The 'Big Five' Personality Variables--Construct Confusion: Description Versus Prediction

TLDR

Personality researchers are converging on the Big Five as a taxonomy for describing basic personality dimensions, but it may be inadequate for prediction. The article aims to show that the Big Five is insufficient for predicting important criteria. The authors present a nine-factor taxonomy and correlational evidence indicating each construct predicts criteria differently. The Big Five constructs are too heterogeneous and incomplete, while the nine-factor taxonomy offers better differential prediction of criteria.

Abstract

Personality researchers are converging on the Big Five personality constructs as a taxonomy for describing the basic dimensions of peasonality. If, however, ppre- diction rather than description is important, the Big Five may not be an adequate taxonomy. This article presents data that suggest the Big Five is not an adequate taxonomy of personality variables for predicting important criteria. The Big Five constructs are too heterogeneous and incomplete. A nine-factor taxonomy is pre- sented along with correlational evidence demonstrating differential prediction of criteria for each of the nine personality constructs.