As you might imagine, studies find that extraverts have more friends and spend
more time in social situations than introverts (Asendorpf & Wilpers, 1998).
The Openness dimension refers to openness to experience rather than open-
ness in an interpersonal sense. The characteristics that make up this dimensioninclude an active imagination, a willingness to consider new ideas, divergent
thinking, and intellectual curiosity. People high in Openness are unconventionaland independent thinkers. Those low in Openness tend to prefer the familiar
rather than seeking out something new. Given this description, it is not surpris-
ing that innovative scientists and creative artists tend to be high in Openness(Feist, 1998; Rubinstein & Strul, 2007). Some researchers refer to this dimension
asIntellect , although it is certainly not the same as intelligence.
People who are high on the Agreeableness dimension are helpful, trusting,
and sympathetic. Those on the other end tend to be antagonistic and skeptical.
Agreeable people prefer cooperation over competition. In contrast, people low
in Agreeableness like to fight for their interests and beliefs. Researchers find that
people high in Agreeableness have more pleasant social interactions and fewer
quarrelsome exchanges than those low on this dimension (Donnellan, Conger,
& Bryant, 2004; Jensen-Campbell & Graziano, 2001). They also are more will-
ing to help those in need (Graziano, Habashi, Sheese, & Tobin, 2007).TABLE 7.2
The Big Five Personality Factors
Factor Characteristics
Neuroticism Worried versus calm
Insecure versus secure
Self-pitying versus self-satisfied
Extraversion Sociable versus retiringFun-loving versus soberAffectionate versus reserved
Openness Imaginative versus down-to-earthPreference for variety versus preference for routineIndependent versus conforming
Agreeableness Softhearted versus ruthlessTrusting versus suspiciousHelpful versus uncooperative
Conscientiousness Well organized versus disorganized
Careful versus carelessSelf-disciplined versus weak willed
Source: Copyright © 1986 by the American Psychological Association. Reproduced with permission. McCrae,
R. R., & Costa, P. T. (1986). Clinical assessment can benefit from recent advances in personality psychology.
American Psychologist , 41, 1001-1003. doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.41.9.1001. No further reproduction or dis-
tribution is permitted without written permission from the American Psychological Association.Factor Analysis and the Search for the Structure of Personality 161