Personality Trait Analysis Based on Liking Towards Gryffindor's House Using Hexaco-60 Questionnaire

This study analyzes personality traits based on liking towards Gryffindor’s house using Hexaco-60 questionnaire. A significant positive correlation between Hexaco-60 attributes and liking towards Gryffindor’s house was established. The study used Spearman’s Rank correlation to correlate three macro fields of HEXACO with Gryffindor House results separately for all of the three attributes. Results were derived under 5% level of significance.

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Psychology
Abstract
Personality trait analysis is an integral study in psychology. A personality trait diagnoses
features of behavioral trends and thought process. A number of trait theories are present
those allows understanding of diversified personality traits. The scope of the current study
analyses personality traits based on liking related to Gryffindor’s house. A primary data
collection using questionnaire method of Hexaco-60 has been used in the process. Three
macro factors of Hexaco-60 as extraversion, conscientiousness and openness to experience
were analyzed and a significant positive correlation between Hexaco-60 attributes and liking
towards Gryffindor’s house was established.

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1. Introduction
Personality comprises of the dynamic organization in an individual’s of psychophysical
systems for analyzing characteristics of thought and behaviour (Carver 2010). It is the blend of
characteristics, which makes an individual unique. Every person has a unique psychological
structure as assumed by idiographic view whereby certain traits are within one person, which
cannot be compared to another person. Nomothetic view stresses on comparing individual traits,
having similar psychology meaning. For personality development influence of nature with
nurture is considered. There are three distinct theory of psychology as trait theory implies
personalities are biologically based. Bandura’s (1977) state theory focuses on Social Learning
Theory, which comprises of environmental and nurture’s influence. Sigmund’s Freud’s
psychodynamic theory stresses on nurture and nature’s influence on development of one’s
personality(Ziegler 2010).
Trait Approach to Personality ascertains stable traits that are unique to an individual’s
personality. Traits impose inspite of the situation, implying that they remain constant over time
but can be different from one individual to another. Genetic differences cause varied traits to
appear in people. Trait theories are often called psychometric theories as they can measure
personality by use of psychometric tests. There are various trait theories as Eysenck’s Personality
Theory, Cattell’s 16PF Trait Theory and Allport’s Trait Theory (Grieve 2011).
Ashton and Lee developed six-dimensional model of personality structure of human
personality called HEXACO. They identified six factors or dimensions as Emotionality (E),
Honesty-Humility (H), Extraversion (X), Conscientiousness (C), Openness to Experience (O),
Agreeableness (A). Traits were developed as per work of Costa and Mc Crae and Goldberg. It
shares similar elements as other trait models stated earlier, with exception of Honesty-Humility
(Ashton 2014).
The scope of the current studyused the Gryffindor House from Harry Potter to compare
personality types to see if there is a relationship. Gryffindor in Harry Porter is one of the four
Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry that was established by Godric
Gryffindor. Gryffindor are known for their daring, nerve, chivalry, courage, determination and

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bravery. Previous literatures by Crysel, Cook, Schember and Webster (2015) analyzing relation
trends of personality with those of linking Gryffindor’s house found a correlation with
extraversion, openness to experience and conscientiousness (Aghababaei 2014). A study with
linking of Gryffindor’s with scores relative to HEXACO-60 will be studied and analyzed.
Null Hypothesis (H0) of the study states that there is no relation between HEXACO-60
and someone liking Gryffindor’s house.
Alternate Hypothesis (H1) will aim at establishing a significantly positive relationship
establishing between HEXACO-60 and linking of Gryffindor’s house.
2.0 Method
Research methodology is the most critical aspect for any type of study that helps to attend
to objectives and research questions. Methods provide a detailed sketch of arriving at the desired
solution and arriving at solution of the study (Smith 2015). While selecting research philosophy,
there are various types of available as rhetoric, axiology, epistemology and ontology. For the
purpose of this study ontology philosophy is selected, as in this case the scholar will aim at
understanding regarding realism and truthful state of affairs. The scholar in this case already
understands regarding the positive correlation between HEXACO-60 three factors and
Gryffindor’s likeliness. From previous literatures it has already been established, hence in
correlation design relationship between two variables as per Spearman’s rank correlation has
been discussed. Participants in the study did not receive any type of incentive for participating
and they were between subjects, which is an appropriate methodology used for conducting study
in psychology. Participants were carefully guided for answering all questions in the study and
not leave any blanks such that an accurate result can be arrived at. Participants had to be over 13
years of age as they had to participate in an online study. Each participant were asked to make an
unique code that they had to remember in case they withdrew from study, however none of the
participants withdrew.

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2.1Materials/ Apparatus
The scholar will aim at quantitative approach to the research. Inductive or deductive
approach or qualitative and quantitative approach can be selected. Prior beginning of the study,
participants were made to watch a short video clip of various characters of Gryffindor’s house in
Harry Porter, as not all of them knew them. Participants were also given a small text of
description of Gryffindor’s house characters to familiarize them.
Quantitative techniques has been adopted for the study for arriving at results using
statistical techniques (Neuman 2013).Qualitative approach has not been adopted in this study.
Rather quantitative methods including statistical techniqueshave been adopted. Statistical tools
of Spearman’s Rank Correlation hasbeen adopted for the study. Once results from Spearman’s
have been obtained such numbers are analysed to arrive at results for the study. Spearman’s
correlation between two variables is high once they have similar rank and low correlation once
they have dissimilar ranks.
2.2Design
Research design can be selected from descriptive, exploratory, predictive and explanatory
designs. Explanatory research design is adopted by the scholar as primary objective of this
analysis is to settle on shared associations of variables that are being studied. An appropriate
research design allows the entire research to become operational process (Huang 2017). By
analysing shared variables under observation, the scholar will be able to establish ranks
associated with personality traits and Gryffindor’s house easily.
Research methods are described as tools that are adopted for the purpose of the project.
The study has used questionnaires for the purpose of primary data collection. A total of 48 close-
ended questions had been adopted for the study. Each of the questions had pre-defined opinion
choices for respondents to select from (Bernard 2012). Close-ended questionnaire was adopted
by the scholar such that participants can provide answer that is suitable to arrive at ranks
allowing easy processing of information. There are two sets of questionnaire that has been
adopted for the study HEXACO-60 questionnaire Gryffindor’s house questionnaire denoted by
QG. While there are 48 questions attached for obtaining HEXACO-60, there is only 1 question
for Gryffindor’s house. Appendix 1, Appendix 2.

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Data collection is the most aspect that will allow the scholar to progress the study.
Primary data is virgin data whereas secondary data is those, which are already published(Salim
2016). The study has resorted to first-hand data collection type of primary data for meeting
requirements of the study. The scholar asked each of the 98 participants of the study to fill out
the questionnaire for the purpose of data collection. While some participants were approached
directly, others were sent out emails for filling out the questionnaire.
2.3Procedure
The scope of this study will conduct psychometric tests analyzing only three personality
types of measuring extraversion, openness and contentiousness. The study will design a
questionnaire from Qualtrics for understanding personality traits (Coolican 2014). This study is a
correlational design and not experiment. Through this study only scholar can examine whether a
relationship between liking a fictional character and individual personality traits exists. There
cannot be derived a cause and effect relationship trend. Participants in the study will be provided
a set of 48 questions from HEXACO-60 to understand their personality. Selected participants are
of age 13 years or more. The scope of this study will aim at answering the research questions
Research Question 1: Do participants identify with fictional groups or characters, and
are this evident by similarities in personality traits?
Research Question 2: Is there a link between how much someone likes a fictional
character/ group, and their own personality traits?
A detailed questionnaire asked to participants is attached below in Appendix, which will
be asked to participants. Data analysis method is a statistical tool that has been calculated using
Ms Excel and SPSS. The scholar has abided by all possible ethical considerations for the study.
Implying all participants to the study was informed with all information regarding the study.
There was no manhandling of information in the study and respondents were assured secrecy of
information (Lee 2013). Participant’s consent was obtained prior to their filling up the
questionnaire. Research aims, scope and purpose were clearly explained to participants and there

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was no biasness in any form. There are certain limitations faced in the study as it does not obtain
scores on all HEXACO fields.
3.0 Results
Once data has been collected from participants for the two questionnaires, data will be
analysed. As stated earlier the data will be analysed using Spearman’s Rank correlation. For
purpose of analyzing HEXACO-60, the following keys will be used. These keys will be used to
convert data into numerical information from which HEXACO scores will be calculated.
Extraversion
Social Self-Esteem 3,15,27R,39R
Social Boldness 6R,18,30,42R
Sociability 9R,21,33,45
Liveliness 12,24,36R,48R
Conscientiousness
Organization 2,14,26R,38R
Diligence 5,17,29R,41R
Perfectionism 8,20R,32,44
Prudence 11R,23R,35,47
R
Openness to
Experience
Aesthetic
Appreciation 1R,13R,25,37
Inquisitiveness 4,16,28R,40R
Creativity 7R,19,31,43R
Unconventionality 10R,22,34,46R
Here R is reverse scoring key is: 1⇒ 5,2⇒ 4,3=3,4 ⇒2,5 ⇒1
The numerical data from total 98 candidates were collected which is in the scale of 1-5 in
the main answer sheet and is used to evaluate micro fields of the HEXACO-60. The mean values
for the micro fields have been calculatedfrom the main answer sheet using the scoring key
provided above. From the micro fields,macro fields of HEXACO have been evaluatedwhich
areextraversion, conscientiousness and openness to experience. Here also aggregate score of the
micro fields have been taken for the macro fields.

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Spearman’s rank correlation was used as a tool to correlate three macro fields of
HEXACO with Gryffindor House results separately for all of the three attributes. For this
purpose each data got its rank. Results were significant and there were positive relationship
between them. Below are the summary of the results for each personality type. Extraversion
R(98)=0.2448, Conscientiousness R(98)=0.2234, Openness to experience R(98)=0.1843. Results
were derived under 5% level of significance. Here Spearman’s Rho was calculated in accordance
to the formula:
Here “d” represents the difference between ranks and “n” denotes the number of data which is
98 in the survey conducted.
4.0 Discussion
The HEXACO model for analyzing personality traits views human personality in six
different dimensions. For this study only three dimensions have been used. This personality
model is developed using language based taxonomies using lexical hypothesis. Gryffindor’s is
understood to be daring and brave character hence in order to measure likeliness extraversion
and openness have been used(Cobb-Clark 2012). The term extraversion (X) was attached to
being lively, sociable, outgoing, cheerful, talkative, and active and so on. It has been derivedfrom
previous literature analysis that a person, who is an extrovert, is more likely to accept
Gryffindor’s house and its characters. Conscientiousness (C) has been associated with traits as
being organized, diligent, careful, precise and thorough. Therefore, an individual with these traits
is more likely to like Gryffindor’s house. Third personality trait Openness to Experience (O)
includes creative, intelligent, innovative, unconventional and ironic features. These attributes are
likely to be associated with Gryffindor’s house(Crysel 2015). The HEXACO personality traits
have similarity with Big Five personality traits. While some traits were associated with positive
features others were criticized and were treated as dark traits. HEXACO model relies on factor
analysis which can vary across samples. However, the model has been highly useful in
diagnosing personality traits amongst individuals (Komarraju 2011). Analyzing results from
above it can be stated that there is a relationship established amongst all variables as
r=1−6 ∑ d2
( n3−n )

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extraversion, openness and conscientiousness. There results of the study were highly significant
and has positive correlation amongst them.
5.0 Conclusion
Analysis of above personality traits using HEXACO-60 scores and their likeness to
Gryffindor’s house, it can be said that there is a positive correlation. Spearman’s Rank
Correlation has been able to provide ranks for individual preferences and selection for arriving at
results. It can easily be concluded from personality traits observed in this correlation design that
individual’s, who are extrovert, open, conscientiousness are more likely to like Gryffindor house
in a positive sense.

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6.0 Reference Lists
Aghababaei, N., &Arji, A. (2014). Well-being and the HEXACO model of
personality. Personality and Individual Differences, 56, 139-142.
Ashton, M. C., Lee, K., & De Vries, R. E. (2014).The HEXACO Honesty-Humility,
Agreeableness, and Emotionality factors: A review of research and theory. Personality
and Social Psychology Review, 18(2), 139-152.
Bernard, H. R., & Bernard, H. R. (2012). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative
approaches.Sage.
Carver, C. S., & Connor-Smith, J. (2010).Personality and coping. Annual review of
psychology, 61, 679-704.
Cobb-Clark, D. A., &Schurer, S. (2012). The stability of big-five personality traits. Economics
Letters, 115(1), 11-15.
Coolican, H. (2014). Research methods and statistics in psychology.Psychology Press.
Crysel, L. C., Cook, C. L., Schember, T. O., & Webster, G. D. (2015).Harry Potter and the
measures of personality: Extraverted Gryffindors, agreeable Hufflepuffs, clever
Ravenclaws, and manipulative Slytherins. Personality and Individual Differences, 83,
174-179.
Grieve, R., & De Groot, H. T. (2011). Does online psychological test administration facilitate
faking?. Computers in Human Behavior, 27(6), 2386-2391.
Huang, H. C., Huang, L. S., Chou, Y. J., &Teng, C. I. (2017).Influence of temperament and
character on online gamer loyalty: Perspectives from personality and flow
theories. Computers in Human Behavior, 70, 398-406.
Komarraju, M., Karau, S. J., Schmeck, R. R., &Avdic, A. (2011).The Big Five personality traits,
learning styles, and academic achievement. Personality and individual differences, 51(4),
472-477.

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Lee, K., & Ashton, M. C. (2013).Prediction of self-and observer report scores on HEXACO-60
and NEO-FFI scales. Journal of Research in Personality, 47(5), 668-675.
Neuman, W. L. (2013). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative
approaches.Pearson education.
Salim, H., &Saad, N. N. (2016).Portraying the Protagonists: A Study of the Use of Adjectives in
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. International Journal of Applied Linguistics and
English Literature, 5(6), 259-264.
Smith, J. A. (Ed.). (2015). Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods. Sage.
Ziegler, A., &Stoeger, H. (2010).Research on a modified framework of implicit personality
theories. Learning and individual Differences, 20(4), 318-326.

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7.0 Questionnaire
7.1 Appendix 1: HEXACO-60
The following questionnaire had been provided to participants of the study. Each question could
be answered using the following options. From these answers ranks were obtained and
Spearman’s Rank Correlation was obtained.
Strongly Disagree-1
Disagree-2
Neutral-3
Agree-4
Strongly Agree-5
1. I will be uninterestedto visit an art gallery.
2. I like to clean home or office space frequently.
3. I am overall satisfied with myself.
4. History and politics of other countries interestsme.
5. I set ambitious goals while working for myself.
6. In group meetings, I can rarely be found expressing my opinions.
7. Compared to being creative a job that needs to be done in a routine is liked by me.
8. In order to find any mistakes I often check my work over repeatedly.
9. When with people, I generally avoid making "small talk".
10. I think that it is a waste of time by paying attention to radical ideas.
11. Rather being careful thought,I make decisions based on the feeling of the moment.
12. All the time,Iam energetic.
13. Please answer "strongly agree" as this is an attentiveness check.
14. I will notexpend my time by reading a book of poetry.
15. I "forgive and forget" people who have treated me badly, this is my attitude.
16. Even if I felt that I would succeed, I will not use flattery to get a raise or promotion

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at work.
17. Looking at maps of different places interests me.
18. Without complaining, Igenerally accept people's faults.
19. In case, I were financially tight I would rather be tempted to buy stolen property.
20. Creating a work of art, such as a novel, a song, or a painting would high provide
me enjoyment.
21. When people disagree with me, I am usually flexible in my opinions.
22. A very expensive, high-class neighborhood would attract me to live there.
23. People with unconventional views are like-worthy in my opinion.
24. Even when people treat me badly, I rarely feel angry.
25. I will not want people to behave inferior to me.
26. I will want to attend a classical music concertif I was given the opportunity.
27. Messiness of deskormy roomis joked often by people.
28. I am very fearfulofany kind of physical danger.
29. I will laugh at a person's worst jokes,in case I want something from him.
30. I end up quitting without having reached goals that I set.
31. Due to stress or anxiety,I rarely have trouble sleeping.
32. Even if a bribe was very large,I would never accept it.
33. Even at the expense of time,I always try to be accurate in my work.
34. I generally want to share my concern with another person,whenever I feel worried
regarding something.
35. I will always like to be driving in a very expensive car.
36. My behaviorare never governed by my impulses.
37. When someone close to me is going away for a long time, I feel strong emotions.
38. I am entitled to more respect than the average person isas per my thoughts.
39. Being disorganized while working makes me sometimes face difficulties.
40. I am a worthless person are my feelings sometimes.
41. I wouldn't feel like panicking, even in an emergency.
42. Looking through an encyclopedianeverinterested me.
43. I can never think of myself as being the artistic or creative type.
44. In a new place,the first thing that I always dois to make friends.

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45. Discussing philosophy bores me.
46. Rather than sticking to a plan,I prefer to do whatever comes to mind.
47. I am less dynamic and upbeat compared to most people.
48. While being with friends, I am less talkative.
7.2 Appendix 2: Gryffindor’s house
The following questionnaire had been provided to participants of the study. Each question could
be answered using the following options. From these answers ranks were obtained and
Spearman’s Rank Correlation was obtained.
Strongly Disagree-1
Disagree-2
Neutral-3
Agree-4
Strongly Agree-5
Question: From what you have just read and seen, I like Gryffindor house.
7.3 Appendix 3: PSY118 Ethics application form (questionnaire study)

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Name of student(s):
Fran Macdonald, Sabina Rokibe, Ashleigh Morritt, Lauren Bowmer, Brooke Jones and Stevie
Walden
Workshop day and time:
Tuesday at 2pm
Rationale for study (one or two sentences, must cite at least one psychology journal article):
Based on pervious literature those who favoured Gryffindor house scored higher in extraversion
(Crysel, Cook, Schember&Webster, 2015). Our study will examine whether there is a
relationship between our personality traits and them of Gryffindor house.
Which work of fiction are you looking at?:
Film- Harry potter and the philosopher’s stone.
Which character/group are you focusing on:
Harry potter house Gryffindor
State your variables:
Extraversion, Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience
State your hypotheses:
There will be a positive correlation between how much someone like Gryffindor and their scores
on HEXACO-60.
Name of the questionnaire(s) you will use:
HEXACO-60
Ashton, M. C., & Lee, K. (2009). The HEXACO-60: A short measure of the major dimensions
of personality. Journal of Personality Assessment, 91, 340-345.
Will participants read about the character(s)/view a clip of the character(s)?:
Yes, we will include a description on Gryffindor also a short clip of the harry potter house.
Will there be any restrictions on who can participate? (e.g. anyone who has not heard of
your character/group; are you using only male/female participants, etc.):
A restriction would be that you need to be aged 13 to be able to use social media.

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Confirm that you will follow BPS ethics guidelines and health & safety: YES / NO
Yes
Confirm that you will not start collecting data until a PSY118 tutor has approved this
application, and that you will not alter your study from what you have described in this
form(any changes would have to be approved and signed again):YES / NO
Yes
Once completed, please give this form to your workshop tutor for signing. They will then
email it back to you to include in your practical report.
SHodgetts 16/01/2017