussions with individuals or interactions multiple times a day.
The five-factor model has many benefits in todays society as well as a few faults.
Some strengths of the five-factor model are that it allows categorization of observable
behaviors. Another strength within the model is that trait theories use objective criteria
for categorizing and measuring behavior. Some possible evidence of this is that many
trait theories were developed on their own when factor analysis was used to come up with
a specific set of traits. (Boundless, 2015) Some weaknesses within the model are some
psychologists argue that the environmental factors have more of an influence in
determining behavior than the traits do. As well as another limitation within the model is
the theories do not explain why an individual is behaving in the certain aspect. For

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example, an extroverted individual gains excitement and seeks out social scenarios, but
trait theory may not have any evidence on why this occurs or why an introvert would not
want to be involved in these situations. (Boundless, 2015)
I think that the Big 5 dimensions of personality traits theory is a great source to
have. Though it may not be completely exact about one as an individual it gives a broad
explanation of some key characteristics an individual carries. I believe this can help an
individual in several areas of their life. At the very least I feel that it can give an
individual some direction in knowing what traits that individual carries. This is just a
chunk of information on the five-factor model and the different characteristics that each
trait carries. I think individuals will continue to take the big 5 personality traits test and
benefit from their results at least in some aspect.

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Works Cited
Arbor, A. Personality and Individual Differences. Retrieved October 27, 2015, from
https://www.koofers.com/flashcards/mo-personality-and-individua/review
Rentfrow, J. The Big 5 Model of Personality. Retrieved October 27, 2015, from
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2009/11/10/the-big-5-model-of-personality/
The Big 5 Model of Personality. Retrieved October 27,2015, from
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2009/11/10/the-big-5-model-of-personality/

Gulf Bend MHMR Center. Retrieved October 27, 2015.

Boundless. General Strengths and Limitations of Trait Perspectives. Boundless
Psychology. Boundless, 20 Aug. 2015. Retrieved 28 Oct. 2015 from
https://www.boundless.com/psychology/textbooks/boundless-psychologytextbook/personality-16/trait-perspectives-on-personality-79/general-strengths-andlimitations-of-trait-perspectives-312-12847/