The Big 5

          This theory is in constant flux.  It has been worked upon and developed by over a dozen theorists, but most people agree that Costa and McCrae’s version is the most complete.  Some theories have managed to shorten the list to the Big 3, but most contend that five is the minimum number needed to accurately describe a personality.  Costa and McCrae’s theory consists of five personality traits that everyone possesses in some amount.  The different personalities emerge when one looks as to what degree of each an individual possesses.  The five traits are: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness.  Each trait will be examined closer 

Neuroticism

Neuroticism has two parts to it.  The first part has to do with the person’s ability to deal with anxiety and the second with that person’s well being.  One’s emotional stability and psychological adjustment are reflected greatly by how neurotic that person is.  Neuroticism has six facets according to Costa and McCrae: anxiety, hostility, depression, self-consciousness, vulnerability and impulsiveness (Judge, 625).

Extraversion

Extraversion is probably the most significant trait.  The degree in which someone is extraverted says a lot about what kind of a person they are.  This trait speaks to what degree someone is socially predisposed; someone who loves being around others as opposed to by themselves is highly extraverted.  On the negative side of extraversion is the fact that extraverted people tend to be more impulsive and more dominant and ambitions.  These facets all lead to the fact that extraverted people tend to take leadership roles and have a lot of friends (Judge, 626).

Conscientiousness

This trait has three facets: achievement orientation, dependability and orderliness.  Knowing this makes the fact that people who are more conscientious succeed in careers seem very obvious.  Conscientiousness defines people as being well organized, responsible, careful, hardworking, persistent and reliable (Judge, 626).

Openness

Openness to experience usually denotes someone of higher intelligence that is unconventional in their thinking enough to accept new ideas as possible solutions.  People who are open are flexible and creative and seek jobs along these veins (Judge, 626). 

Agreeableness

This trait seems pretty obvious.  People who are agreeable are willing to cooperate.  They are very easy to get along with and are trusting of other people.  While necessary for many things in life, agreeableness is not often given a large amount of thought in most personality studies (Judge, 626).