Big Five Personality Differences across Academic Majors among South Korean University Students

Big Five Personality Differences across Academic Majors among South Korean University Students

Many studies have addressed personality differences across academic majors, but few studies have investigated these differences in South Korea. This study examined Big Five personality differences among South Korean students (N = 1,885) in six academic majors― humanities, engineering, natural sciences, psychology, economics, and business―and the moderating effect of academic major commitment on these relationships. The results were largely consistent with those of prior studies, but the effect sizes were small. The moderating effects of major commitment were significant for extraversion and agreeableness. Finally, we discussed the results of this study by comparing them with findings from studies conducted in North America and Europe.

Many studies have addressed personality differences across academic majors, but few studies have investigated these differences in South Korea. This study examined Big Five personality differences among South Korean students (N = 1,885) in six academic majors― humanities, engineering, natural sciences, psychology, economics, and business―and the moderating effect of academic major commitment on these relationships. The results were largely consistent with those of prior studies, but the effect sizes were small. The moderating effects of major commitment were significant for extraversion and agreeableness. Finally, we discussed the results of this study by comparing them with findings from studies conducted in North America and Europe.