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AI set to transform personality testing, new research finds

New research from the University of East London suggests that machine learning can improve the accuracy and nuance of personality tests like DISC assessment. Using over 1,000 participants, researchers achieved accuracy rates of over 93% in predicting personality types and identified four clear clusters with subtle overlaps.

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalJournal of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2026

Could personality tests help make bipolar disorder treatment more precise?

Researchers found that specific combinations of personality traits can predict bipolar disorder outcomes, with certain styles raising and others lowering the risk of depression. The study used data from over 2,500 people with bipolar disorder and suggests a personalized approach to treatment planning.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 2025

Do extracurricular activities always give children a head start? Research says maybe not

A study by Dr Lixin Ren found that extracurricular activities have a limited impact on math skills in preschool children, with effects dependent on behavioral regulation and approaches to learning. For children with poor self-regulation skills, structured activities can improve early math skills.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of School Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2023

‘We’re more alike than we might think’ – new study suggests autistic and non-autistic people share more in common

A landmark study found that autistic individuals think as quickly and rationally as non-autistic people, challenging the idea that autism is a mental processing disorder. The research suggests that certain fundamental processes are more similar between autistic and non-autistic individuals than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

US presidents' narcissism linked to international conflict

A new study suggests that US presidents with high levels of narcissism are more likely to initiate conflicts with other great power countries, accounting for factors such as political party and military experience. The research found that the top three most narcissistic presidents initiated nearly all of their disputes alone.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Studies Quarterly·DateJun 28, 2021

Elephants solve problems with personality

Researchers found that elephants' personality traits, such as aggressiveness and activity, were important predictors of problem-solving success. However, the personality traits measured did not significantly predict learning ability. The study used a comprehensive approach to assess elephant personalities and solve novel problems.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalJournal of Comparative Psychology·DateJun 25, 2021

Psychological 'signature' for the extremist mind uncovered by Cambridge researchers

A new study maps the psychological signatures of people predisposed to holding extreme social, political or religious attitudes, including nationalist fervor. Cognitive traits such as poorer working memory, slower perceptual strategies, and impulsivity are linked to endorsement of violence in support of an ideological group.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 21, 2021

'Toxic,' but still successful professionally?

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that toxic personalities who are socially adept can still succeed professionally due to their ability to deceive others. The study suggests that balancing personal traits with social skills is crucial for career advancement.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMar 16, 2020

Digital records could expose intimate details and personality traits of millions

A new study published in PNAS shows that automated analysis of Facebook Likes can accurately predict personal details such as race, age, and sexual orientation. The researchers analyzed a dataset of over 58,000 US Facebook users and found accuracy rates of up to 95% for distinguishing between African-American and Caucasian Americans. H...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2013

Personalities influence workforce planning

A new model developed by Concordia researcher Mohammed Othman takes into account workers' personality strengths and differences to create a more efficient workforce planning system. The result is a significant cost savings of 7.1% compared to traditional approaches.

SourceConcordia University·JournalComputers & Industrial Engineering·DateNov 26, 2012

Want better employees? Get somebody else to rate their personalities, suggests new study

Researchers found that outside observers, including personal acquaintances and co-workers, can provide equally fair evaluations of employees' personalities as those who know them in a work context. This challenge traditional practices of using self-rated personality tests, which may lead to biased perceptions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Personality·DateNov 14, 2012

Personality predicts success in medical school, says new study by U of Minnesota professor

A new study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that personality characteristics play a significant role in determining who succeeds in medical school. Conscientious individuals tend to excel in early years, while extraverted students perform better in later years as interpersonal skills become more important.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateDec 3, 2009

U of T creates fake proof personality test

Psychologists at U of T create a bias-resistant personality inventory that predicts real-world performance even when respondents are trying to fake their answers. The study shows that traditional personality questionnaires fail to predict outcomes when respondents have strong incentive to distort the results.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateOct 7, 2008

Pessimism and depression increase dementia risk

A study by Mayo Clinic investigators found that pessimism and depression are associated with a higher risk of dementia. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,500 individuals, suggests that personality traits may play a role in the development of cognitive impairment 30-40 years later.