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 …

…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).