Big Five Personality Traits, also known as the Five-Factor Model and the OCEAN/CANOE Model

  • is a taxonomy, or grouping, for personality traits

5 Factors

Factor

Description

Openness to Experience/Intellect

(inventive/curious vs. consistent/cautious)

  • high scorers tend to be original, creative, curious, complex
  • low scorers tend to be conventional, down to earth, narrow interests, uncreative

Conscientiousness

(efficient/organized vs. easy-going/careless)

  • high scorers tend to be reliable, well-organized, careful
  • low scorers tend to be disorganized, undependable, negligent

Extraversion

(outgoing/energetic vs. solitary/reserved)

  • high scorers tend to be sociable, friendly, fun-loving, talkative
  • low scorers tend to be introverted, reserved, inhibited, quiet

Agreeableness

(friendly/compassionate vs. challenging/detached)

  • high scorers tend to be good-natured, sympathetic, forgiving, courteous
  • low scorers tend to be critical, rude, harsh, callous

Neuroticism

(sensitive/nervous vs. secure/confident)

  • high scorers tend to be nervous, high-strung, insecure, worrying
  • low scorers tend to be calm, relaxed, secure, hardy

Conscientiousness