The “Big 5” or “5 Factor” personality assessment is potentially the most accepted personality tool in modern psychology. While not irrefutable, it has been tested and shown to be reliable across many cultures, languages, ages, and other demographic variables. Given the degree of familiarity with the tool, it is often utilized to measure personality traits, despite its potential shortcomings.
The basic concept is that all people fall somewhere on a spectrum from “high” to “low” for each of the five following factors. Their positions on the spectrums, particularly in combination with each other, thus create an individuals “personality”. Psychologists then theorize how best to engage with others based on where they fall on the spectrums by optimizing workplace communication and collaboration, organizational skills, etc.
Openness
Conscientiousness
Extraversion
Agreeableness
Neuroticism