Personality and satisfaction with online courses: The relation between the Big Five personality traits and satisfaction with online learning activities

Abstract

Online courses have become widespread in higher education. Yet, despite their prevalence, they may not suit all learners. Personality influences learner satisfaction and therefore affects learning experience. This study explores the relation between personality traits (using Costa & McCare's Big-Five model) and student satisfaction with various of learning activities offered in online courses, called Techno-Pedagogical Learning Solutions (TPLS). The tested TPLS were discussion groups, digital books, online assignments, surveys/polls and media. Questionnaires were used to measure personality types and satisfaction of 108 university students enrolled in a credited online academic course. Significant correlations were found between all five personality traits and satisfaction with several TPLS. Cluster analysis method was applied to identify learners with similar personality traits. Four groups were formed and group’s satisfaction score was measured. It was found that learners assigned to the "neurotic" group exhibited low satisfaction with all TPLS, contrary to learners assigned to the "non-neurotic" group. The findings clearly indicate that personality plays a significant role in online learner satisfaction. Thus, personality traits should be considered when designing learning activities for online courses. Such personality-based personalization may ensure that no learner is left behind, regardless of his\ her attitude toward online learning.

Introversion-extraversion and online course satisfaction

“…Later studies further identified a significant association between extraversion and use of web-based courses (Barnett et al, 2015) and between extraversion and perceptions of social presence and community in online learning environments (Almusharraf and Almusharraf, 2021). In addition, various studies have found that in comparison with introverts, extraverts tend to report higher satisfaction (Baruth and Cohen, 2021;Rios et al, 2018) and to participate more actively (Weiser et al, 2018) in online courses, as well as flourishing particularly in visual-based online social networks such as Instagram (Samuel-Azran and Ravid, 2016).…”

Personality traits and Chinese college students’ satisfaction with physical education classes: the mediating role of trait fluency and the moderating role of physical education class difficulty

“…Sutin’s study found a significant correlation between personality traits and engagement in physical activities, with personality traits either facilitating or hindering such involvement ( Sutin et al, 2016 ). Evaluating personality traits allows for a relatively accurate prediction of students’ levels of satisfaction with their academic experiences ( Baruth and Cohen, 2023 ). Personality traits cover a wide range, and having the extroverted quality of cheerfulness and friendliness produces positive emotions after physical activity ( Huang et al, 2007 ; Wichers et al, 2012 ).…”

“…Additionally, personality traits that exhibit emotional richness, creativity, conscientiousness, and dutifulness have been confirmed to positively correlate with course satisfaction ( Cohen and Baruth, 2017 ; Kavoura et al, 2021 ) and significantly predict satisfaction with courses ( Baruth and Cohen, 2023 ). Furthermore, research has shown that traits such as agreeableness and humility positively influence course satisfaction ( Baruth and Cohen, 2023 ), but some studies have yielded conflicting conclusions, finding no significant relationship ( Downs, 2019 ; Kavoura et al, 2021 ). Taking Baruth’s study as an example, it explores the relationship between personality traits and course satisfaction among 108 current university students at Israel ( Baruth and Cohen, 2023 ).…”

A Study on the Correlation of Big 5 Personality Traits in Asians With Facial Contour Surgery

“…A number of studies have found that the "fifth" personality can affect an individual's medical purpose, surgical expectations, self-attention, and doctor-patient relationship, and directly affect the way that medical and nursing staff work. [4][5][6] Therefore, the Big 5 personality is regarded as one of the most powerful tools to study personality differences. This study included the personality traits of 235 patients with facial contour surgery and analyzes the related factors to assist clinical medical care givers to have deeper understanding of the psychological situation, provide more personalized medical care, develop effective rehabilitation plans, and treatment strategies before problems occur.…”

“…Since the 1980s, various personality traits began to gradually unify, forming 5 core traits, namely the Big 5 personality. A number of studies have found that the “fifth” personality can affect an individual’s medical purpose, surgical expectations, self-attention, and doctor-patient relationship, and directly affect the way that medical and nursing staff work 4–6. Therefore, the Big 5 personality is regarded as one of the most powerful tools to study personality differences.…”