Openness to Experience

Openness to Experience describes a dimension of cognitive style that distinguishes imaginative, creative people from down-to-earth, conventional people. Open people are intellectually curious, appreciative of art and sensitive to beauty. They tend to be, compared to closed people, more aware of their feelings. They tend to think and act in individualistic and nonconforming ways. 

'Intellectuals' typically score high on Openness to Experience; consequently, this factor has also been called Culture or Intellect. Nonetheless, Intellect is probably best regarded as one aspect of Openness to Experience. Scores on Openness to Experience are only modestly related to years of education and scores on standard intelligent tests.

Another characteristic of the open cognitive style is a facility for thinking in symbols and abstractions far removed from concrete experience. Depending on the individual's specific intellectual abilities, this symbolic cognition may take the form of: mathematical, logical or geometric thinking - artistic and metaphorical use of language - music composition or performance - one of the many visual or performing arts. 

People with low scores on Openness to Experience tend to have narrow, common interests. They prefer the plain, straightforward and obvious over the complex, ambiguous and subtle. They may regard the arts and sciences with suspicion, regarding these endeavours as obscure or of no practical use. Closed people prefer familiarity over novelty; they are conservative and resistant to change.

Openness is often perceived as healthier or more mature. However, both open and closed styles of thinking are useful in different environments. The intellectual style of the open person may serve a educator or strategist well.  However, research has shown that closed thinking is related to superior job performance in police work, sales and a number of service occupations.

Imagination
To imaginative individuals the real world is often too plain and ordinary. High scorers for this facet use fantasy, not as an escape, but as a way of creating for themselves, a more richer and  interesting inner-world. 

Artistic Interests 
High scorers in this area love beauty, both in art and in nature. They become easily involved and absorbed in artistic and natural events. 

Depth of Emotions
People who score high for this facet have good access to and awareness of their own feelings.

Willingness to Experiment 
High scorers for this area are eager to try new activities, and experience different things. They find familiarity and routine boring.

Intellectual Curiosity
Intellect and artistic interests are the two most important, central aspects of Openness to Experience.  

Tolerance for Diversity 
'Psychological liberalism' refers to a readiness to challenge authority, convention and traditional values. 

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Extraversion

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Extraversion is marked by pronounced engagement with the external world. Extraverts enjoy being with people, are full of energy and often experience positive emotions. 
They tend to be enthusiastic and action-oriented individuals who are likely to say "Yes!" or "Let's go!" to opportunities for excitement. In groups they like to talk, assert themselves and draw attention to themselves.

Introverts lack the exuberance, energy and activity levels of extraverts. They tend to be quiet, low-key, deliberate and disengaged from the social world. 
However. their lack of social involvement should not be interpreted as shyness or depression; the introvert simply needs less stimulation than an extravert and prefers to be alone. The independence and reserve of the introvert is sometimes mistaken as unfriendliness or arrogance.

Warmth
Friendly people genuinely like other people and openly demonstrate positive feelings toward others.

Gregariousness
Gregarious people find the company of others pleasantly stimulating and rewarding. They enjoy the excitement of crowds. 

Excitement-Seeking 
High scorers for this area of personality are easily bored without high levels of stimulation. 

Positive Emotions
This facet measures a person's ability to experience a range of positive feelings, including happiness, enthusiasm, optimism and joy. 

Assertiveness 
High scorers for Assertiveness like to charge and direct the activities of others. They tend to be leaders in groups. 

Activity Level 
Active individuals lead fast-paced and busy lives. They do things and move about quickly, energetically, vigorously and they are involved in many activities. 

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Agreeableness

Agreeableness reflects individual differences in concern about co-operation and social harmony. Agreeable individuals value getting along with others. They are therefore considerate, friendly, generous, helpful and willing to compromise their interests with others'. Agreeable people also have an optimistic view of human nature. They believe people are basically honest, decent and trustworthy.

People who score low in this area place self-interest above getting along with others. They are generally unconcerned with others' well-being and therefore are unlikely to extend themselves for other people. Sometimes their scepticism about others' motives causes them to be suspicious, unfriendly and uncooperative.

Agreeableness is obviously advantageous for attaining and maintaining popularity. Agreeable people are better liked than disagreeable people. On the other hand, agreeableness is not useful in situations that require tough or absolute objective decisions. Low scorers can make excellent scientists, critics, or soldiers.

Trust in others 
People who score high in this area fundamentally assume that most people are fair, honest and have good intentions.  They take people at face value and they are willing to forgive and forget.

Sincerity 
High scorers for this facet see no need for pretence or manipulation when dealing with others and are therefore candid, frank and genuine. 

Altruism
Altruistic people find helping other people genuinely rewarding.  Altruistic people find that doing things for others is a form of self-fulfilment rather than self-sacrifice. 

Compliance
Individuals who score high for Compliance dislike confrontations. They are perfectly willing to compromise or to deny their own needs in order to get along with others. 

Modesty
High scorers are unassuming, rather self-effacing and humble.  However it is important to understand that they are not necessarily lacking in self-confidence or self-esteem.

Sympathy
People who score high for this area are tender-hearted and compassionate. 

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