PERSONALITY PROFILE OF STUDENTS

J. SENTHIL KUMARAN*

ABSTRACT

Personality is defined as an enduring pattern of psychological and behavioural characteristics

by which each person can be compared and contrasted with each other. A Personality profile
is a knowledge management tool used to provide an evaluation of an Induvidual's personal
attributes, values and life skills in an effort to maximize his or her effectiveness of well being.
The present study aimed at Personality Profiling of students.The objective of the study is that
the inputs derived from the present study will help to develop the personality of the students
to improve the studies. Personality assessment was carried out on 150 healthy and well
motivated higher secondary students of Kesari Higher Secondary School, Mylapore and
T.nagar, chennai.,using 16 Personality Factor questionnaire , Form – D (16 PF). It is seen
from the results of primary factors that the students were Extrovert, Emotionally stable, Free
from tension, Self confident and Group dependent. Profile chart was prepared based on the
results.

*VthMSc., Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Annamalai University, Annamalai

nagar, Chidambaram - 608002
INTRODUCTION
“Personality” is defined as an enduring pattern of psychological and behavioural
characteristics by which each person can be compared and contrasted with each other
According to Allport, “Personality is the dynamic organisation within the individual
of those psychophysiological systems that determine his/her characteristics, thought and
action.”

It is important that intelligence plays a major role for success in the academic
performance.Certain personality traits are also contributing for the effective learning of the
students. The present study is an attempt in the direction to find out the basic personality
structure of the students and to make use of the results in the development of their academic
performance.

Personality Profile

A Personality profile is a knowledge management tool used to provide an evaluation

of an Individual's personal attributes, values and life skills in an effort to maximize his or her
effectiveness of well being

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

Aim of the present study is to find out the basic personality structure of students.

The objective of the study is that the inputs derived from the present study will help to
develop the personality of the students to improve the studies.

SAMPLES
150 healthy and well motivated students studying higher secondary class at Kesari
Higher Secondary school, Mylapore and T.Nagar, constituted as the sample for the present
study. They were administered with 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire Form – D (16 PF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE TEST

The 16 PF Questionnaire is to assess the basic personality structure of the student.

This test was developed by Cattel et al (1970). 16 PF is a well known objectively scorable
factorial test of personality. It is a Multi –dimensional set of 16 questionnaire scale arranged
in an omni bus form. 16 Pf is comprehensive in coverage and give information regarding the
students’ individual standing in 16 primary factors and 8 second order factors. The
computerized version of 16 PF developed by DR. Chandramohan (1984) at Institute of
Aerospace Medicine (IAM –Indian Air Force), Bangalore was utilised for the present study.

The student was asked to fil up the personal information on the answer sheet. After
fillin the personal information, the booklets are supplied and following instructions were
given to the students.

“Inside booklet are some questions, to see what attributes and interests you having.
There is no right or wrong answers. Three boxes are given on the answer sheet to record the
responses. They are A- True (or) Yes, B-Sometimes (or) Occasionally, Uncertain, C-
False (or) No. Please put a tick mark inside the box. Try to avoid choosing ‘B’ as an answer
because it does not reflect your qualities. Answer as honestly as possible to give the first
response coming into your mind”.

SCORING

Each answer is awarded with marks 0, 1 and 2. Whereas, for factor B, the scores are
0 (incorrect) or 1 (correct). The total score constitute the raw score for that particular trait.
The raw score is further converted into standard (STEN) score, using norms supplied on the
profile chart to see the individual’s relative standing on the 16 traits primary traits table
shows the mean score on 8 second order factors.

The students were administered with 16 PF test. Out of 150 students, responses of 30
students were either incomplete or high on Motivational distortion (Md) score, hence rejected
from the study. The profile chart is prepared based on the STEN score.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results of the study are discussed in tables and Profile chart. Discussion for each table
is placed under the same table.
Table I showing the mean score on 16 Primary personality traits of the students

Primary Personality Traits Mean Standard Deviation

Md 4 2

A 8 2.35

B 7 2.31

C 9 3

E 6 2.17

F 8 2.35

G 5 2.12

H 7 2.31

I 5 2.12

L 5 2.12

M 6 2.17

N 6 2.17

O 3 1.73

Q1 5 2.12

Q2 3 1.73

Q3 5 2.12

Q4 3 1.73

It is seen from the table 1 thet the students were pronounced extrovert. They are good
natured, easy going, emotionally expressive, ready to cooperate, soft hearted, kind and
adaptable individuals. They like to work with others. They are good in making and
maintaining interpersonal contacts. They tend to be socially bold. They are ready to meet
tough people and take rough assignments. They are quick to group ideas and fast learners and
intelligent. They are emotionally matured, stable and possessing ego-strength. They are calm,
cool, composed, satisfied and relaxed due to this high stress tolerance were able to adjust to
the situations where sudden adjustment is required. They are extrovert, happy-go lucky type
and socially bold. They are high on emotional stablity and self confidence, hence stress
tolerance is high. They are free from tension.
Table II showing the mean score on 8 second order factors of students:

Second order factors Mean Standard Deviation Category

Factor I-Extraversion 8.6 2.93 High

Factor II- Anxiety 3.5 1.9 Low

Factor III- Tough Poise 5.3 2.3 Normal

Factor IV-Independence 4.0 2 Low

Factor V-Control 5.1 2.26 Normal

Factor VI-Adjustment 10 3.16 High

Factor VII- Leadership 7.5 2.75 High

Factor VIII- Creativity 1 1 Low

It is seen from the table II, that they are group dependent, prepare to work and make
decisions with other people. They have no difficulty in coping with stresses of daily life.
They have no difficulty in coping with stresses of daily life. They are usually sociable, relax,
assertive and self assured which are expected to be of leader’s qualities. They are
toughminded and practical oriented. They stick tried and true ways of doing things rather
than trying new ways. They want workable and practical solutions.

CONCLUSION
The students are extrovert, happy go lucky type, socially bold and more intelligent.
The students are high on emotional stability, self confidence, and stress tolerance and hence
free from tension. They are group dependent out high on leadership and adjustment.
REFERENCE
1. Cattell, R.B, Eber, HW (1962). Manuals for forms A and B 16 personality
questionnaire. The 16 PF. Young adults and adults. USA; IIlinois Institute of
personality and ability testing.

2. Cattell, R.B, Hebert, WB (1962). Supplement of norms for forms A and B of the
sixteen personality factor questionable. “The 16.PF test”. USA IIlinois Institute of
Personality and Ability testing.

3. Cattell, R.B, Herbet, WE. Tatsuoka, MM (1970). Handbook for the sixteen
personality factor questionable (16.P.F); Individual, Educational, And Industrial
and research Psychology for use with all forms of the test: USA Illinois Institute of
Personality and Ability testing.