Lay Conceptions of the Five-Factor Model and its Indicators

Abstract

The five-factor model (FFM) of personality is implicit in lay conceptions of personality; this research sought to examine laypersons' explicit grasp of the model. In one study, undergraduates (N = 233) were given definitions of the five factors and asked to identify adjectives known to be associated with each. In a second study, the rated diagnosticity of behaviors in three contexts was compared with their actual correlation with self-reported and acquaintance-rated personality factors. In the final study, undergraduates (N= 76) grouped 30 adjectives into clusters of traits. Results suggest that most laypersons can easily grasp the nature of the factors and their behavioral manifestations and can spontaneously recognize their grouping when provided with clear exemplars.