"The Big Five"

[michelle1963]

I am fascinated by human behavior and attitudes, and what underlies how and why these manifest. So it was with deep interest that I read the thorough dissertation by ehowton on the subject over the last year or so. He hit the subject from all angles, researching the topic from a psychological, sociological, and philosophical perspective. My current class

Comments

[jeroentiggelman]

Knowing those dimensions in advance, you can of course score whatever you like to score on such a test if you are clever.

results from a few years back

[michelle1963]

Yes. And in fact, the text did mention that a clever person could indeed give the "desired" answers to the test. That said, it still behooves the employer to have the best people suited to a job not only skills-wise, but temperament-wise. The employee would no doubt be happier doing a job more suited to his or her personality as well.

[ehowton]

I would garner that an employer would rather hire someone clever enough to skew their own results than someone who could be easily weeded out because of such a simplistic test - the same reason psychologists sometimes ask an identical question several different ways to see if the answer changes.

[codekitten]

i am reading a book that might be right up your alley (if you have time to read outside of class work!). "Predictably Irrational" http://www.amazon.com/Predictably-Irrational-Revised-Expanded-Edition/dp/0061353248... )

[michelle1963]

The book does sound absolutely fascinating! I almost bought it right here, right now! But I don't want to be distracted from my text. :) Keeping it in mind. Might be a good resource for the marketing class that is upcoming .

[codekitten]

yeah, it sounds like you are way too busy for a lot of leisurely reading!

[michelle1963]

Just created an Amazon wish list for Predictably Irrational. Will make it easy to find when I am ready for it.

[anonymous]

I scored:
59
92
37
74
7

Sounds about right. I'd like to think I'm more open to experience, but it probably depends on the day.

[michelle1963]

I have done that. :)

[ehowton]

lol - I said to myself, "Hrm, I bet that's pcofwildthings :P

[suzanne1945]

I also took the test.

Scores:
Open to experience: 35
Conscientiousness: 95
Extraversion: 42
Agreeableness: 74
Neuroticism: 2

I think I may have over thought the Open to experience questions, thinking that it was looking more for thrill seekers. Also (while they ask for your age)I wonder how much age may account for scores. For instance, being much older might make you more cautious in your thinking. Just wondering.

[ehowton]

I've been meaning to talk to you about your low agreeableness score.

[michelle1963]

The text said that while people are more less conscientious due to personality, that it as also a trait that increased with age and experience. Maybe openness to experience is different due to age?

Or maybe you just over-thought. You don't really ever freak out when you have to deal with something new.

My Own Results

[ehowton]

Openness to Experience/Intellect
High scorers tend to be original, creative, curious, complex; Low scorers tend to be conventional, down to earth, narrow interests, uncreative.
You enjoy having novel experiences and seeing things in new ways.
(Your percentile: 88)

Conscientiousness
High scorers tend to be reliable, well-organized, self-disciplined, careful; Low scorers tend to be disorganized, undependable, negligent.
You are very well-organized, and can be relied upon.
(Your percentile: 95)

Extraversion
High scorers tend to be sociable, friendly, fun loving, talkative; Low scorers tend to be introverted, reserved, inhibited, quiet.
You are relatively social and enjoy the company of others. (Your percentile: 70)

Agreeableness
High scorers tend to be good natured, sympathetic, forgiving, courteous; Low scorers tend to be critical, rude, harsh, callous.
You are good-natured, courteous, and supportive.
(Your percentile: 94)

NeuroticismHigh scorers tend to be nervous, high-strung, insecure, worrying; Low scorers tend to be

Re: My Own Results

[dentin]

EHowton wrote:

"I was surprised at some of these scores. I think - especially for those of us who take these types of tests - while we always endeavor to be very accurate, we are also quite full of ourselves."

I didn't read your comment until after I posted mine, but this is a very good observation. In fact, it's what I was trying to compensate for when I took the test, even though after the first three questions I knew it would crater a lot of my scores.