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NEO Five-Factor Inventory – 3
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About NEO Five-Factor Inventory – 3
Scale Name
NEO Five-Factor Inventory – 3
Author Details
Paul T. Costa, Jr. and Robert R. McCrae
Translation Availability
Not Sure

Background/Description
The NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO FFI) is a self-report personality test that measures the five broad dimensions of personality:
- Neuroticism (N): Emotional stability vs. instability
- Extraversion (E): Outgoingness vs. introversion
- Openness (O): Imagination vs. conventionality
- Agreeableness (A): Trust and cooperation vs. antagonism and competition
- Conscientiousness (C): Orderliness and diligence vs. impulsiveness and carelessness
The NEO FFI was developed in the late 1970s by Paul T. Costa, Jr. and Robert R. McCrae, based on their research on the five-factor model of personality. The five-factor model is a theory of personality that suggests that all personality traits can be organized into five broad dimensions.
The NEO FFI is one of the most widely used and respected personality tests in the world. It is used in research and clinical settings, as well as in employment and personal development contexts. The NEO FFI is known for its reliability and validity, and it is available in over 50 languages.
Background
The development of the NEO FFI was motivated by a desire to create a personality test that was based on a sound theoretical foundation and that could be used to assess a wide range of personality traits. Costa and McCrae began their work on the NEO FFI by reviewing the existing literature on personality. They identified over 4,000 personality traits that had been studied by researchers.
Costa and McCrae then conducted a series of factor analyses to identify the underlying dimensions of personality. They found that all of the personality traits that they had reviewed could be grouped into five broad dimensions: neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.
Costa and McCrae then developed a pool of items to measure the five personality dimensions. They carefully selected items that were clear, concise, and relevant to the dimensions that they were trying to measure. The NEO FFI was first published in 1992, and it has since been revised and updated several times.
Introduction
The NEO FFI is a self-report personality test, which means that the individual being assessed completes the test themselves. The test consists of 60 items, each of which is rated on a five-point Likert scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).
The NEO FFI items are designed to assess a wide range of personality traits, such as anxiety, sociability, creativity, altruism, and self-control. For example, some of the NEO FFI items include:
- “I often feel anxious for no apparent reason.”
- “I am a talkative person.”
- “I enjoy trying new things.”
- “I am a cooperative person.”
- “I am always well organized.”
Once the NEO FFI has been completed, the scores for each of the five personality domains are calculated. These scores can then be used to compare the individual’s personality to the norms for the general population, or to identify specific personality traits that are particularly relevant to a particular setting or situation.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
To administer the NEO FFI in paper-and-pencil format, the individual being assessed should be provided with the test booklet and answer sheet. The individual should then be instructed to read the instructions carefully and to answer the questions to the best of their ability.
The NEO FFI items are designed to be clear and concise, but it is still important to provide the individual with an opportunity to ask questions if they are unsure about any of the items. The individual should also be encouraged to take breaks as needed.
The average time to complete the NEO FFI is 30-45 minutes. However, the individual should be allowed as much time as they need to complete the test.
Reliability and Validity
The NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO FFI) is a highly reliable and valid personality test. It has been shown to be reliable across time and across different populations. It has also been shown to be valid in predicting a variety of outcomes, such as job performance, academic achievement, and relationship satisfaction.
Reliability refers to the consistency of a test score. The NEO FFI has been shown to be highly reliable, with internal consistency coefficients ranging from 0.70 to 0.80. This means that the items on the NEO FFI are measuring the same thing, and that the individual’s score on the test is likely to be consistent over time.
Validity refers to the accuracy of a test score. The NEO FFI has been shown to be valid in predicting a variety of outcomes, including:
- Job performance: The NEO FFI scores have been shown to be related to job performance, with individuals scoring higher on conscientiousness and agreeableness tending to perform better at their jobs.
- Academic achievement: The NEO FFI scores have been shown to be related to academic achievement, with individuals scoring higher on openness to experience and conscientiousness tending to achieve higher grades.
- Relationship satisfaction: The NEO FFI scores have been shown to be related to relationship satisfaction, with individuals scoring higher on agreeableness and conscientiousness tending to have more satisfying relationships.
The NEO FFI has also been shown to be valid in predicting a variety of other outcomes, such as mental and physical health, substance abuse, and criminality.
Available Versions
60-Items
Reference
Costa, P. T., Jr., & McCrae, R. R. (2008). The Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R). In G. J. Boyle, G. Matthews, & D. H. Saklofske (Eds.), The SAGE handbook of personality theory and assessment, Vol. 2. Personality measurement and testing (pp. 179–198). Sage Publications, Inc. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781849200479.n9
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NEO FFI?
The NEO FFI is a self-report personality test that measures the five broad dimensions of personality: neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.
How long does the NEO FFI take to complete?
The NEO FFI takes about 30-45 minutes to complete.
Is the NEO FFI reliable and valid?
Yes, the NEO FFI is a highly reliable and valid personality test.
What are some of the uses of the NEO FFI?
The NEO FFI can be used in a variety of settings, including research, clinical practice, employment, and personal development.
How do I interpret my NEO FFI scores?
Your NEO FFI scores can be interpreted by a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist or counselor.
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