The Relationship between Personality Traits and Achievement Motivation of Students of Tertiary Institutions in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between personality traits and achievement motivation of students in tertiary institution in Plateau state. The study adopted the cross-sectional research survey design in its investigation of the variables. Primary source of data was generated through structured, self- administered questionnaire using the big five inventory which comprises of 44-items and achievement motivation inventory which comprises of 32 items. A sample of 333 respondents was drawn from a population of 2000 second year (200 levels) students in the Faculty of Education in five tertiary institutions in Plateau State.  Reliability of the instrument was achieved by the use of the Cronbach Alpha coefficient with all the items scoring coefficients above 0.70. Data generated were analyzed and presented using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The hypotheses were tested using the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The tests were carried out at a 95% confidence interval and a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between personality traits and achievement motivation of students in tertiary institution in Plateau state. The study thus recommends that teachers should guide students to identify their personality traits and encouraged them to strive to develop their traits in order to be successful in their pursuit.