High-impact practices and personality: Are HIPs biased for certain traits?

Abstract

This poster presents findings from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), investigating whether high-impact practice (HIP) participation is more common in students with certain personality traits. In addition to the core NSSE items, this study uses responses from experimental items on the Five-Factor Model of personality, given to 10,255 students at 34 institutions. A series of exploratory t-tests, looking at the different HIPs included on NSSE, suggests several significant differences. Specifically, those higher in Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Intellect are more likely to do learning communities, research with faculty, internships, leadership roles, and capstone experiences. Conversely, those higher in Conscientiousness are less likely to hold leadership roles or do study abroad. Understanding of these differences can help institutions develop new HIP programming that is more appealing and inclusive for all students, regardless of personality traits.