The Big Five

The Five-Factor Model originated in Allport and Odbert's attempt to compile trait-related terms. Researchers became dissatisfied with the trait like differences in adaptational styles. Investigators focused on situational based approaches that offered greater flexibility in explaining specific person-environment transactions. Webb studied the earlier work of Spearman and his General Factor (g) of intelligence. Webb found a second factor, Will (w). Later Garnett analyzed Webb's correlation and found a third factor, Cleverness (c). By 1919, three broad …showed first 75 words of 909 total…

…showed last 75 words of 909 total…but that it is the environment that is not shared by members of the same family that is crucial (Plonmin & Daniels, 1987; Plomin et al., 1990). (3) There is the evolutionary-based hypothesis that traits evolved to solve adaptive problems (D. M. Buss, 1990; Tooby & Cosmides, 1990). There is research that suggests a relationship to genetics, physiological functioning, and evolutionary theory that links between personality psychology and biology that may be positive for the future (Tellegen, 1991; cited by Pervin, 1993).