Question

1. Compare the differences and similarities of “Five-Factor Model of Personality” and “Type A/Type B Personality” in analyzing human personality?

2. Apply your own characteristics as examples to explain your analysis made in Q1.

Answer 1

Five factor model, also called BIG FIVE, is a trait theory of personality in which five broad factors are chosen from constellation of traits. Big Five refers to a finding that each factors considers a large number of traits. Mc Crae and Costa (1987) considers five dimensions of personality-

EXTRAVERSION- This characteristic considers the involvement or social interaction of individuals. For example- I usually spend my time reading books and listening to music and avoid parties and meetings, so I am likely to be categorized in this broad category.

NEUROTICISM- This dimension concerns emotional stability of the individuals where people who are categorized on the basis of people who are stability of emotions ranging from emotionally instable to stable. For example- If I get angry on small situation, I am likely to be high on this dimension.

Conscientiousness- This dimension considers goal directed behaviors of individuals.For example- I generally work hard for things I desire, so I am likely to be high on this dimension.

Openness- This dimension concerns appreciation of new experiences and tolerence for unfamiliar. For example- If I am open towards various things and opportunities in life, I would likely to be scored high on openess.

Agreeableness- This dimension focuses on the individuals social interactions ranging from compassion to antogonism in feelings and thinking.

Friedman and Rosenman proposed Type A and Type B theory of personality which consideres four categories of individuals which are different in accordance with physique and certain psychosocial risk factors.Type A personality may depict people high on motivation, lacking patience, seem to be in hurry, in contrast, Type B personality depicts people that are low on motivation, have patience and are calm in their temperament. Type C tend tp be prone to cancer and Type D might be prone to depression.

Trait theory considers traits which are generally long terms and individuals manifest those traits for long periods of time. This theory considers traits as long continuum, however, type theory views characteristics of individuals as separate or discrete categories. Both the theories consider the characteristics of people to decide their personality. However, orientation is different. Moreover, type theories does not consider the sociocultural factors that may be responsible for elements of our personality. Type theories does not consider the characteristics that may impact how an individual develops. However, trait theory may consider the long-term manifestation of individual and categorizes an individual keeping in account the social and cultural characterstics of individuals.

Type theories may consider that introverts and extroverts are two different types of people. However, trait theorists consider that the individuals can be high, low, or somewhere in the middle for a certain dimension. Physical characteristics of individuals are overemphasized in type approaches, however, same is true for trait approaches. Thus, both may consider the aspects of personality but the manifestation and orientation of the theory is different.