
THE ROLE OF PERSONALITY TRAITS IN DETERMINING HIGHER EDUCATION PREFERENCES OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Dr. Namrata Chadda , Asst. Professor, Dept. of Psychology Punjabi University, Patiala, IndiaAbstract
This study examines the role of personality traits in shaping the higher education preferences of university students. As students face numerous choices regarding their academic and career paths, understanding the psychological factors that influence these decisions is crucial for educators, policymakers, and academic institutions. The research explores how various personality traits, as defined by established psychological models such as the Big Five (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism), impact students' preferences for different types of academic environments, disciplines, and career orientations. A survey was conducted with a sample of university students across multiple disciplines to assess their personality profiles and education-related preferences. The findings suggest that personality traits significantly influence students' educational decisions, with certain traits being linked to preferences for specific academic fields, study environments, and career goals. For instance, students high in openness were more inclined toward creative and interdisciplinary fields, while those with higher conscientiousness preferred structured, achievement-oriented programs. This study highlights the importance of considering personality traits in guiding students toward educational choices that align with their intrinsic motivations and strengths.
Keywords
Personality traits, Higher education preferences, Big Five personality model
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