Answer to Question #297506 in Psychology for bexie

Question

We covered trait theories (i.e., personality characteristics that can be measured along a scale or continuum, with people ranging from low to high on each characteristic). I would like you to discuss the three trait theories: the three-factor (PEN) model, the five-factor/Big Five (OCEAN) model, (HEXACO) model.

• Which model—PEN, OCEAN, or HEXACO—do you think provides a better overview of the fundamental traits that are of interest when examining personality? Why?
• Do you think that traits such as these are better characterized in terms of dichotomies (e.g., you are either an introvert or you are an extravert, like on the MBTI) or along a continuum (e.g., you can be lower or higher in extraversion, like with the PEN, OCEAN, and HEXACO models)? In other words, do you have a preference for “type theories” or “trait theories”?
• Are there are any major personality traits that seem to be ignored by all of these models, or have these theorists covered the most important ones, in your view?

Answer 1

The hexaco personality model divides personality to six divisions; honesty-humility, agreeableness, conscientious, emotionality, extroversion and openness. You should have a solid platform on which to design a personal growth strategy. You should place yourself in scenarios that you will receive feedback if you want to improve. Therefore, it is nice to start with the hexaco model.

Individuals should therefore be consistent in their behaviors that after connected to a personality trait across settings in order to have the attribute. If for example, they are talkative at home, they are most likely talkative at work. However, because people differ in terms of how much they talk and how active they are, the traits like talkativeness and level of activity exists.