Institute of Art Design + Technology
Dún Laoghaire

Bobbi Downer 

BSc [Hons] Applied Psychology

Hi, my name is Bobbi Downer. I am 22 years old and from South Dublin. I am a 2024 graduate of Applied Psychology in IADT, specializing in the practice path. I am interested in the research and development of the brain, as well as laboratory research.

Project Description

I conducted my major research project using a quantitative design method with an online questionnaire investigating the effect of Birth Order on Personality Traits Agreeableness, Openness and Extroversion). I have always had an interest in why people are the way they are, and this was the first stepping stone into my exploration of this.


Project Objectives

The current study aimed to examine the effect of birth Order on Personality Traits (agreeableness, Openness and Extroversion). 120 4th-year student participated in an online questionnaire, via microsoft forms. Participants answered questions from the Big Five Inventory (John & Srivastava, 1999) adapted.


Project Outcomes

A multivariate analysis of variance was conducted, which showed significant difference between Birth order (oldest, middle child, youngest and only child). In relation to agreeableness, the youngest child had the highest level of agreeableness across Birth order. In relation to openness, the oldest child had the highest level of openness. In relation to extroversion, the oldest child had the highest level of extroversion. The current study showed the inconclusiveness of research in this area and the need for further research in this area.


Thesis Title

The Effect of Birth Order on Personality Traits (Extroversion, Agreeableness and Openness to Experience).