What characteristic refers to the degree to which individuals are outgoing, social, and assertive?

The characteristic that describes the degree to which individuals are outgoing, social, and assertive is extroversion. This trait is part of the broader personality framework known as the Five Factor Model, which encompasses various dimensions of personality. Extroversion is typically contrasted with introversion, where introverted individuals tend to be more reserved and less socially engaging.

Extroverted individuals often seek social interactions and feel energized by being around others, making them more likely to take on leadership roles and express opinions assertively. Their sociability can lead to better communication skills and positive relationships in both personal and professional contexts, allowing them to thrive in collaborative environments.

In contrast, the options related to personality and locus of control do not specifically address sociability and assertiveness in the same direct manner as extroversion does. Personality is a broad term that encompasses all traits, while locus of control relates to the degree to which individuals believe they have control over their life events, which is unrelated to the characteristic of being outgoing or social.