Correlation between Personality Traits, Learning Approaches and Academic Performance of Dental Students

摘要

The present study investigated the correlation between personality traits of dental students and their approaches to learning. Aims were to examine the influence of both measures on the academic achievement of dental students, and to provide recommendations for educators.ududPersonality traits of final year dental students were determined using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory. These students were also asked to complete Bigg’s revised two-factor version of the study process questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) and provide their grade point average (GPA). The de-identified data were analysed using zero-order correlation, Student t- test and a multiple regression procedures.ududOf the 170 students who volunteered, a total of 115 (67.6%) students showed deep approach (DA) to learning. Moreover, a significant positive relation between GPA and DA was found, whereas negative relation between GPA and surface learning approach (SA) was reported. Two of the five personality traits, namely conscientiousness and openness were positively related to deep learning approaches. Conscientiousness and DA were the best predictors of GPA. Results from zero-order correlation also revealed that openness significantly predicted deep learning approach and GPA. On the contrary, neuroticism was positively related to surface learning approach and negatively related to GPA. Neuroticism was significantly higher in female students.