Conscientiousness Scale Research Articles

Development and validation of the aristotelian virtue of conscientiousness scale using Rasch methodology

In the dominant Aristotelian view, virtues are traits that contribute to human flourishing, happiness and well-being. Although some scales in psychology are partially based on Aristotelian virtue theory, few of them operationalise all the aspects of virtues that Aristotle took to be essential. The aim of this project was to develop and validate the Aristotelian Virtue of Conscientiousness Scale (AVCS). The initial 60 scale items were developed based on Aristotelian virtue theory. This item pool was piloted and administered to a sample (n = 301) together with measures of distress, satisfaction with life and Big Five Conscientiousness. The twenty-eight most reliable items were selected based on psychometric criteria and subjected to Rasch analysis. The best model fit was achieved when items were combined into six testlets to address local dependency. The AVCS scale displayed excellent reliability (Person Separation Index = 0.88) and was invariant across gender and age. The ordinal-to-interval conversion tables were generated for the AVCS ordinal scores, which strongly correlated with life satisfaction. The AVCS is a reliable and valid measure with good psychometric properties that can be used in future happiness research. The ordinal AVCS scores can be transformed into interval level data using conversion tables published here, which improves accuracy of measurement.

The Influence of Genetic Polymorphic Variability of the Catechol-O-methyltransferase Gene in a Group of Patients with a Diagnosis of Behavioural Addiction, including Personality Traits.

Gambling Disorder (GD) is characterised by a harmful, enduring, and recurrent involvement in betting-related behaviours. Therefore, GD shares similar biological mechanisms and symptoms to substance use disorders (SUD). Therefore, in this study, we chose the behavioural addictions group. During the examination and recruitment to the study, it turned out that all the people undergoing treatment for gambling addiction were also addicted to amphetamines, which is consistent with the biological mechanism related to cerebral neurotransmission. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of the COMT gene polymorphism with behavioral addiction. The study group consisted of 307 participants: 107 men with gambling disorder and amphetamine dependency (mean age = 27.51, SD = 5.25) and 200 non-addicted, nor dependent, free from neuro-psychiatric disorders control group men (mean age = 20.20, SD = 4.51). Both groups were subjected to psychometric evaluation using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood following standard protocols. Determination of the rs4680 polymorphism in the COMT gene was performed using the real-time PCR technique. Statistically significant differences in the frequency of rs4680 genotypes were found in the tested sample of subjects compared with the control group (p = 0.03543). Subjects with gambling disorder and amphetamine use disorder compared to the control group obtained higher scores in the assessment of the STAI trait scale (p = 0.0019), state scale (p < 0.0000), and NEO-FFI Neuroticism scale (p < 0.0000). Significantly lower results were obtained for the NEO-FFI Agreeability scale (p < 0.0000). Additionally, a significant statistical impact of gambling disorder and amphetamine use disorder, and the COMT rs4680 genotype was demonstrated for the score of the STAI trait (p = 0.0351) and state (p = 0.0343) and the NEO-FFI Conscientiousness scale (p = 0.0018). We conclude that COMT and its polymorphic variant influence the development of addiction. Still, considering its multifactorial and polygenic nature, it should be combined with other factors such as personality.

Correction to: Validation of the Social Effort and Conscientiousness Scale (SEACS) in Schizophrenia

Correction to: Validation of the Social Effort and Conscientiousness Scale (SEACS) in Schizophrenia

The HINT1 Gene rs2526303 Polymorphism and Its Association with Personality Traits in Cigarette Smokers.

The development of a substance use disorder (SUD) is a multifaceted process influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Recent research has suggested the potential involvement of the HINT1 gene in various aspects of plasticity, mood regulation, anxiety-like behaviour, and stress-coping mechanisms. Moreover, personality traits are also recognised to be instrumental in developing substance dependency. Given these considerations, our study investigated the associations among cigarette smoking, personality traits, and the rs2526303 polymorphism. Additionally, we investigated the interactions between personality traits and rs2526303 in the HINT1 gene. The study group comprised 531 volunteers: 375 cigarette users (mean age = 29.42 ± 10.72; F = 49%, M = 51%) and 156 never-smokers (mean age = 26.93 ± 10.09; F = 79%, M = 21%). Genotyping was conducted using the real-time PCR method, and the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were administered. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of rs2526303 genotypes and alleles in the cigarette user group compared to the control group. Compared to the control group, the cigarette users obtained higher scores in the assessment of the NEO-FFI Extraversion scale and lower results for the NEO-FFI Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness scales. Additionally, there was a statistically significant effect of rs2526303 genotype interaction and cigarette-using status on the conscientiousness scale. These outcomes collectively suggest a notable association between cigarette smoking and specific dimensions of personality, particularly highlighting differences in extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Furthermore, the detected interaction effect involving rs2526303 concerning conscientiousness signifies a complex interplay between genetic factors and smoking behaviour.

Analysis of the Methylation Level of the DAT1 Dopamine Transporter Gene in Patients Addicted to Stimulants, Taking into Account an Analysis of Personality Traits.

Drug addiction is a chronic biochemical drug use disorder that affects the human brain and behavior and leads to the uncontrolled use of legal or illicit drugs. It has been shown that three factors are involved in the development of addiction: genetic factors, a diverse environment, and the effect of medication on gene expression. The comprehensive approach and holistic analysis of the problem are due to the multigenic and multifactorial nature of addiction. Dopamine, one of the major neurotransmitters in the brain, is believed to be the "culprit" that leads to a drug abuse-induced "high". That is why, in our research, we focused mainly on the genes related to dopaminergic reuptake. In the present study, we chose methylation of the DAT1 dopamine transporter gene based on molecular reasons related to the dopaminergic theory of addiction. This study included two groups: 226 stimulant-dependent and 290 non-stimulant-dependent subjects. The analysis consisted of a case-control comparison of people addicted to psychostimulants compared to a control group of healthy and non-addicted people. There were differences in the levels of statistical significance between the groups. Our research shows lower methylation of islands 1, 9, and 14 in addicted people and greater methylation of islands 32 and 33. The difference in individual CpG methylation islands of the gene under study provides valuable information about the DNA methylation process in patients addicted to psychostimulants. Pearson's linear correlation analysis in stimulant dependence showed a negative correlation between total methylation island levels and the NEO-FFI Neuroticism scale. In subjects with neuroticism, the methylation level was statistically significantly lower. Pearson's linear correlation analysis of stimulant-dependent subjects showed a positive correlation between total methylation island levels and the NEO-FFI Openness scale and the NEO-FFI Conscientiousness scale.

Conscientiousness dan Dukungan Sosial Teman Sebaya Terhadap Prokrastinasi Akademik Mahasiswa Jurusan Sistem Komputer

Students who practice academic procrastination often experience failure in the academic field due to the behavior of procrastinating time in doing assignments from lecturers which results in feelings of laziness, fatigue, and boredom so that students experience failure in the academic field. Conscientiousness can be interpreted as a description of a person's persistence to control his inner urges so that he can be responsible and comply with existing norms and rules. Peer social support is needed to reduce academic procrastination behavior, this is because positive support from peers in the educational process will improve student academic performance. This study aims to empirically examine the role of conscientiousness and peer social support in predicting student academic procrastination in the computer systems department of Universitas Putra Indonesia YPTK Padang. The sample for this study was 152 active status students from 2016 to 2019 using a simple random sampling technique. This research is non-experimental quantitative research with a survey method. The research measuring instrument consists of three scales, namely the conscientiousness scale, the peer social support scale and the academic procrastination scale. The results of this study indicate that conscientiousness and peer social support in collaboration are able have a significant effect on student academic procrastination in the computer systems department. Furthermore, conscientiousness partially has a significant effect on student academic procrastination in the computer systems department. Finally, peer social support partially has a significant effect on student academic procrastination in the computer systems department. The relationship that occurs is negative, the higher the conscientiousness and peer social support, the lower the student academic procrastination in the computer systems department.

Association of the rs3864283 Polymorphism Located in the HINT1 Gene with Cigarette Use and Personality Traits.

Nicotine is the major reinforcing component of tobacco and it is believed that the pharmacological effects of nicotine motivate the initiation and maintenance of a smoking habit. HINT1 appears to play a role in the modulation of the effects of drug abuse. Hence, the aim of this study was the analysis of the association between the rs3864283 polymorphism of the HINT1 gene and cigarette use; the analysis of personality traits assessed by the means of the NEO-FFI Inventory; the analysis of anxiety measured by the STAI questionnaire; and the analysis of the interactions between the rs3864283 and both personality traits and anxiety. The study group consisted of 522 volunteers. Of these, 371 were cigarette users and 151 were never-smokers. The genomic DNA was isolated from venous blood using standard procedures. The results of both inventories, i.e., NEO-FFI and STAI., were reported as the sten scores. Genotyping was conducted with the real-time PCR method. Statistically significant differences were found in the frequency of rs3864283 genotypes and alleles in the tested sample of Cigarette Users when compared to the control group. The Cigarette Users compared to the control group obtained higher scores in the assessment of NEO-FFI extraversion scale, and significantly lower results were obtained for the NEO-FFI openness scale, the agreeableness scale, and the conscientiousness scale. There was a statistically significant effect of rs3864283 genotype interaction and Cigarette Use or not using (control group) on the extraversion scale. There was also a statistically significant effect of Cigarette Users or the control group on the extraversion scale score. The results obtained in the presented study indicated a significant association between the HINT1 rs3864283 variant and smoking status. Moreover, this is the first study incorporating genetic association of above-mentioned polymorphic site with interaction analysis of personality traits and anxiety. Overall, the results of this study suggest that HINT1 is an important genetic component associated with nicotine usage mechanisms.

School Bullying and Personality Traits from Elementary School to University

This retrospective study examines involvement in school bullying at all developmental stages, from elementary school to university, in relation to personality traits. Participants were 216 university students, 162 (75.0%) females and 54 (25.0%) males. The majority of the sample (88.9%) aged 18–24. Students completed the International Personality Items Pool (BFFM) and a self-report questionnaire about school bullying online. The results show that the involvement roles in personality trait A3 (don’t insult) of the Agreeableness (A) scale differ significantly at all educational levels. However, trait E6 Extraversion (E) and the Conscientiousness (C) scale differ at the elementary school level, and trait N6 of the Neuroticism (N) scale varies at the middle school and N3 differs at the high school. All participants differ statistically significantly in A3, Conscientiousness scale at all educational levels. Those involved differ statistically significantly in the traits Neuroticism, C8, and C9 and in two traits of Openness (O). Throughout the course of schooling, victims showed a higher score on the Conscientiousness scale than the bullies/victims. The victims who became the bullies (victims/bullies) had a higher score on the Emotional Stability scale than the bullies who became victims (bullies/victims). About half of the participants said that the experience affected them positively and the other half negatively. Those who answered that it had a positive impact on them showed a statistically significant difference in characteristics E7 (talkativeness) and N10 (pleasant mood). The findings help inform a new perspective of anti-bullying intervention that targets personality traits in all the roles and their rotation.

Epigenetic Analysis of the Dopamine Transporter Gene DAT1 with a Focus on Personality Traits in Athletes.

Human phenotypes (traits) are determined by the selective use of a person's unique genotype (DNA sequence), following exposure to environmental stimuli, such as exercise. Inducing profound changes in epigenetics may be an underlying factor of the beneficial effects of exercise. This study aimed to investigate the association between methylation in the promoter region of the DAT1 gene and personality traits measured by the NEO-FFI questionnaire in a group of athletes. The study group included 163 athletes, and the control group consisted of 232 non-athletes. The obtained results show several significant differences between the studied groups of subjects. The Extraversion scale and the Conscientiousness scale results of the NEO-FFI are significantly higher in the group of athletes compared to controls. The total methylation and the number of methylated islands in the promoter region of the DAT1 gene are higher in the study group. Pearson's linear correlation between the total methylation, the number of methylated islands and the NEO-FFI shows significant results for the Extraversion and Agreeability scales. The total methylation and the number of methylated islands in the promoter region of the DAT1 gene are higher in the study group. Pearson's linear correlation between the total methylation, the number of methylated islands and the NEO-FFI shows significant results for the Extraversion and Agreeability scales. Our analysis of the methylation status of individual CpG sites revealed a new direction of research into the biological aspects of regulating dopamine release and personality traits in people practicing sports.

Effect of Conscientiousness on Social Loafing Among Male and Female Chinese University Students

This study investigated the differences between Chinese female and male university students regarding the relationship between conscientiousness, interpersonal relationships, and social loafing. By analyzing these relationships, this study interpreted how personality, mediators, and gender differences affect social loafing. In total, 827 Chinese university students were recruited from three universities in Xi’an, Shaanxi, China. Students completed an online questionnaire, which included a conscientiousness scale, an interpersonal relationship scale, and a social loafing scale. Structural equation modeling was performed to test the validity of the measurement scales, mediating effects, and group differences. The findings revealed that the relationship between conscientiousness, interpersonal relationships, and social loafing differed between female and male Chinese university students. Interpersonal relationships served as a partial mediator in the relationship between conscientiousness and social loafing among female students. Interpersonal relationships did not play a mediating role in the relationship between conscientiousness and social loafing among male students. We suggest that university administrators should promote cooperation among Chinese university students.

Morning affect, eveningness, and amplitude distinctness: Associations with behavioural indicators of conscientiousness

ABSTRACT Morningness is associated with well-being, better sleep quality, and more conscientiousness, while eveningness is associated with negative emotionality, poorer sleep quality, and less conscientiousness. The current study aimed to further understanding of associations with conscientiousness by assessing specific behavioural indicators of conscientiousness, morningness-eveningness, and also the Morning Affect and Distinctness (amplitude of diurnal variation) aspects of circadian functioning. A survey of Chinese university students (N = 369, aged 18–30, mean = 19.48, SD = 1.922; 108 males, 261 females), included the Morningness-Eveningness-Stability-Scale, measures of conscientiousness, mindfulness, life satisfaction, aspects of sleep, and the Behavioural Indicators of Conscientiousness (BIC) scale. Morningness and Morning Affect were positively correlated with life satisfaction, mindfulness, better sleep quality, more conscientiousness, and with BIC including Hardworking, Self-control, and Punctuality. Distinctness showed negative correlations with these variables. Negative correlations between Eveningness and conscientiousness, and the BIC subscales of Hardworking and Cleanliness were no longer significant after controlling for Morning Affect. Mediation analysis showed that the associations between Eveningness and conscientiousness/BIC were mediated by Morning Affect. These results extend previous research by showing associations between circadian functioning and specific behavioural indicators of conscientiousness, and suggest that low Morning Affect may provide a mechanism for the relationship between Eveningness and conscientiousness.

Serotonin Receptor HTR3A Gene Polymorphisms rs1985242 and rs1062613, E-Cigarette Use and Personality.

We nowadays record growing numbers of e-cigarette users. The development of nicotine dependence is a result of many factors, including genetics and personality. In this study we analyzed two polymorphisms—rs1985242 and rs1062613—in the serotonin receptor HTR3A gene in a group of e-cigarette users (n = 135) and controls (n = 106). Personality traits were measured using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory. The comparison of e-cigarette users with the control group indicates that the former showed significantly higher scores on the neuroticism scale and lower scores on the scales of extraversion and conscientiousness of the NEO-FFI. Homozygote variants of rs1985242 were more frequent in the study group. The results of the 2 × 3 factorial ANOVA for e-cigarette users and the control group as well as interaction between the HTR3A rs1985242 variants were found for the NEO-FFI conscientiousness scale. These results allow us to conclude that the combination of psychological factors and genetic data creates a possibility for making more complete models of substance use disorders.

DRD4 Exon 3 Gene Polymorphisms in Patients Diagnosed with Polysubstance Use Disorder and Co-Occurrence of a Depressive Episode.

Background: There has been a noticeable and systematic growth of the use of psychoactive substances over the past few decades. Dual diagnosis is a clinical term referring to the occurrence of psychoactive substance use disorder comorbid with another psychiatric disorder in the same person. The most common type of dual diagnosis is the co-occurrence of alcohol use disorder and mood disorders in the form of a depressive episode. Co-occurrent substance use disorders are frequently influenced by genetic factors. In selecting our area of research, we focused on dopamine and the DRD4 (Dopamine Receptor D4) gene polymorphism as well as associations with personality features. The aim of the study: The aim of the study was to compare DRD4 exon 3 (DRD4 Ex3) gene polymorphisms in patients diagnosed with polysubstance use disorder and co-occurrence of a depressive episode to DRD4 exon 3 gene polymorphisms in patients diagnosed with polysubstance use disorder and without co-occurrence of a depressive episode and a group of healthy volunteers. The study also aimed at establishing associations between personality features and DRD4 exon 3 gene polymorphisms of male patients diagnosed with polysubstance use disorder with co-occurrence of a depressive episode which may present a specific endophenotype of this group of patients. Methods: The study group comprised 602 male volunteers: patients diagnosed with polysubstance use disorder comorbid with a depressive episode (PUD MDD) (n = 95; mean age = 28.29, standard deviation (SD) = 7.40), patients diagnosed with polysubstance use disorder (PUD) (n = 206; mean age = 28.13, SD = 5.97), and controls (n = 301; mean age = 22.13, SD = 4.57). The patients and control subjects were diagnosed by a psychiatrist using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory (NEO-FFI), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires. An analysis of the DRD4 exon 3 polymorphism was performed. Results: The patients diagnosed with PUD MDD compared to the control group of healthy volunteers showed significantly higher scores on both the STAI status and features scale and the NEO-FFI Neuroticism and Openness Scale, as well as lower scores on the Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness NEO-FFI scales. In the DRD4 exon 3 gene polymorphism, the s allele was more frequent in the PUD MDD compared to the l allele, which was less frequent. The results of the 2 × 3 factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) in patients and controls and the variant DRD4 exon 3 interaction were found on the Extraversion Scale and the Conscientiousness Scale of the NEO-FFI. Conclusions: The associations show that psychological factors combined with genetic data create a new area of research on addiction, including the problem of dual diagnosis. However, we want to be careful and draw no definite conclusions at this stage of our research.

Parsing social motivation: development and validation of a self-report measure of social effort

Background Reduced efforts to form and maintain social bonds can exist in the context of a sufficient desire for social connection. Thus, social impairment common across many psychiatric conditions may often reflect failures in social effort exertion, despite normative levels of social liking and wanting. Although there are many questionnaires available that assess sociability, desire, or lack thereof for connection and perceived social support, there is no current self-report assessment of the behavioral outputs of social motivation. Aims We aimed to develop and validate a measure of the social effort in college students and the general population. Methods College students (n = 981) and a broader sample of adults via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk; n = 506) participated in the study. Results We identified two factors that represented content related to general social effort and social effort in adherence with social norms; we named the measure the Social Effort and Conscientiousness Scale (SEACS). Results suggest the SEACS is a reliable and valid measure of social effort. Conclusions Lower scores on the SEACS were associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, highlighting the scale’s potential utility in clinical populations. We include a discussion of possible applications of the SEACS, including its further use and application in psychopathology research.

PDB78 Development and Validation of the Influence and Motivation for Patient Activation in Diabetes Care in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (IMPACT-D KSA)

We sought to develop and validate a new instrument to measure the degree to which patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) value their health and believe they can influence it: the Influence and Motivation for Patient ACTivation in Diabetes care in KSA (IMPACT-D KSA). Items were generated following a survey of providers from KSA diabetes centers, expert opinion, and prior work. For psychometric testing, 181 adult, Arabic-speaking patients with T2DM were recruited from 2 diabetes centers (ministry of Health). Outcomes included the Consumer Health Activation Index (CHAI), a personality conscientiousness scale, physical function, diabetes distress, diabetes self-efficacy, and clinical values (blood pressure, cholesterol, and hbA1c). Health literacy was assessed via the Brief Health Literacy Screener. Item performance was analyzed (cronbach’s alpha, confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validation with CHAI, self-efficacy, distress, and conscientiousness). We also ran Spearman’s correlations between the IMPACT-D KSA and physical function, health literacy, and clinical values. The mean age of participants was 54 years, two-thirds were women, 41% were lower income, 35% had limited health literacy. The IMPACT-D KSA showed good internal consistency (alpha =0.86). In confirmatory factor analysis, the eight items included in the IMPACT-D KSA loaded onto a single factor (confirmatory factor index = 0.99, TLI=0.99, range: 0.54-0.95). A higher IMPACT-D KSA score was associated with higher CHAI scores (r=0.67, p<0.0001), conscientiousness (r=0.53, p<0.0001), better diabetes self-efficacy (r=0.54, p<0.0001), and lower diabetes distress (r=-0.40, p<0.0001). Higher scores were also associated with higher health literacy scores (r=0.31, p<0.001), better physical health (r=0.17, p=0.03), lower blood pressure (r=-0.15, p=0.0.05), cholesterol (r=-.19, p=0.001) and HbA1c (r=-.23, p=0.003). The IMPACT-D KSA demonstrated reliability, structural validity, and convergent validity. Scores were associated with patient-reported and clinical outcomes. The IMPACT-D KSA should be considered for measuring activation among Arabic-speaking patients with T2DM.

Conscientiousness in weight loss maintainers and regainers.

The role of personality in weight loss maintenance (WLM) is poorly understood. Although the personality trait of conscientiousness has been associated with health-promoting behaviors in general, no study has specifically evaluated the importance of conscientiousness for WLM. This study compared conscientiousness (both in aggregate and on the facet level) and control over healthy lifestyle behaviors (e.g., food quantity and temptations, consistent meal and sleep timing, exercise adherence, and psychosocial health and stress coping) in successful weight loss maintainers and regainers. The sample included 869 National Weight Control Registry participants who reported maintaining ≥ 30-lb weight loss for ≥ 1 year (maintainers) and 484 participants from Amazon's MTurk crowdsourcing marketplace who reported trying but failing to maintain weight loss for 1 year (regainers). Both groups self-reported the Cherynshenko Conscientiousness Scale, the Healthy Lifestyle & Personal Control Questionnaire, body mass index, and demographics in an online survey. Maintainers reported higher levels of total conscientiousness (p = .005), order, virtue, responsibility, and industriousness (ps ≤ .05), but not self-control, compared with regainers after controlling for basic demographic differences. Unexpectedly, regainers scored significantly higher on the facet of traditionalism (p < .001). Maintainers also reported greater degree of control over food quantity and temptations, consistent meal and sleep timing, and exercise adherence (ps < .001), but not psychosocial health and stress coping, compared to with regainers. Successful weight loss maintainers reported small-to-moderately higher levels of conscientiousness compared with regainers. Evaluating whether conscientiousness can be incorporated into WLM treatment is warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Servant leadership behavior: Effects on leaders' work–family relationship

We examined the process of leaders' resource loss through servant leadership behavior (SLB) based on conservation of resources theory. Participants were 72 department managers each paired with 1 of their subordinates, who were employed by 5 enterprises in Eastern China. We used the experience sampling method and asked the department managers to complete a 10-day diary survey. The employees filled in a conscientiousness scale. A multilayer linear model was used for data analysis. The results show that as participants' SLB led to daily resource loss, the relationship between their work and their family life deteriorated. In addition, employee conscientiousness acted as an escape valve, slowing the loss effect of SLB, and indicating that servant leaders experience less resource loss and emotional exhaustion when employees have a strong sense of responsibility. These results broaden understanding of and provide new insight into the role and practice of SLB.

Servant leadership behavior: Effects on leaders’ work–family relationship

We examined the process of leaders’ resource loss through servant leadership behavior (SLB) based on conservation of resources theory. Participants were 72 department managers each paired with 1 of their subordinates, who were employed by 5 enterprises in Eastern China. We used the experience sampling method, and asked the department managers to complete a 10-day diary survey. The employees filled in a conscientiousness scale. A multilayer linear model was used for data analysis. The results showed that as participants’ SLB led to daily resource loss, the relationship between their work and their family life deteriorated. In addition, employee conscientiousness acted as an escape valve, slowing the loss effect of SLB, and indicating that servant leaders experience less resource loss and emotional exhaustion when employees have a strong sense of responsibility. These results broaden understanding of, and provide new i

Performance Monitoring and Correct Response Significance in Conscientious Individuals.

There is sufficient evidence to believe that variations in the error-related negativity (ERN) are linked to dispositional characteristics in individuals. However, explanations of individual differences in the amplitude of the ERN cannot be derived from functional theories of the ERN. The ERN has a counterpart that occurs after correct responses (correct-response negativity, CRN). Based on the assumption that ERN and CRN reflect an identical cognitive process, variations in CRN might be associated with dispositional characteristics as well. Higher CRN amplitudes have been found to reflect task engagement. In the present study, a simple-choice-reaction task was used to investigate ERN and CRN amplitudes in relation to their score on a conscientiousness scale. The task consisted of a simple rule that required pressing the left or right key when a circle or square appeared, respectively. During alternative conditions that occur infrequently, participants were instructed to violate or reverse the previously established response rules. Smaller ΔERN amplitudes (manifested in almost equal CRN and ERN amplitudes) and a tendency of better task performance from participants scoring high on the conscientiousness scale might indicate a greater focus on the task and higher motivation of responding correctly. In addition, higher Pc amplitudes directly following the CRN indicated that the response monitoring system of less conscientious participants showed a higher disengagement. The role of individual differences in CRN amplitude should be studied in future experiments on performance monitoring.

Socializing at Work: Evidence from a Field Experiment with Manufacturing Workers

Through a field experiment at a seafood-processing plant, I examine how working alongside friends affects employee productivity and how this effect is heterogeneous with respect to an employee’s personality. This paper presents two main findings. First, worker productivity declines when a friend is close enough to socialize with. Second, workers who are higher on the conscientiousness scale show smaller productivity declines when working alongside a friend. Estimates suggest that a median worker is willing to pay 4.5 percent of her wage to work next to friends. (JEL C93, J24, J28, J31, L66, O15, P23)