Sex Differences in Personality Scores on Six Scales - Many Significant, but Mostly Small, Differences

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Theodore

This study examined sex differences in domain and facet scores from six personality tests across large adult samples, aiming to document differences that could add new data to a highly contentious area. Multivariate ANOVAs identified many significant differences that largely replicated prior findings, but Cohen’s d indicated very few effects were large (3 out of 130 exceeded 0.50). Results were compared across instruments and interpreted by construct overlap, with implications and limitations discussed for assessment and selection.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

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Abstract

Introduction

Sex differences in personality scores on six scales: Many significant, but mostly small, differences Adrian Furnham 1 & Luke Treglown 2 Accepted: 24 March 2021 \# The Author(s) 2021 Abstract This study examined sex differences in domain and facet scores from six personality tests in various large adult samples. The aim was to document differences in large adult groups which might contribute new data to this highly contentious area. We reported on sex differences on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI); the Five Factor NEO-PI-R; the Hogan Personality Indicator (HPI); the Motives and Values Preferences Indicator (MVPI); the Hogan Development Survey (HDS) and the High Potential Trait Indicator (HPTI) . Using multivariate ANOVAs we found that whilst there were many significant differences on these scores, which replicated other studies, the Cohen’s d statistic showed very few (3 out of 130) differences >.50. Results from each test were compared and contrasted, particularly where they are measuring the same trait construct. Implications and limitations for researchers interested in assessment and selection are discussed. Keywords Sex . Personality . Traits . Effect size . Bright/Dark side Introduction It has been observed that researchers have to be courageous to investigate or write about sex differences (Furnham, 2017) . Even the terminology is a sensitive issue: the terms “man”and “woman” are typically used in reference to gender, whereas the terms “male” and “female” are used in reference to sex. In this paper we shall examine sex differences and refer to male and female. What is most surprising in this complex research area is comparing the radically different conclusions of researchers and reviewers on exactly the same topic. Early intelligence researchers put in considerable effort to ensure tests showed minimal sex differences (Mackintosch, 1986; Mackintosh, 2011), though personality researchers seemed less concerned with evidence of sex differences. However, over the course of the last 20 years there have been a great number of studies concerned with gender differences in personality world-wide (Del Giudice, 2009; Del Giudice et al., 2012; Schmitt, 2015; Schmitt et al. , 2008; Weisberg et al. , 2011) . Some have * Adrian Furnham [adrian@adrianfurnham.com](adrian@adrianfurnham.com) 1 Norwegian Business School (BI), Nydalveien, Olso, Norway 2 Thomas International, London, UK concentrated on particular group differences using clinical populations, different age groups, and different cultures, or whether scores change much over time (Furnham & Cheng, 2019) . Few have been interested in devising valid tests that minimise sex differences, but rather trying to establish the size, and more importantly the cause, of the differences they find currently exist. There have also been meta-analysis in the area, some done many years ago. Thus, using now less known and used tests of an earlier era, Feingold (1994) concluded that males were more assertive, and had higher self-esteem than females, who scored higher than males in extraversion, anxiety, trust, and, especially, tender-mindedness. There were no sex differences in social anxiety, impulsiveness, activity, locus of control, and orderliness. Some argue that even if they are small, actual, verifiable (not artefactual) sex differences, they should not be explored or explained because of the divisive personal and social effect that it can have on both sexes. Others believe there are important explicable reasons for sex differences which warrant scientific description and explanation (Buss, 1995; Eagly, 1995; Furnham, 2017) . Another curiosity in this highly disputed area is the apparent contradiction between popular and scientific writers (Gray, 1992; Pease & Pease, 2002) . There are many popular books that portray a simple evolutionary perspective that describes, and even rejoices in, sex differences in almost all human behaviour, but particularly c

FAQs

What was the main aim of this study on sex differences in personality?

To document sex differences in domain and facet scores from six personality tests in large adult samples, providing new data for a contentious research area.

How did the authors measure and interpret the size of sex differences?

They used multivariate ANOVAs to find significant differences, and then used Cohen’s d to quantify effect size, noting that only 3 out of 130 differences were greater than 0.50.

Which personality instruments were compared in the study?

The study reported results from the MBTI, NEO-PI-R, Hogan Personality Indicator (HPI), MVPI, Hogan Development Survey (HDS), and High Potential Trait Indicator (HPTI).

What comparisons did the authors perform across the different tests?

They compared and contrasted results from each test, especially where different instruments measure the same underlying trait constructs.

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Theodore