There are many ways to measure personality. The most widely accepted model in the five-factor model: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. You can easily remember these traits the acronym: OCEAN.
The Big Five are the ingredients that make up each individual's personality. A person might have a dash of openness, a lot of conscientiousness, an average amount of extraversion, plenty of agreeableness and almost no neuroticism at all. Or someone could be disagreeable, neurotic, introverted, conscientious and hardly open at all.
The Big Five are the ingredients that make up each individual's personality. A person might have a dash of openness, a lot of conscientiousness, an average amount of extraversion, plenty of agreeableness and almost no neuroticism at all. Or someone could be disagreeable, neurotic, introverted, conscientious and hardly open at all. A particular individual, however, may have a high overall openness score and be interested in learning and exploring new cultures but have no great interest in art or poetry. Some sample items are as follows: I have a rich vocabulary. I have a vivid imagination. I have excellent ideas. I am quick to understand things. I use difficult words. I am full of ideas. 

Conscientiousness is “related to the way people control, regulate, and direct their impulses”. High scores on conscientiousness indicate a preference for planned rather than spontaneous behavior. The average level of conscientiousness rises among young adults and then declines among older adults. People who are conscientious are organized and have a strong sense of duty. They're dependable, disciplined and achievement-focused. You won't find conscientious types jetting off on round-the-world journeys with only a backpack; they're planners. People who are low in conscientiousness are more spontaneous. They may tend toward carelessness. Conscientiousness is a helpful trait to have, as it has been lined to achievement in school and on the job. Some sample items are as follows: I am always prepared. I pay attention to details. I get chores done right away. I like order.

Extraversion versus introversion is possibly the most recognizable personality trait of the Big Five. Extraverts enjoy interacting with people, and are often perceived as full of energy. They tend to be enthusiastic, action-oriented individuals. They possess high group visibility, like to talk, and assert themselves. Introverts have lower social engagement and energy levels than extraverts. They tend to seem quiet, deliberate, and less involved in the social world. Their lack of social involvement should not be interpreted as shyness or depression; instead, they are more independent of their social world than extraverts. Introverts need less stimulation than extraverts and more time alone. This does not mean that they are unfriendly or antisocial; rather, they are reserved in social situations. Some sample items are as follows: I am the life of the party. I feel comfortable around people. I start conversations. I talk to a lot of different people at parties.

Agreeableness is the general concern for social harmony. Agreeable individuals value getting along with others. They are generally considerate, kind, generous, trusting and trustworthy, helpful, and willing to compromise their interests with others. Agreeable people also have an optimistic view of human nature. Disagreeable individuals place self-interest above getting along with others. They are generally unconcerned with others' well-being and are less likely to extend themselves for other people. Sometimes their skepticism about others' motives causes them to be suspicious, unfriendly, and uncooperative. Some sample items are as follows: I am interested in people. I sympathize with others’ feelings. I have a soft heart. I take time out for others. I feel others’ emotions. I make people feel at ease.
Neuroticism is the tendency to experience negative emotions, such as anger, anxiety, or depression.[49] It is sometimes called emotional instability, or is reversed and referred to as emotional stability. Those who score high in neuroticism are emotionally reactive and vulnerable to stress, they also tend to be flippant in the way they express emotion. They are more likely to interpret ordinary situations as threatening, and minor frustrations as hopelessly difficult. Their negative emotional reactions tend to persist for unusually long periods of time, which means they are often in a bad mood. At the other end of the scale, individuals who score low in neuroticism are less easily upset and are less emotionally reactive. They tend to be calm, emotionally stable, and free from persistent negative feelings. Freedom from negative feelings does not mean that low-scorers experience a lot of positive feelings. Freedom from negative feelings does not mean that low scorers experience a lot of positive feelings. Some sample items are as follows: I am easily disturbed. I change my mood a lot. I get irritated easily. I get stressed out easily. I get upset easily.
