LAY CONCEPTIONS OF THE 5-FACTOR MODEL AND ITS INDICATORS

The five-factor model (FFM) of personality is implicit in lay concepti ons of personality; this research sought to examine laypersons' explic it grasp Of the model. In one study, undergraduates (N = 233) were giv en definitions of the five factors and asked to identify adjectives kn own to be associated with each. In a second study, the rated diagnosti city of behaviors in three contexts was compared with their actual cor relation with self-reported and acquaintance-rated personality factors . In the final study, undergraduates (N = 76) grouped 30 adjectives in to clusters of traits. Results suggest that most laypersons can easily grasp the nature of the factors and their behavioral manifestations a nd can spontaneously recognize their grouping when provided with clear exemplars.