Domains and Facets: Hierarchical Personality Assessment Using the Revised NEO Personality Inventory

• DOI: 10.1207/s15327752jpa6401_2
• Publication Date: 2005-12-20T21:26:30Z
• Authors: Paul T. Costa Jr.; Robert R. McCrae
• Keywords: Facet (psychology)

Personality traits are organized hierarchically, with narrow, specific combining to define broad, global factors. The Revised NEO Inventory (NEO-PI-R; Costa & McCrae, 1992c) assesses personality at both levels, six facet scales in each of five broad domains. This article describes conceptual issues specifying facets a domain and reports evidence on the validity NEO-PI-R scales. Facet analysis-the interpretation scale terms which it correlates-is illustrated using alternative measures five-factor model occupational Finally, hierarchical profiles is discussed. Interpretation level yields rapid understanding individual gives more detailed assessment.