Which theory of personality is the NEO-PI-R based on?

• A. Psychoanalytic theory
• B. Social learning theory
• C. 5 factor model by Costa & McCrae
• D. Trait theory by Allport

Answer: (C)

The NEO-PI-R is built around the five-factor model, also known as the Big Five, developed by Costa and McCrae. This framework models personality in five broad dimensions—openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism—with each dimension comprising several facets. The inventory’s items, scoring, and interpretation are all designed to assess these five domains, which is why this model is the correct basis for the NEO-PI-R.

Psychoanalytic theory centers on unconscious processes and early conflicts, which the NEO-PI-R does not measure. Social learning theory emphasizes behavior shaped by observation and reinforcement, not the stable trait structure the NEO-PI-R assesses. Allport’s trait theory proposed cardinal, central, and secondary traits but does not frame personality with the Big Five dimensions that the NEO-PI-R targets.