The Analysis of the Five Factor Model

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The Analysis of the Five Factor Model In this essay, first the Five Factor Model (FFM) will be described. Secondly, psychologists for and against the model will be looked at. Following this, the stability of traits will be looked at, both longitudinal and cross situational. Finally, the application of the model within and outside psychology will be evaluated to show support that the FFM provides a solid foundation for an adequate personality psychology. “The Five Factor Model provides a compelling framework for building personality measures that seek to represent the domain of individual terms broadly and systematically” (Briggs, 1989 as cited in McAdams. DP, 1992, p. 332). The FFM consists of five factors (The ‘Big Five’). They are Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. When measured individuals can range from extremes on each of these traits. The FFM suggests that these factors are both fixed and stable and make up our personality. The FFM was designed to establish the basic units of personality by having everyday people rate themselves or others using words sampled from the dictionary (John, Angleitner, and Ostendorf, 1988 as cited in Pervin. AL, Cervone, D, Oliver. PJ, 2004). Many studies like this have been conducted and after factor analysing the ratings the five factors mentioned above were consistently found. Psychologist Lewis R. Goldberg reviewed the model and came up with the theory that the five factors are terms that over a long period of time, the human race has collectively narrowed down and use universally to describe an individuals personality. It gives individuals a sense of... ... middle of paper ... ...to psychology and outside of psychology is also a convincing argument for the support of the model. Bibliography DAVEY. G. (2004). Complete Psychology. Dubai: Hodder-Stoughton EVANS. R.I. (1981). Dialogue with Gordan Allport. New York: Praeger. EYSENCK. H.J. (1981). A Model for Personality. New York: Springer-Verlag. MCADAMS. D.P. (1992). The Five Factor Model in Personality: a Critical Appraisal: Journal of personality. USA: Duke University P. PERVIN. A.L. & CERVONE. D. & OLIVER. P.J. (2004). Personality: Theory and Research. USA: Wiley. SMITH. T. W. and WILLIAMS. P.G. (1992). Personality and Health: Advantages and Limitations of the Five Factor Model: Journal of Personality. USA: Duke University. P. Torres HR Ltd. (2004) retrieved November 8, 2005 from http://www.torres.co.uk/index.asp

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