Abstract
This study examined the relationships between the (broad) Big Five traits and the narrow personality traits of Optimism and Work Drive in relation to cognitive ability in a US adolescent sample of 457 middle school and 375 high school students. All of the personality traits were significantly correlated with cognitive ability in both the middle and high school groups. Hierarchical multiple regression results revealed that Optimism added significantly to the prediction of cognitive ability beyond the Big Five traits. Separate regression analyses indicated that the Big Five contributed only minor variance to the prediction of cognitive ability beyond Optimism and Work Drive and, using a stepwise procedure, Optimism was the only significant predictor in the middle school sample, whereas Optimism and Openness were significant predictors in the high school sample. Results were interpreted in terms of broad versus narrow personality traits and linkages between personality and cognitive ability. Possible theoretical explanations were discussed, ranging from Spearman’s “mental vigor” hypothesis, to Eysenck’s cortical arousal concept, a “stimulation hypothesis”, and a conceptual model involving the interaction of student behavior, teacher behavior, and academic performance in school.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
