REFLECTIONS ON DIFFERENT LABELS FOR FACTOR-V

Discrepancies among different versions of Factor V may be largely expl ained by differences in the personality definitions and the variable s elections used in various national trait taxonomies. Like any other so cial category the fifth factor has fuzzy boundaries and its meaning de pends on the number and prototypicality of the exemplars included in t he category. Resulting from taxonomies of traits (Norman, 1967; Goldbe rg, 1990) or dispositions (Ostendorf, 1990) the Five-Factor Model is n ot intended to represent or capable of representing the structure of a ll individual differences (e.g. attitudes, physical characteristics). Clear Intellect and Imagination versions of Factor V have only resulte d from taxonomies including abilities and talents in their trait defin ition. The meaning of at least three of the Big Five would probably ch ange if values-which we view as action prescriptions or behavioural in tentions-were regarded as dispositions. Intellect, Imagination, and Cr eativity are the most prototypical attributes belonging to the core of Factor V. Comparisons among the various personality definitions and t he procedures currently used in trait taxonomic research are needed to examine their effects on the replicability and the meaning of Factor V.