Using personality data in higher education: A preliminary examination of personality differences based on professional orientation and skill level.

摘要

The purpose of this study is to examine the differences between groups of psychology students and groups of psychology professionals based on the personality trait of Extraversion, and its facets, as measured by the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO PI-R; Costa & McCrae, 1992). Previous applications of the NEO PI-R have focused on personnel selection for various jobs within a personnel psychology context, student selection for certain educational programs (e.g., medicine), and in mental health counseling settings; however, little research to date has focused on the use of personality variables to assist career counselors guide psychology students into appropriate psychology programs, to assist educational counselors who work with prospective graduate students, or to assist other professionals in higher education. While this research does not seek to predict student performance in graduate programs, a factorial analysis of variance research design (2x2 ANOVA) is utilized to provide preliminary data concerning potential personality (i.e., Extraversion and its facets in particular) differences between clinically and research-oriented students and professionals based on professional orientation and skill level. No significant differences were found between clinical and research psychology students, and clinical and research psychology professionals on the Extraversion trait; however, significant differences were found between clinical and research psychology professionals on two facets of Extraversion, Warmth and Gregariousness. Applications for prospective graduate students, career counselors, and educational counselors working in higher education are discussed.