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Theory & Psychology, Vol. 17, No. 1, 87-99 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0959354307073151
© 2007 SAGE Publications

ROY G. BIV and the OCEAN

A Heuristic Metaphor for Understanding the Role of the Five-Factor Model in Personality Research

Brad M. Hastings

MOUNT ALOYSIUS COLLEGE, bhastings{at}mtaloy.edu

The five-factor model has ascended to a dominant position within the field of personality research over the last two decades. In this paper, I present a framework for understanding the `truth value' of the five-factor model by comparing the role of the five-factor model in personality theory with the role of the ROY G. BIV scheme for organizing the color spectrum. The philosophical assumptions and critiques of the five-factor model are examined in light of this comparison. The result is a heuristic metaphor that maintains the integrity of the work of the big five theorists while also acknowledging the valid criticisms offered by thoughtful critics.

Key Words: five-factor model • lexical hypothesis • metaphors • personality theory


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