PERSONALITY-FACTORS IN HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION - A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

This is a review of studies investigating the relation between personality dimensions and human-computer interaction. The review is divided into three topic areas: programming aptitude and achievement, the programmer personality, and computer-assisted instruction (CAI). It is concluded that: (a) introversion-extraversion and traits characterizing introversion-extraversion are related to many aspects of human-computer interaction, (b) there is little evidence to support a relation between the Jungian personality dimensions and programming aptitude and achievement, (c) further, no correlations are reported between these dimensions and academic achievement in CAI-based courses; however, certain Jungian dimensions are related to attrition rate and speed of completion, (d) although little relation between Jungian dimensions and programming aptitude and achievement is noted, certain personality types select careers that utilize computer programming, (e) anxiety characterized by a threat to self-esteem facilities or debilitates CAI performance contingent on specific aspects of the learning task, and (f) compulsive and stress-inducing personality traits, internal-external locus of control, and achievement motivation are implicated in human-computer interaction performance. © 1991.