Public Library of Science Discovers Difference Between The Sexes

Men and Women Have Major Personality Differences

New Report Suggests Previous Measurements Have Underestimated Variation Between the Sexes

Landmark Study Published in Public Library of
Science (PLoS) ONE

The existence of such differences between the sexes, and their extent, has always been a subject of much debate. The authors
of the new report, led by Marco Del Giudice of the University
of Turin in Italy, describe a new method for measuring and analyzing personality differences that they argue is more accurate than previous methods.

The researchers used standard personality measurements
from more than 10,000 people, approximately half men and
half women. The personality test included 15 personality scales, including such traits as warmth, sensitivity, and perfectionism. When comparing men's and women's overall personality profiles, which take multiple traits into account, very large differences between the sexes became apparent, even though differences look much smaller when each trait is considered separately.

According to the researchers, the study indicates that previous methods to measure such differences have been inadequate, both because they focused on one trait at a time and because they failed to correct for measurement error.

The authors conclude that the true extent of male and female differences in human personality has been underestimated.

Story Source: Public Library of Science.

Journal Reference:

Marco Del Giudice, Tom Booth, Paul Irwing. The Distance Between Mars and Venus: Measuring Global Sex Differences in Personality. PLoS ONE, 2012;

Public Library of Science (2012, January 4). Men and women have major personality differences: New report suggests previous measurements have underestimated variation between the sexes.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only;
It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your doctor or healthcare professional.