The Role of Emotionality and Conscientiousness in Detecting Dangerous Stimuli

Abstract

In this study the influences of the personality traits Emotionality and Conscientiousness on the speed of detecting dangerous versus safe stimuli were observed. For the stimuli, this study made use of abstract, black and white, still imagery. The images presented to participants were either animal themed, or object themed. After the participants had completed the computer task in which they searched for dangerous and safe target stimuli multiple times, the participants completed the HEXACO-PI-R 60 items, in order to assess their scores on Emotionality and Conscientiousness. In line with previous research, results showed that participants were faster in finding the dangerous target stimuli, compared to finding the safe target stimuli. Those high on the personality trait Emotionality had reaction times of similar speed, regardless of being presented with a dangerous or safe target stimulus. However, this influence of Emotionality only explained a small proportion of the variance found in reaction times. The current research design was unable to find support for the influence of the personality trait Conscientiousness on the speed of detection of dangerous stimuli versus safe stimuli. Limitations and alternative explanations are discussed, as are possible future directions. This study adds to the body of literature on visual search, exploring the influences of different personality traits.