Interplay between personality traits and learning strategies: the missing link

Abstract

Introduction: Students with varying personality traits are likely to employ diverse learning and study strategies. However, this relationship was never explored before in the medical education context. This study's aim was to explore the relationship between learning strategies, and personality traits among medical students. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study, and a quantitative approach was employed using two self-administered questionnaires: one to assess the personality traits from the five-factor model (Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness and Agreeableness), and the other to assess ten learning strategies (Anxiety, Attitude, Concentration, Information Processing, Motivation, Selecting Main Ideas, Self-Testing, Test Strategies, Time Management and Using Academic Resources). A stratified random sampling technique was used to recruit medical students at Alfaisal University in the preclinical and clinical years (N=309). Pearson correlation coefficient was used to measure the relationship between variables, and linear regression was used to evaluate how personality traits predicted learning strategies selection. Results: Personality traits predicted the selection of learning strategies, especially Conscientiousness and Neuroticism. Conscientiousness showed a positive correlation with seven learning strategies and was the most important predictor of learning strategies students employ. Neuroticism correlations and predictions were negative. The other three traits showed weaker correlations. These correlations were between Extraversion and Using Academic Resources (r=0.27), Information Processing (r= 0.23) and Attitude (r=0.19), Openness and Information Processing (r=0.29), and Agreeableness and Attitude (r=0.29). Conclusion: All Personality domains influence at least one learning strategy, especially Conscientiousness and Neuroticism. This study helps built a foundation for individualized coaching and mentorship in medical education.

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