Solid Ground in the Wetlands of Personality: A Reply to Block

Paul T. Costa, Robert R. McCrae

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

138 Scopus citations

Abstract

The five-factor model (FFM) of personality offers a structural organization of personality traits in terms of 5 broad factors. J. Block's (1995) critique of the FFM failed to recognize the utility of a trait taxonomy and the intent of research designed to test the 5-factor hypothesis. In a number of instances he omitted reference to empirical evidence that addresses concerns he raised; this evidence shows strong support for the FFM beyond the lexical and questionnaire traditions he reviews. Many of his suggestions for improving the quality of personality research are valuable, but are likely to be more fruitful when used in conjunction with established knowledge about the structure of personality traits: the FFM.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)216-220
Number of pages5
JournalPsychological Bulletin
Volume117
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1995
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychology(all)

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