The Big Five Personality Traits: MCQs with Answers and Explanations
- Which of the following is NOT one of the Big Five personality traits?
a) Agreeableness
b) Openness
c) Introversion
d) NeuroticismAnswer: c) Introversion
Explanation: The Big Five traits are Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism (OCEAN). Introversion is not a separate trait but the opposite of Extraversion.
- What does the ‘O’ in the acronym OCEAN stand for?
a) Optimism
b) Openness
c) Organization
d) ObedienceAnswer: b) Openness
Explanation: ‘O’ in OCEAN refers to Openness, which reflects a person’s creativity, curiosity, and openness to new experiences.
- Which Big Five trait is most associated with social behavior and assertiveness?
a) Neuroticism
b) Agreeableness
c) Conscientiousness
d) ExtraversionAnswer: d) Extraversion
Explanation: Extraversion is characterized by sociability, assertiveness, and the tendency to seek stimulation in the company of others.
- What does high Neuroticism typically indicate?
a) Emotional stability
b) Emotional instability
c) High intelligence
d) AssertivenessAnswer: b) Emotional instability
Explanation: High Neuroticism is associated with anxiety, moodiness, and emotional instability.
- Which of the following describes someone high in Agreeableness?
a) Competitive and critical
b) Trusting and cooperative
c) Reserved and shy
d) Curious and creativeAnswer: b) Trusting and cooperative
Explanation: Agreeableness reflects a person’s tendency to be compassionate, cooperative, and trusting in social interactions.
- A person who is organized, dependable, and disciplined scores high on which trait?
a) Openness
b) Conscientiousness
c) Neuroticism
d) AgreeablenessAnswer: b) Conscientiousness
Explanation: Conscientiousness refers to traits like self-discipline, responsibility, and the ability to plan effectively.
- Which trait reflects a preference for variety and creativity over routine?
a) Neuroticism
b) Openness
c) Agreeableness
d) ConscientiousnessAnswer: b) Openness
Explanation: Openness involves imagination, curiosity, and a preference for new experiences over routine.
- Low scores in which trait are associated with shyness and introversion?
a) Extraversion
b) Neuroticism
c) Agreeableness
d) ConscientiousnessAnswer: a) Extraversion
Explanation: Low Extraversion (or introversion) is characterized by reserved and solitary behavior.
- Which Big Five trait is the best predictor of academic and professional success?
a) Openness
b) Conscientiousness
c) Agreeableness
d) ExtraversionAnswer: b) Conscientiousness
Explanation: Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and goal-oriented, traits that are critical for success.
- A person who often feels anxious, insecure, and self-pitying is likely high in which trait?
a) Extraversion
b) Neuroticism
c) Agreeableness
d) ConscientiousnessAnswer: b) Neuroticism
Explanation: High Neuroticism indicates a tendency to experience negative emotions like anxiety and insecurity.
- Which of the following Big Five traits is most linked to empathy?
a) Agreeableness
b) Conscientiousness
c) Openness
d) NeuroticismAnswer: a) Agreeableness
Explanation: Agreeableness involves compassion, trust, and empathy, making it central to emotional understanding.
- Which trait might be most beneficial for a career in creative arts?
a) Neuroticism
b) Openness
c) Agreeableness
d) ConscientiousnessAnswer: b) Openness
Explanation: Openness is associated with imagination, creativity, and an appreciation for art and ideas.
- Which Big Five trait is closely associated with resilience to stress?
a) Conscientiousness
b) Neuroticism
c) Extraversion
d) AgreeablenessAnswer: c) Extraversion
Explanation: Extraverted individuals often display positive emotions and resilience to stress.
- Someone low in Conscientiousness may be described as:
a) Careless and disorganized
b) Compassionate and cooperative
c) Shy and introverted
d) Curious and creativeAnswer: a) Careless and disorganized
Explanation: Low Conscientiousness is associated with a lack of discipline and organization.
- Which Big Five trait is least likely to change significantly with age?
a) Openness
b) Conscientiousness
c) Agreeableness
d) NeuroticismAnswer: d) Neuroticism
Explanation: Neuroticism tends to remain relatively stable throughout life, whereas traits like Agreeableness and Conscientiousness often increase with age.
- A person who scores low in Agreeableness is likely to be:
a) Argumentative and uncooperative
b) Calm and stable
c) Creative and curious
d) Organized and disciplinedAnswer: a) Argumentative and uncooperative
Explanation: Low Agreeableness is associated with a competitive, critical, and untrusting nature.
- Which Big Five trait includes a facet for “imagination”?
a) Openness
b) Conscientiousness
c) Extraversion
d) NeuroticismAnswer: a) Openness
Explanation: Imagination is a key aspect of Openness, reflecting creativity and an active mind.
- Which trait is most negatively correlated with procrastination?
a) Conscientiousness
b) Neuroticism
c) Openness
d) ExtraversionAnswer: a) Conscientiousness
Explanation: Conscientious individuals are organized and disciplined, making them less likely to procrastinate.
- Which trait is closely linked to emotional expression and enthusiasm?
a) Neuroticism
b) Extraversion
c) Agreeableness
d) OpennessAnswer: b) Extraversion
Explanation: Extraversion is characterized by energetic and enthusiastic behavior.
- A person scoring high on Openness is likely to:
a) Prefer routine
b) Seek new experiences
c) Avoid risks
d) Be emotionally unstableAnswer: b) Seek new experiences
Explanation: High Openness is associated with a preference for novelty and variety.
