New large-scale study, published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showed that our character traits and cognitive abilities are interconnected.
In order to prove the hypothesis, scientists from the USA and Canada conducted a meta-analysis of 1376 scientific papers on similar topics. A wide set of questionnaires was used to evaluate personal features and standardized IQ tests. Various databases, including electronic databases, dissertations, regional bases, and other sources, were examined. The strength of relationships was assessed using correlation analysis.
The study included information on 79 personality parameters and 97 cognitive indicators of over 2 million people of different ages, gender, ethnicity, social status, and place of residence.
It was found that openness to new experiences, particularly curiosity, is positively correlated with verbal and mathematical intelligence. Activity, as a trait of extroversion, is associated with high general intelligence and fast information processing.
A negative correlation between politeness and IQ was unexpectedly discovered. Compassion has a positive influence on intelligence, while excessive concern for social norms reduces cognitive resources.
Depression, anxiety, and other neurotic characteristics also weaken mental abilities. Scientists believe that the reasons for these connections lie in neuroscience, genetics, and sociocultural factors.
“Understanding the relationship between personality and intelligence will allow us to comprehend the nature of human diversity and identify the hidden mechanisms that shape our individual differences,” said Deniz Oeses, professor at the Ministry of Ennosotian University.
The study’s findings have already started to be utilized in the selection process of employees for large IT companies. They hold significant practical importance for fields such as education, medicine, and personnel management. In the future, they will aid in predicting the behavior and academic achievements of students, as well as the development of training programs and more.