THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPECIFIC PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS AND OTHER LEARNER FACTORS AND SUCCESS IN THE STUDY OF A SECOND LANGUAGE

The study investigated the relationship between personality variables found in the Comrey Personality Scales (CPS) and other learner factors (foreign language aptitude, verbal intelligence, attitude and motivation) and success in the study of a second language.;Stepwise multiple regression and other analyses were conducted using variables from the tests, Course Grade, and control variables sex, prior language experience, major, and language studied.;Results indicate a significant relationship among personality variables and second language success beyond the .05 level. A statistically significant (p < .01) model for predicting success in the study of a second language was established.;Personality was a rather weak predictor of success in the study of a second language when used alone. However, when personality was utilized in the predictor model with language aptitude, verbal intelligence, and attitude/motivation, its unique contributions were statistically significant.;Subjects were given the following tests: Comrey Personality Scales (CPS), Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT), Lorge-Thorndike Intelligence Test (LTIT), and Attitude Motivation Questionnaire (AMQ). Information was also used regarding major, second language studied, second language experience, and sex.;The researcher believes that the results of this study provided insights into the relationship among personality and other learner variables associated with success in the study of a second language.