Question

Whenever Ella gets an assignment in one of her classes, she immediately writes it down in her planner. At home, Ella keeps a notepad and calendar on her desk so she can stay organized with all her coursework. This information suggests that Ella is likely to score high on the five-factor personality trait of a. extraversion b. conscientiousness c. agreeableness d. neuroticism

Short answer

Based on the scenario, Ella's behavior related to organization and responsibility suggests that she is likely to score high on the five-factor personality trait of \(b. conscientiousness\).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Characteristics of each Trait

Extraversion is characterised by assertiveness, sociability and the tendency to seek stimulation in the company of others. Conscientiousness is characterised by being organized, systematic, punctual, achievement-oriented, and dependable. Agreeableness is about being friendly, compassionate, cooperative, and likable. Neuroticism is associated with moodiness, nervousness, and being prone to depressive feelings.

Match the Scenario with the Trait

In the provided scenario, Ella's actions imply a systematic, organized, and responsible behaviour. She immediately logs her assignments into her planner, keeping herself timely and dependable for the tasks. This characteristic corresponds closely with conscientiousness.

Select the Appropriate Trait

From the analysis mentioned above, it is safe to conclude that the trait that Ella likely scores high on the five-factor personality model is 'conscientiousness'. Hence, the answer is: b. conscientiousness.

Key concepts

Conscientiousness

Conscientiousness is one of the Big Five Personality Traits, recognized for its emphasis on being organized, diligent, and responsible. This trait is often associated with individuals who display a high level of discipline, reliability, and goal-oriented behavior.
Conscientious individuals often plan ahead and are meticulous in their tasks. This means that they are likely to make lists, use planners, and maintain schedules to ensure that they meet deadlines and commitments.
For instance, someone like Ella, who immediately writes her assignments in a planner, demonstrates classic conscientious behavior. This helps in handling workloads efficiently and reducing stress.

Personality Psychology

Personality psychology is a branch of psychology focused on understanding the intricacies of human personality. It studies how personality develops, its nature, its structure, and the factors influencing it.
The Big Five Personality Traits—openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism—are widely accepted as a comprehensive approach in personality psychology.
Each of these traits represents a range of behaviors and dispositions, providing a framework to predict how different people may react in varying situations. Understanding these traits can be vital for personal growth, improving relationships, and enhancing social interactions.

Organizational Skills

Organizational skills comprise the ability to use resources, including time, effectively and efficiently. Good organizational skills are crucial for personal and professional success, leading to increased productivity and reduced stress.
For students like Ella, organizational skills manifest in habits such as keeping a planner and calendar readily available. This supports keeping track of assignments and responsibilities and helps students manage their workload effectively.

• Time management is a key part of organizational skills, ensuring that tasks are prioritized and deadlines are met.
• Effective planning and delegation can also help in organizing complex tasks or group activities.

These skills are especially linked with the conscientiousness trait in personality studies.

Psychological Assessment

Psychological assessment involves the use of various techniques, tools, and tests to evaluate individuals' cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
Assessments are often used in clinical settings, educational environments, and organizational structures to predict and understand behavior.
The Big Five Personality Traits model is a popular framework used in psychological assessments to evaluate personality traits such as conscientiousness. By assessing traits, psychologists can provide insights into personality, predict behaviors, and help individuals understand their own strengths and areas for improvement.
This understanding can assist in personal development and in making informed decisions in both personal and professional life.