Title
Personality and Character Selection in World of Warcraft
Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
April 2010
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Steven Patrick
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between player personality traits and character selection in the massively multiplayer online role playing game the World of Warcraft (WoW). I hoped to answer the question: can we “derive meaningful information about players from their behaviors online?” (Yee 2006, p. 325). Data was collected from 205 WoW players who participate in a online survey that included the Big 5 Personality Inventory (Extroversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability and Intellect) and portions of the California Personality Index, as well as original questions pertaining to WoW. Statistical analysis showed that although there was not a significant relationship between player personality traits and their class or faction selection, there were significant relationships between personality traits and engagement in player versus player game play.