After reading Chapter 13, you should be able to:

1. Explain the basics of factor analytic procedures.
2. Explain the importance of R. B. Cattell's pioneering work.
3. Distinguish between the Big Five as a taxonomy and as a theory.
4. List and briefly describe each of the Big Five factors.
5. Discuss the evolution of the five-factor theory.6. List and briefly describe McCrae and Costa's three core components of personality.
6. List and briefly describe McCrae and Costa's three peripheral components of personality.
7. Briefly describe some of the cross-cultural research on McCrae and Costa's Big Five factors.
8. Critique the pros and cons of McCrae and Costa's factor and trait theories.
9. Discuss the relationship of parsimony to factor and trait theories.