PYCHOLOGY OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

[1ST YEAR, SEMESTER II]

SUBMITTED BY - KESHVI VERMA

ROLL NO. – 24528/27
EXAMINATION ROLL NO. – 24008528038
SUBMITTED TO – MS. ELANGBAM REEBIKA DEVI
 INDEX

DATE TITLE SIGNATURE

To assess an
individual’s
14.05.2025 personality using
NEO five factor
inventory
 NEO FIVE FACTOR INVENTORY

PURPOSE; To assess an individual’s personality by using neo five factor

inventory (FFI- III)

INTRODUCTION
Introduction to personality
Personality is a complex psychological concept that encompasses the unique and relatively
consistent patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that define an individual. It plays a
significant role in how people relate to others, handle stress, make choices, and interpret
their surroundings. Personality is shaped by a mix of genetic, environmental, and social
factors, which contribute to each person's distinct way of experiencing and responding to
the world.
Understanding personality is crucial in psychology because it influences mental health,
interpersonal relationships, and overall life satisfaction. It affects how individuals face
challenges, form connections, and strive toward their goals. To study personality
scientifically, psychologists have created various theories and models that aim to explain
and measure personality traits

>Perspectives of personality
Type Approach
The Type Approach is one of the earliest methods used to understand personality. It
proposes that individuals can be categorized into distinct personality "types" based on
shared traits and behavior patterns. According to this approach, each person belongs to a
specific type, and those within the same type tend to exhibit similar characteristics. This
method is straightforward and organized, making it easier to recognize and describe
different personality styles.

1. Carl Jung’s Classification

Swiss psychologist Carl Jung introduced a classification based on how people interact
socially and process information:
Introverts: Reserved, quiet, and inward-focused; they prefer solitude, reflect deeply before
speaking, and draw energy from being alone

Extraverts: Outgoing, talkative, and socially active; they tend to act first, think l
Ambiverts: Possess a mix of introverted and extraverted traits, showing a balanced
personality depending on the situation
 2. Ancient greek classification
Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician, suggested that personality is influenced by the
balance of four bodily fluids, or "humours." An imbalance in these fluids was thought to
create different personality types:

Sanguine (Blood): Cheerful, optimistic, energetic, and sociable

Choleric (Yellow Bile): Ambitious, strong-willed, leader-like, and quick-tempered
Phlegmatic (Phlegm): Calm, reliable, emotionally steady, and peaceful
Melancholic (Black Bile): Serious, thoughtful, sensitive, and often gloomy

3. Indian Concept – Triguna Theory

The traditional Indian perspective also offers a personality framework based on
three fundamental qualities (gunas) present in varying degrees in every individual.
The balance of these qualities influences personality:

Sattva (Purity and balance): Calm, wise, disciplined, and spiritually inclined
Rajas (Passion and activity): Ambitious, emotional, and restless
Tamas (Inertia and ignorance): Lazy, confused, and lacking motivation

Each person’s personality is shaped by the unique combination of these gunas, with
one often being more dominant than the others.

4. Sheldon's Body Type Theory (Somatotypes)

American psychologist William Sheldon proposed a theory connecting physical body

types with personality traits. He identified three main body types, or "somatotypes,"
each associated with certain psychological characteristics:

Endomorph (Round and soft): Sociable, relaxed, and enjoys comfort

Mesomorph (Muscular and athletic): Energetic, assertive, and action-oriented
Ectomorph (Thin and fragile): Quiet, introspective, and prone to anxiety
Trait approach
 The Trait Approach is a highly regarded and scientifically grounded
method for understanding personality. It centers on identifying
consistent, enduring traits—core qualities that shape how a person
thinks, feels, and acts across different situations. According to this
approach, personality is not random or situational but rather built from
a unique blend of traits that vary in intensity from person to person. In
essence, it sees personality as a distinctive recipe of traits that defines
an individual's psychological makeup.

Characteristics of traits
1. Differ from person to person
2. Are consistent
3. Measurable

1. Hans Eysenck's Theory Eysenck proposed that personality can be

understood in terms of three major dimensions:

• Introversion - Extraversion
• Introverts: reserved, quiet
• Extraverts: outgoing, sociable

• Neuroticism - Stability
• High neuroticism: anxious, moody
• Stability: calm, emotionally stable

• Psychoticism - Sociability
High psychoticism: tough- minded, non-conforming

Low psychoticism; warm, caring

2. Gordon Allport’s trait theory

Allport was one of the first psychologist to emphasise the uniqueness of the individual
he categorized traits into 3 levels

• Cardinal Traits:
Dominant traits that define a person's entire lif
Example: Gandhi's non-violence, Mother Teresa's compassio
• Central Traits:
° General traits found in most people (5-10 traits).
• Example: honesty, friendliness, or patience.

• Secondary Traits:
• Traits that appear in specific situations.
• Example: being shy only with strangers.

3. Raymond Cattell’s 16 personality factors

Cattell used statistical techniques (factor analysis) to identify 16 source traits, which
he believed were the core building blocks of personality. He also classified:

• Surface traits --- easily observable behaviours

• Source traits ----deeper, underlying traits

4. The Big Five Personality Traits (OCEAN Model); This is the most accepted trait
model today. It includes five broad traits.

1. Openness to Experience
Imaginative, curious, open to new ideas
2. Conscientiousness:
Organized, responsible, self-disciplined
3. Extraversion:
Energetic, sociable, talkative
4. Agreeableness:
Kind, cooperative, compassionate
5. Neuroticism:
Moody, anxious, emotionally unstable
STRUCTURE OF PERSONALITY
Freud’s Structure of Personality: Id, Ego, and Superego
Sigmund Freud divided the human personality into three interacting components—Id, Ego,
and Superego—each playing a unique role in shaping behaviour.

Id
The Id is the most primitive part of the personality and is present from birth. The term "id"
comes from Latin, meaning "it." It operates entirely on the pleasure principle, seeking
immediate gratification of basic biological urges such as hunger, thirst, self-preservation,
and sexual desire—without any consideration for rules or consequences. The id is impulsive,
unconscious, and amoral. Its motto can be summed up as: "If it feels good, do it."

Ego
The Ego develops to help the individual navigate reality. Derived from the Latin word for "I,"
the ego is the rational, conscious part of the personality that works according to the reality
principle. It tries to fulfill the id’s desires in realistic and socially acceptable ways, balancing
primitive impulses with the demands of the external world. The ego acts as the mediator
between the id and the superego.

Superego
The Superego represents the moral compass of the personality. Emerging during early
childhood as the child internalizes societal rules and parental guidance, it embodies the
sense of right and wrong. The term comes from Latin meaning "above the self." The
superego strives for perfection and judges actions, often creating feelings of pride or guilt.
Together, these three parts constantly interact, shaping our thoughts, decisions, and
behaviours.

Freud’s Psychosexual Stages of Personality Development

Freud proposed that personality develops through a series of stages cantered around
different erogenous zones—the areas of the body that provide pleasure. At each stage, the
child faces a specific conflict that must be resolved to move on healthily to the next.
Unresolved conflicts can result in fixation, influencing adult behaviour.
1. Oral Stage (Birth to 18 months)
In this first stage, the mouth is the primary source of pleasure. Activities such as sucking,
biting, and breastfeeding are central. The main challenge is weaning—transitioning from
breast or bottle feeding to other sources of nourishment. If not handled well, fixation may
lead to oral habits in adulthood, like smoking, nail-biting, or overeating.
2. Anal Stage (18 to 36 months)
Here, the focus of pleasure shifts to the anus. Children derive satisfaction from controlling
bowel movements. The central conflict is toilet training, as children learn self-control and
how to respond to parental demands. This stage can influence traits like orderliness or
messiness depending on how toilet training is handled.
3. Phallic Stage (3 to 6 years)
Pleasure centres on the genitals as children become aware of their bodies and the
differences between sexes. During this phase, Freud identified the Oedipus complex in boys
(a desire for the mother and rivalry with the father). Resolution of these feelings is essential
for healthy identity development.
4. Latency Stage (6 years to puberty)
During this stage, sexual feelings are repressed or dormant. Instead, children focus on
intellectual, physical, and social growth. Friendships often develop with same-sex peers, and
interest in the opposite sex is minimal. It is a time of personality solidification and skill-
building.
5. Genital Stage (Puberty onward)
With the onset of puberty, sexual desires re-emerge, but now they are directed toward
mature, adult relationships. This stage marks the development of a healthy sexual identity
and the capacity for love, intimacy, and responsibility in relationships.
Freud believed that successfully resolving the conflicts at each stage leads to a well-
balanced personality, while fixation can lead to emotional or behavioural issues in
adulthood.

ASSESSMENT OF PERSONALITY
Assessment of personality refers to the measurement of personal characteristics of an
individual it involves information gathering through interviews etc and administering of
psychological test to understand the typical characteristics.
Different types of personality assessment measures are mentioned below-;
Personality Inventories / Self-Report Measures
Self-report inventories are among the most widely used tools for assessing personality.
These are structured questionnaires made up of statements about various traits and
behaviours. Individuals respond to these statements by choosing options like "yes/no" or
"true/false" based on their personal experiences.These inventories are designed to reflect
real-life situations and are not judged by right or wrong answers, as the person is reporting
on their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Since individuals evaluate themselves,
these are called self-report inventories. They are developed using scientific methods,
standardized procedures, and undergo rigorous validation, which is why they are also
referred to as psychometric tests.In essence, self-report inventories help individuals
describe their own emotions, environments, and how others respond to them.

Projective Techniques
Projective tests are primarily used in clinical settings to explore deeper emotional issues and
uncover hidden aspects of personality. These tests are based on the concept of projection, a
defence mechanism where individuals unconsciously attribute their inner thoughts, desires,
or conflicts onto external objects or people.

In projective testing, individuals are presented with ambiguous or unstructured stimuli, such
as abstract images or open-ended scenarios. Their responses are thought to reveal
underlying, unconscious motives and emotions. Because the stimuli are vague, people are
more likely to express feelings and thoughts they may not consciously recognize or might
otherwise hide.

BEHAVIOURAL RATINGS
It involves the observation and recording of the activities of a person by the observer in a
controlled or natural situation. Utilizing behavioural observations involves systematically
recording and analysing an individual's actions, reactions, and interactions in various
contexts to assess their personality traits and characteristics. When observing behavioural
patterns, key aspects such as body language analysis and facial expression interpretation
play an important role.A Behaviour Rating Scale (BRS) is a tool that can be used to
quantitatively measure behaviour. The BRS is created for each individual student by a
collaborative team to assess specific behaviours.
Psychometric Tests
Psychometric tests are scientific tools used to measure psychological traits like personality,
intelligence, aptitude, and emotions. These tests are carefully developed to make sure they
are reliable (give consistent results) and valid (measure what they are supposed to).In
personality assessment, psychometric tests often focus on specific traits, like those in the
Big Five (e.g., openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism).
They usually include multiple-choice questions or rating scales and are scored in an
objective, standardized way. These tests are commonly used in schools, clinics, and
workplaces—for things like counselling, hiring, and diagnosis. Since they are standardized,
they can be given to many people and results can be easily compared.

History and Description of the NEO-FFI Test in Psychology

History:
The NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) is a shorter version of the NEO Personality
Inventory, originally developed by psychologists Paul T. Costa Jr. and Robert R. McCrae in
the late 20th century. The original NEO Inventory focused on three traits: Neuroticism,
Extraversion, and Openness (hence the name NEO). Later, based on extensive research in
personality psychology, Costa and McCrae expanded the model to include Agreeableness
and Conscientiousness, forming the well-known Five-Factor Model (FFM) or Big Five
personality traits.
To make the assessment quicker and easier to use in research and applied settings, the
NEO-FFI was introduced as a 60-item version of the full NEO Personality Inventory-Revised
(NEO-PI-R), which contains 240 items.

Description:
The NEO-FFI is a self-report questionnaire designed to measure the Big Five personality
traits:
1. Neuroticism – emotional instability, anxiety, moodiness
2. Extraversion – sociability, assertiveness, energy level
3. Openness to Experience – creativity, curiosity, openness to new ideas
4. Agreeableness – compassion, cooperation, trust in others
5. Conscientiousness – organization, responsibility, dependability

Each trait is assessed through 12 items, making the test quicker to complete (typically 10–15
minutes). Respondents rate how much they agree or disagree with various statements
about themselves using a Likert-type scale (e.g., strongly agree to strongly disagree).
The NEO-FFI is widely used in clinical, educational, and organizational settings, and it is
valued for its scientific reliability and validity. It provides a broad overview of personality
and is often used in both research and practical applications like psychological counseling,
career guidance, and personnel selection.

Key Strengths:
Quick to administer
Based on a well-researched and widely accepted theory
Provides insight into core personality dimensions

Limitations:
Less detailed than the full NEO-PI-R
Self-report format can be influenced by social desirability or lack of self-awareness

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Neuroticism
A study conducted by Broady H. et al. in 2016 titled “Neuroticism and Risk of Alzheimer’s
Disease” explored the link between high levels of neuroticism and the likelihood of
developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The researchers proposed that individuals with
elevated neuroticism are more susceptible to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a known
early stage of AD. Their findings suggest that neuroticism may contribute to the risk of
Alzheimer's by increasing the chances of developing MCI.

Openness
In 2010, Sutin, A. R., and Costa, P. T. Jr. carried out a study titled “The Relationship between
Openness to Experience and Stress Response.” The research examined how openness to
experience influences physiological responses to stress. Results indicated that individuals
high in openness tend to show fewer physical stress reactions and are more likely to use
adaptive coping strategies, such as problem-solving and seeking social support. These
behaviours may help reduce the overall impact of stress.
Agreeableness
Booth-Kewley, S., and Friedman, H. S. conducted a meta-analysis in 1987 titled
“Agreeableness and Health Outcomes.” This study assessed the relationship between
agreeableness and various health outcomes. The analysis revealed that individuals who
score high in agreeableness generally experience better physical and mental health. This
includes lower stress levels, a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and greater life
satisfaction. The researchers also noted that agreeable individuals are more likely to seek
social support and engage in health-promoting behaviours, which contribute to improved
well-being.

Conscientiousness
In 2011, Benjamin P. Chapman and colleagues conducted a study titled “Conscientiousness
and Longevity: An Examination of Possible Mediators.” The study analysed longitudinal data
and found a strong positive link between conscientiousness and longer lifespan. The
researchers discovered that this connection is partly explained by healthier lifestyle
choices—such as less smoking, more regular exercise, and moderate alcohol use—
commonly seen in conscientious individuals. These behaviours help explain the increased
longevity among those with high conscientiousness.

Extraversion
In 2018, William C. Zellner and colleagues conducted a study titled *“Extraversion and
Subjective Well-Being in a U.S. National Probability Sample.” The research used measures
such as positive affect and life satisfaction to assess participants’ overall well-being. The
results revealed a positive relationship between extraversion and subjective well-being.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
NEO-FFI-3 item booklet
NEO-FFI-3 answer booklet
NEO-FFI-3 scoring sheet
Pen, pencil, paper

DEMOGRAPHIC DETAILS
NAME- Anjali Jain

AGE- 23

DATE- 10/05/2025

PLACE OF ADMINISTRATION- House

TIME OF ADMINISTRATION- 5: OO PM

PROCEDURE
arrangements of the material - the teste/subject was seated at 90 degree position
with the site of the tester. the participant was given the NEO-FFI-3 item booklet and answer
sheet, a pencil and eraser the other items like the scoring sheet and the norm sheet were
hidden from the sight of the testee after making sure the testee is comfortable the test was
started.

RAPPORT FORMATION
The testee was made to feel comfortable through friendly interaction. The tester engaged
the testee in a casual conversation about their day, interests, and hobbies to create a
welcoming and relaxed environment. Gradually, the researcher introduced the purpose of
the session and explained the NEO-FFI test. The testee expressed interest in learning about
their personality and was eager to participate and see the results.

INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO THE TESTEE

"This is a personality test designed to assess how you typically think, feel, and behave. There
are no right or wrong answers, so please respond honestly. You will be presented with 60
statements. Read each statement carefully and choose the response that best reflects how
you generally feel or behave. Fill in the corresponding circle that matches your response.
Make sure your responses are recorded in the correct format."

PRECAUTIONS TAKEN:
1. The specific purpose of the test was not disclosed to the testee.
2. The testing environment was free from disturbances to prevent distractions.
3. All instructions were communicated clearly to the testee.

4. The tester ensured the testee was comfortable throughout the session.
5. A positive rapport was established between the tester and testee to encourage open
participation.

ADMINISTRATION
A strong rapport was established before the administration of the test. Once the test was
introduced and thoroughly explained, and the testee confirmed they had no questions, the
session began. The environment was comfortable, quiet, and well-lit. The testee read each
of the 60 statements individually and responded appropriately on the answer sheet. Any
doubts or questions raised during the process were addressed promptly. The tester ensured
the testee followed the format correctly and completed all items without skipping any.

INTROSPECTIVE REPORT (From the Testee):

"The questions were quite thought-provoking and made me reflect deeply before
responding. As I answered, I found myself thinking about my behaviour and how I react in
various situations—like how I tend to get angry when treated unfairly. The questions helped
me identify some of the negative aspects of my personality and motivated me to work on
being more mindful in my responses."

BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATIONS:
Initially, the testee appeared confused and slightly hesitant during the interaction. However,
as rapport developed, she became more at ease and comfortable. She demonstrated a clear
understanding of the test process and engaged attentively throughout the session.

RESULTS
The results obtained have been summarised in the result summary table;

DIMENSIONS RAW SCORE T- SCORE LEVEL

NEUROTICISM 26 55 AVERAGE

EXTRAVERSION 26 45 AVERAGE

OPENESS 24 41 LOW

AGREEABLENESS 13 <25 VERY LOW

CONSCIENTIOUSNESS 23 35 LOW
DISCUSSION
The aim of the test was to assess the five domains of personality of the subject using the
NEO-FFI Questionnaire developed by Paul T. Costa and Robert R.
NEUROTICISM- The raw score obtained by the subject was 26 which corresponds to the T
score 55. This shows that the subject is AVERAGE on neuroticism. Subject has average traits
of moodiness, experiences, fear, anger, anxiety, worry, guilty, loneliness depressed mood,
frustration.
EXTRAVERSION- The raw score obtained by the subject is 26 which corresponding the T
score is 45. This reflects that the subject is AVERAGE on extraversion. An average scorer on
extraversion indicates a balanced personality when it comes to social engagement, energy
levels, and assertiveness. Here subject is likely to possess both traits of extraversion and
introversion.
Extraverts Enjoy being around people, thrive in group settings, and often feel energized by
socializing. They seek out conversations, parties, and collaborative environments. They like
social interactions and are friendly. They are active, affectionate, joiner, talkative, fun-loving
and passionate. Tend to have a wide social circle and enjoy meeting new people. They may
prioritize variety in their relationships.
Introverts Prefer small groups or one-on-one interactions. They often find large social
gatherings draining and need alone time to recharge after socializing. Introverts are
reserved, they usually don't like loud crowds or big groups and often want to spend time
alone. They are quiet, passive, sober and prefer independent work or quiet settings.
The subject is not opposed to the idea of talking to people and prefers to stay where the
action is. The subject likes to have a lot of people around her but also likes to be reserved
and quiet at some points of life.
OPENNESS TO EXPERIENCE- The raw score obtained by the subject is 24 which
corresponding to the T score is 41. This reflects that the subject is LOW on openness to
experience. Low scorers on openness don’t experience broaden interesting imagination.
They are not open to new experience and new experience.
AGGREABLENESS- The raw score obtained by the subject is 13 which corresponding to the T
score is <25 This reflects that the subject is VERY LOW on agreeableness. Low scorers will be
hardheaded, sceptical, very proud to oneself and unnecessary competition and they tend to
express anger directly. They are narcissistic, anti-social and paranoid personality. Those
scoring low on agreeableness (disagreeable individuals) typically lack empathy, are more
hostile and will often prioritize their own self-interests over the needs of others

CONSCIENTIOUSNESS- The raw score obtained by the subject is 23 which corresponding the
T score is 35. This reflects that the subject is LOW on conscientiousness. Low scorer on
conscientiousness is easy going, not well organised. Sometimes very careless and prefer not
to make plans. May struggle with impulse control, leading to difficulty in completing tasks
and fulfilling goals. People low in conscientiousness are often more adaptable and
comfortable with change. The subject struggles with getting her things organized.

CONCLUSION
The purpose of the test was to assess an individual's personality using the NEO-FFI-3.
From this test we found that the subject who is 23 years old is somewhat a very active and
person who reflects both traits of extraversion and introversion and somewhere is cold and
not very friendly person, she don’t love to explore new things and try new experiences in
day to day life and she is not that very well organised and disciplined but very competitive
and narcissistic. She scored average in Neuroticism, Average in Extraversion, low in
Openness to Experience, Very Low in Agreeableness and Low in Conscientiousness.

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