The majority view among psychologists today is that most aspects of personality are derived from __ basic traits.
a. 5
b. 16
c. approximately 50
d. over 4,500
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
a. 5
Explanation:
The majority view among psychologists today is that most aspects of personality can be derived from five basic traits, which are part of the Five-Factor Model (FFM) of personality. This model, also known as the Big Five, is one of the most widely accepted frameworks in personality psychology. The five traits are:
- Openness to Experience – This trait reflects imagination, creativity, and curiosity. People high in openness are more willing to explore new ideas and experiences, while those low in openness tend to be more conventional and prefer routine.
- Conscientiousness – This trait measures self-discipline, organization, and dependability. Highly conscientious individuals are responsible and goal-oriented, whereas those low in conscientiousness may be more spontaneous and less reliable.
- Extraversion – This trait refers to sociability, energy levels, and assertiveness. Extraverts thrive in social interactions and seek excitement, while introverts are more reserved and prefer solitary activities.
- Agreeableness – This trait involves trust, compassion, and cooperation. Highly agreeable individuals tend to be kind and helpful, whereas those low in agreeableness may be more competitive or skeptical.
- Neuroticism – This trait measures emotional stability and tendency toward negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Those high in neuroticism are more prone to stress, while those low in neuroticism are emotionally stable.
The Big Five model emerged from extensive research and factor analysis of personality traits, with roots in earlier work by Gordon Allport, Raymond Cattell, and Hans Eysenck. These five dimensions are considered universal across different cultures and have been extensively validated in psychological studies.