THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE PERSONALITY TRAITS AND

CIRCADIAN RHYTHYM OF GRADE 12 LEARNERS

A Quantitative Research
Presented to

Shandy G. Gabina, LPT

Precious International School of Davao
Senior High School Department
Santos Cuyugan, GSIS, Matina, Davao City

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in

Practical Research 2

Researchers:
Gonzales, Angelo Joshua A.
Jose, Kate Julianne O.
Kaur, Jaspreet

November 2019
 Abstract

This study aims to find the correlation between the personality traits and

circadian rhythm of grade 12 learners in PISD. This study brought up after observing

that many students have differing sleep schedules and behaviors that affect their

attitudes and performance at school. The researchers want to know if there is any

correlation between personality trait and circadian rhythm of these learners through this

study. The research design selected for this study is grounded theory which aims for

theory development through a set of inductive methods for conducting quantitative

research. Upon thorough analysis of the findings, the following conclusion were drawn:

(1) With regard to personality trait, majority of the learners are neutral in terms of

extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness, meaning they are neither extroverted or

introverted, intuitive or observant, or judging or prospecting. Consequently, majority

of the respondents show that they have high levels of agreeableness and neuroticism,

meaning they are of the feeling type and turbulent type respectively, (2) With regard to

circadian rhythm, majority of the learners are more nocturnal or active during the night.

(3) 3. There is a significant moderate correlation between the personality traits and

circadian rhythm of the grade 12 senior high school learners.

 Table of Contents

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study 1
Statement of the Problem 3
Hypothesis 3
Significance of the Study 4
Scope and Delimitation 5
Theoretical Framework 5
Conceptual Framework 6
Definition of Terms 7
Chapter 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Personality Trait 9
Circadian Rhythm 14
Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY
Research Design 18
Research Respondents 18
Research Instruments 19
Data Analysis 19
Data Gathering Procedure 20
Chapter 4
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA 22
Chapter 5
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusions 29
Recommendations 29
APPENDIX 31
BIBLIOGRAPHY 32
 Chapter 1

Introduction

Background of the Study

Life is organized in circadian rhythms. A living creature’s circadian rhythm is

a 24-hour internal clock that governs sleep and wakefulness patterns and regulates

physiological processes such as hormone release and body temperature. In general, this

cycle syncs up naturally with daylight and darkness so that most people wake in the

morning and sleep at night. However, the circadian rhythm can vary by person. This

accounts for some people being “early birds” and others “night owls,” despite the fact

that all humans are diurnal creatures— active in day and asleep at night (Winkle, 2016).

Outside factors, like work schedules and other daily obligations, can force

people into specific sleep schedules, but most tend to have a fairly consistent pattern

regarding when they sleep, when they wake up, and when they are most alert throughout

the course of the day. When the circadian rhythm is disrupted, normal bodily processes

are thrown off. Long-term effects include the increase risks of cardiovascular diseases,

obesity and, to some extent, psychological and neurological problems (NERIS

Analytics Limited [NERIS], 2018; Beres, 2019).

In the United States, research by the University of California Berkeley shows

that 24% increase of heart attack cases in the country are largely caused by the

deficiency of sleep among the population. In the same way sleep deprivation can cause

serious medical problems, some medical problems can cause sleep deprivation as well.

In France, researchers examined a 27-year-old man with Morvan's syndrome, a disease

known for causing problems such as hallucinations and sleep deprivation. Because of

the prevailing dangers of sleep deprivation, even the Guinness Book of World Records

1
stopped considering such sleepless attempts after one case led to chronic insomnia and

another case led to death. Both cases lasted approximately 11 days before repercussions

started showing effect. (Kotecki, 2018; Touzet, 2016).

In South Korea, a national survey reveals that the average sleep duration of

grade 12 high school students is only 5.4 hours. Because of strong influences

emphasizing the importance of college entrance examinations, Korean high school

students further curtail their sleep to increase time for studying instead. Due to this

unusual situation, South Korean adolescents are more prone to serious sleeping

disorders that are largely associated with increased levels of stress, anxiety and

depression (Lee, Park, S. Kim, Cho, & S. J. Kim, 2015).

In the Philippines, the 2016 Healthy Living Index Survey reveals that 46% of

Filipinos do not get enough sleep while 32% sleep for less than only six hours a day.

Lack of sleep is most especially prevalent in the land transportation industry, where bus

and truck drivers often take on multiple shifts to be able to make more money and earn

bonuses. Some drivers even use banned substances to keep themselves alert when they

experience sleep deprivation (Philips Philippines Inc. [Philips], 2017; Velasco, 2015).

Another study commissioned by the Department of Science and Technology

(DOST) states that the growth of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry is

also another contribution to the increasing percentage of sleep deprivation among

Filipinos. In an online survey, results show that only 25% of BPO workers are

“healthier than average”. According to the respondents, lack of sleep is one of the most

common causes and that they would rather sleep during their leisure time instead of

spending it with their family and loved ones in order to make up for the rest they lack

(The Philippines News Agency [PNA], 2014; Ronda, 2014).

2
Statement of the Problem

This study aims to find the correlation between the personality traits and

circadian rhythm of grade 12 learners in PISD. In order to determine the information

needed for the study, the following questions will be answered at the end of the

research:

1. What is the level of the respondents’ personality traits in terms of:

1.1 Openness;

1.2 Conscientiousness;

1.3 Extraversion;

1.4 Agreeableness; and

1.5 Neuroticism?

2. What is the level of the respondents’ circadian rhythm in terms of:

2.1 Morningness-Eveningness

3. Is there a significant relationship between the respondents’ levels of personality

traits and circadian rhythm?

Alternative Hypothesis

There is a significant correlation between personality trait and circadian rhythm

of grade 12 senior high school learners.

The supporting evidence drawn for this hypothesis is found in a similar research

done by DeYoung, Djikic, Hasher, and Peterson in 2007. A personality model based on

the Big Five and their higher-order factors or metatraits was used to examine

associations between personality and individual differences in circadian rhythm.

Evidence suggests that metatrait Stability, which comprises of Neuroticism,

Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness, is associated with variability in serotonergic

3
function while metatrait Plasticity, which comprises of Extraversion and Openness, is

associated with variability in dopaminergic function. This neurobiological model is of

potential relevance to the link between circadian rhythm and personality because

serotonin is heavily implicated in the control of circadian rhythm. The brain’s primary

clock mechanism is the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), and one if its major afferent

pathways are from the midbrain serotonergic system. Serotonergic inputs to the SCN

modulate the entrainment of circadian rhythms to light and also appear to mediate

activity-induced shifts in circadian rhythm.

Significance of the Study

The following are the people, communities, and organizations that will benefit

from the study:

Students. The results of this study will significantly raise awareness on the importance

of proper sleep to students, especially since most of them tend to stay up late at night

for school work. When they get a better understanding of the topic, they could work

towards improving their time-management and organizational skills in their school

obligations so that they do not have to compromise their sleep that is necessary for a

healthier circadian rhythm and even better academic performance.

Working Adults. Similarly, the findings of this study could also provide insight for

working adults regarding the significance of personality trait and circadian rhythm on

their cognitive performance at work. With the information they get here, they can

practice and promote a healthier lifestyle that keeps their overall psychological health

stable for better work performance.

Companies and Organizations. The implications of this study could serve as a basis

for companies and organizations to make policy revisions and considerations

4
concerning the work schedules of their employees. Ineffective work schedules can

cause irregularities in the circadian rhythm which can then reflect on their employees’

attitudes and behavior towards their job and the overall workplace environment.

Other Researchers. The data gathered in this study could serve as a point of reference

for future researches with related or similar topics, especially in the field of

psychobiology.

Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on the correlation between the personality traits and

circadian rhythm of grade 12 learners only. It will be conducted exclusively in the

senior high school department of Precious International School of Davao (PISD) from

August to November of S.Y. 2019-2020. A total of sixty-nine (69) grade 12 learners

will be chosen to be the respondents. The respondents will be surveyed using a

questionnaire regarding their personality traits and the circadian rhythm.

Theoretical Framework

Trait theories of personality have long attempted to identify exactly how many

personality traits exist. Early versions of personality trait theories have suggested a

various number of possible traits, including Gordon Allport’s list of 4,000 personality

traits, Raymond Cattell’s 16 personality factors, and Hans Eysenck’s three-factor

theory. However, many researchers felt that Allport’s or Cattell's theory was too

complicated and Eysenck's was too limited in scope. As a result, this five-factor theory

emerged to describe the traits that serve as the building blocks of personality (Cherry,

2019). The Five-Factor Model, otherwise known as, “The Big Five Personality Traits”

is a hierarchical organization of personality traits co-authored by Paul Costa and Robert

McCrae in 1992. It includes five independent spectrums most commonly known as

5
Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism

(OCEAN). When combined together, these five personality traits define an individual’s

personality type (NERIS, 2014).

Another theory that closely relates to this study is Ehlers, Frank, & Kupfer’s

“Social Zeitgeber Theory” in 1988. Zeitgebers refer to any external event which acts as

a cue in the regulation of the body’s circadian rhythm (Peters, 2019). With this, the

theory entails that disruptions in these rhythms influence somatic symptoms, such as

sleep propensity, that in vulnerable individuals may lead to a major depressive episode

(Grandin, Alloy, & Abramson, 2006). In this study, the social zeitgeber being specified

is the individual’s personality trait influenced by their surroundings. Personality traits

develop causes of behavior and, in turn, affect a person’s perception of their biological

clocks.

Conceptual Framework

6
Definition of Terms

The following terms are given their conceptual and operational definitions

respectively for the purpose of clarity and common reference in the study:

Circadian Rhythm. This term is defined as the natural cycle of physical,

mental, and behavior changes that the body goes through in a 24-hour cycle. In this

study, it simply refers to a person’s sleep and wakefulness pattern.

Personality Trait. This term is defined as a reflection of people’s characteristic

patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors. In this study, it is conceptualized into the

Big Five Personality Traits which are Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion,

Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.

Openness. This term is defined as the lack of restriction, secrecy or

concealment of something or anything. In this study, it refers to a trait that is

characterized by fantasy, aesthetics, feelings, actions, ideas, and values.

Conscientiousness. This term is defined as the quality of wishing to do one's

work or duty well and thoroughly. In this study it refers to a trait characterized by

competence, order, dutifulness, achievement-striving, self-discipline, and deliberation.

Extraversion. This term is defined as how outgoing and social a person can be.

In this study, it refers to a trait characterized by warmth, gregariousness, assertiveness,

activity, excitement-seeking, and positive emotions.

Agreeableness. This term is defined as the level of acceptability, enjoyability

and pleasantness of something or someone. In this study, it refers to a trait characterized

by trust, compliance, altruism, straightforwardness, modesty, and tender-mindedness.

7
 Neuroticism. This term is defined as the long-term tendency to be in a negative

or anxious emotional state. In this study, it refers to a trait characterized by anxiety,

hostility, depression, self-consciousness, impulsiveness, and vulnerability.

Diurnal. This term is defined as of or during the day. In this study, it refers to

a person who is more active during the day.

Nocturnal. This term is defined as done, occurring or active at night. In this

study, it refers to a person who is more active during the night.

8
 Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature

For a thorough analysis of the study, articles, dissertations and scholarly web

pages were accessed and referred to in order to add clarity to the topic being studied.

This part includes relevant works and writings that are connected to the study.

Personality Traits

According to Kinicki and Colquitt, personality represents a stable set of

characteristics that are responsible for making up a person’s identity. Though the

dimensions of personality are mostly outside of control, they strongly influence

people’s attitudes, expectations and assumptions of others, and thus, they can influence

behavior (as cited in Khan, 2017).

Historically, the construct of personality has been studied since the beginning

of the Jungian Model in the 1900s. Many trait theories have long attempted to

conceptualize personality and its dimensions, but the model that has gained the most

attention in the last few decades is the five-factor model by McCrae and Costa in the

1990s. This model is based on five distinguishable personality trait aspects namely

openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism, that are

shown to be consistent and stable over time. Jensen (2015) states that these personality

traits do not change from day to day and are not affected by temporary moods and

external factors. They stick with an individual for a long period of time and changes in

personality traits only occur gradually. Previous studies that follow McCrae and Costa’s

framework observe people for years and assess self-report, parent reports, teacher

reports and friend reports to see to what degree these traits may change but the stability

remains unfettered.

9
 According to Cherry (2019), McCrae and Costa believe that personality traits

are based on a series of related components called facets. NERIS (2014) explains that

every trait has an opposite and the facets describe that end as well. The five-factor

model contains five dimensions and each dimension can be seen as a continuum from

one extreme end to another (e.g., high on extraversion to high on introversion). This

means that every individual is placed somewhere on the continuum of each dimension

making up a complex set of combinations.

Jensen (2015) adds that every individual can have one or more dominant

personality traits. If a person does not recognize himself or herself to be close to one of

the extreme ends, such as agreeable or self-centered, but rather more in the middle,

these traits are less significant for how the person makes decisions and behaves. On the

other hand, dominant personality traits have an obvious effect on the individual. It is,

therefore, expected that an individual who has a dominant extraverted trait is talkative

and dislikes being alone and consequently makes decisions that go in line with

sociability and excitability. However, Matthews, Deary and Whiteman (2013) also

emphasizes that although dominant personalities suggest how a person often acts in a

particular way, it is also possible for them to act in an atypical, more situation dependent

way. For example, even the most organized person can be sloppy at some point and the

most introverted may find instances where they would prefer to hang out with their

group of friends. To better understand the five-factor model, the five personality traits

are individually assessed as follows:

Openness. According to NERIS (2014), this aspect of personality determines

how individuals see the world and process information. John and Srivastava (1999)

states that Openness is a trait that is often characterized by facets of fantasy, aesthetics,

feelings, actions, ideas, and values. Because of its association with being foresighted,

10
intelligent and resourceful, De Raad and Schouwenburg claims that Openness appears

to reflect “the ideal student” in school settings (as cited in Kumari, 2014). People with

high openness are referred to as Intuitive (N) individuals. They are more open-minded

and more likely to be able to imagine things outside of the box, see things differently,

seek unexplored opportunities and make their daily routine interesting and unique.

People with low openness, or Observant (S) individuals, tend to be more practical,

pragmatic and down-to-earth. They are often focused on concrete things happening

around them instead of abstract matter. They rely on facts, tools and material object as

opposed to brainstorming about possibilities, theories and scenarios (NERIS, 2014;

Eldousky 2012; Cherry, 2019).

Conscientiousness. NERIS (2014) states that this aspect of personality reflects

an individual’s approach to work, planning and decision-making. John and Srivastava

(1999) describes Conscientiousness as a trait characterized by facets of competence,

order, dutifulness, achievement-striving, self-discipline, and deliberation. According to

Roberts, Lejuez, Krueger, Richards, and Hill (2012), this trait often plays a major role

in predicting high job performances and marital stability due to its association with

good decision-making. People who are high in conscientiousness are referred to as

Judging (J) individuals. They often tend to come up with specific plans and prefer

clarity and closure over spontaneity and options in their work ethic. When something

is crossed off their mental checklist, the task is complete and no longer open for

reassessment. Research suggests that these types of individuals are also much stricter

when it comes to following the laws and maintaining order. Because of such rule-

abiding facet, Judging individuals often make the most effective and authoritative

leaders and strategists. Judging individuals also live longer because they engage

themselves in health-promoting behavior like physical activities, healthier diets and

11
many more. On the other hand, people who are low in conscientiousness, often referred

to as Prospecting (P) individuals, are much more flexible and relaxed when it comes to

dealing with tasks and challenges at hand. They have an eye for keeping their options

open while scanning for more opportunities that satisfy their interests. As opposed to

Judging types, Prospecting individuals are more likely to focus on what makes them

happy regardless of the consequences or what their parents, employers and teachers

expect of them (NERIS, 2014; Cherry, 2019; Roberts, Lejuez, Krueger, Richards, &

Hill, 2012).

Extraversion. According to NERIS (2014), this aspect of personality shows

how individuals interact with their surroundings. John and Srivastava (1999) identifies

Extraversion’s facets as warmth, gregariousness, assertiveness, activity, excitement-

seeking, and positive emotions. Although there is a preponderance in literature that

specifically links Extraversion with sociability and outgoingness, Sellers (2015) argues

that Extraversion may not necessarily describe how sociable and outgoing one person

is. Instead, this scale determines the degree of interaction to which individuals have

with the outside world; how socially one behaves is just a part of that. There are times

to be socially extraverted and times to be socially introverted, and any healthy person

of any type will learn to develop both. Having high extraversion simply means that an

individual is able to look outward and observe the world around them more naturally.

Extraverted (E) individuals are not as sensitive to outer stimuli and therefore, able to

seek out interaction in order to perform well and gain a kind of functional equilibrium.

Meanwhile, Introverted (I) individuals are the exact opposite. They tend to focus

inwardly first before they test their thoughts in the outer world. They are also more

sensitive to the same stimuli so they often need to retreat from it in order to establish

their kind of functional equilibrium (NERIS, 2014; Sellers, 2015). In a study conducted

12
by Bengtson (2017), extraversion has been proven to be one of the best personality

indicators for happiness but it is also link to risks for hypomania. This is mostly because

happiness is associated with high enthusiasm and hypomania risk was related to high

assertiveness.

Agreeableness. NERIS (2014) claims that this aspect of personality determines

how individuals make decisions and cope with emotions. John and Srivastava (1999)

identifies the facets of Agreeableness as trust, compliance, altruism,

straightforwardness, modesty, and tender-mindedness. People with high agreeableness

are called Feeling (F) individuals because they are more empathic, sensitive and less

competitive. They tend to be more understanding of the negative aspects of the

environment as well, making it easy for them to establish relationships positively. For

many Feeling types, the principles and ideals they follow are much more important than

professional success. They would rather cooperate than compete with others, and often

make a decision wherein everyone is happy and gets what they want. On the other hand,

Thinking (T) individuals, which are people with low agreeableness, seek logic and

rational arguments. They tend to rely on their head more than their heart and do their

best to safeguard emotions by overriding it with logical reasoning. For Thinking

individuals, efficiency is more important than cooperation (NERIS, 2014; Cherry,

2019). Research by Bengtson (2017) reveals that associations with agreeableness is

closely linked to life satisfactions and overall happiness. If someone is highly agreeable,

for instance, they might engage in more prosocial behaviors, leading to stronger social

relationships and an ultimately higher perception of their own well-being.

Neuroticism. According to NERIS (2014), this aspect of personality underpins

all others, showing an individual’s confidence in their abilities and decisions. In a way,

it acts as an internal sensor, reacting to the input people get from the environment – for

13
instance, success or failure, feedback from other people, pressure caused by unexpected

events and so on. Based on John and Srivastava (1999), the facets that determine

Neuroticism are anxiety, hostility, depression, self-consciousness, impulsiveness, and

vulnerability. People who are high in neuroticism are referred to as Turbulent (-T)

individuals. They are very susceptible to pressure and get stress more often. Turbulent

types are also self-conscious and worry about many different things, which drives them

to become more success-driven, perfectionistic, and eager to improve. Research also

reveals that Turbulents are also more willing to change jobs if they feel stuck in their

current one and spend time thinking about the direction in which their life is going. On

the other hand, Assertive (-A) individuals or people who are low in neuroticism are more

emotionally stable, self-assured, and resistant to stress. They refuse to worry too much

and do not push themselves too hard when it comes to achieving goals. Unsurprisingly,

Assertive individuals report more satisfaction with their lives and they also feel more

confident in their abilities to handle different circumstances along the way (NERIS,

2014; Cherry 2019).

Circadian Rhythm

Biological timing is a necessity in all organisms driven by the need to adapt to

changes in the environment. The study of circadian rhythms, known as Chronobiology,

examines the periodic oscillation of biological processes at a molecular, cellular, and

behavioral level. According to Wulund and Reddy (2015), these processes have been

shown to orchestrate basic cellular functions and regulate daily physiological routines

such as feeding and sleeping. This timekeeping system allows organisms to anticipate

and prepare for changes in the environment that are associated with day and night,

thereby ensuring that they will be able to “do the right thing” at the right time of the

day.

14
 Historically, research on biological rhythms first began approximately 50 years

ago with the study of circadian rhythmicity in fruit flies and humans. In an overview

done by Vitaterna, Takahashi, and Turek (2014), these studies conducted in the 1950s

by Colin Pittendrigh and Jürgen Aschoff can be considered the major founding research

of chronobiology. The legacies of these pioneers continue today with the advancement

of the fields they founded and at present, circadian clocks remain one of the most robust

experimental systems wherein perturbations of genetic background or environmental

state can be directly linked to changes in physiology (internal) and behavior (external).

On a biological scale, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (2017)

explains that human circadian rhythms are regulated by an internal master clock that is

a structure of 20,000 hypothalamic neurons called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).

The SCN helps determine the sleep patterns of an individual through the production of

melatonin, a hormone responsible for instigating drowsiness and sleepiness.

Adomaitiene, Leskauskas, and Kunka (2008) add that some of the major

neurotransmitters that have been implicated in mood regulation such as serotonin and

dopamine can heavily modulate the entrainment of circadian rhythms and it is likely

that disruptions in these circuits (either continuous or abrupt) could have major effects

on mood and motivational states.

While circadian rhythm is heavily regulated by neural mechanisms, Hayner,

Gengler, and Kelly (2016) remark that environmental factors can substantially

influence the timing of the sleep-wake cycle as well. These external factors are referred

to as zeitgebers. Zeitgebers are divided into two kinds: photic stimuli, which refer to

light, and nonphotic stimuli, which refer to temperature, social interaction, exercise,

meal schedules and many others. In this study, the zeitgeber being referred to in the

15
entrainment of circadian rhythm is nonphotic. Peters (2019) defines ‘entrainment’ as

the synchronization or alignment of the internal biological clock to zeitgebers.

Vitaterna, Takahashi, and Turek (2014) states that the synchrony of organisms

with their external and internal environments is important to their wellbeing and

survival because a lack of synchrony may lead to an organism’s immediate demise. For

example, if a nocturnal rodent were to venture from its burrow during broad daylight,

the rodent would become an exceptionally easy target for other animals to prey on.

Similarly, a lack of synchrony within the internal environment might lead to health

problems in the individual, such as those associated with jet lag, shift work, and the

accompanying sleep loss.

Morningness and Eveningness. For most animals, the timing of sleep and

wakefulness under natural conditions is in synchrony with the circadian control of the

sleep cycle and all other rhythms. Humans, however, have the unique ability to

cognitively override their internal biological clock and its rhythmic outputs (Vitaterna,

Takahashi, & Turek, 2014). This is where circadian preference, otherwise known as

chronotype, comes in. In a review co-authored by Randler, Schredl, and Göritz (2017),

chronotype refers to individual differences in sleep timing and preferences for a given

time of day. Morning types or “early larks” prefer to get up and go to bed early, while

evening types or “night owls” get up and go to bed later. Morning types also prefer

earlier clock times for their peak performance as opposed to evening types who prefer

otherwise. According to Vollmer and Randler (2012), differences in chronotype were

often associated with age and gender. Younger children are often more morning

oriented, while adolescents become evening oriented. Additionally, large-scale studies

reveal that girls and women were more morning oriented while boys and men were

more evening oriented.

16
Relationship between the Personality Traits and Circadian Rhythm

It has been suggested that to have a better understanding of individual variations

in sleep and to discover the circadian mechanisms responsible for it, research should

focus more on exploring sleep-related traits and marker for individual differences in

sleep. Since emotions, cognitions, sleep-related behaviors and habits are thought to be

among the major explaining factors behind circadian problems, it is likely for a

relationship between personality traits and circadian rhythm to exist (Hintsanen et al.,

2014).

Concerning the Big Five model, studies show that higher extraversion,

agreeableness and conscientiousness were all associated with better sleep, whereas

higher neuroticism was associated with worse sleep. Openness, on the other hand was

not associated with sleep (Hintsanen et al., 2014). In a meta-analysis conducted by

Lipnevich et al., more or less similar results were obtained when considering

chronotype as a continuum: These authors obtained correlations of .27 in

conscientiousness, .12 in agreeableness, 0.02 in extraversion, –0.07 in neuroticism, and

finally, 0.00 in openness, concluding that conscientiousness exhibiting the strongest

unique relation while openness exhibiting the least (as cited in Randler, Schredl, &

Göritz, 2017). In terms of morningness or eveningness preferences, conscientiousness

is heavily correlated with morningness (β = .32). Extraversion and openness where

shown to have moderate correlation with eveningness (β = .23 and β = .17,

respectively), and neuroticism exhibit a modest and negative correlation with

eveningness (β = −.16). Agreeableness, on the other hand, was largely unrelated to

any circadian preference variables (Vollmer & Randler, 2012).

17
 Chapter 3

Methodology

In this chapter, the researchers present the research design, research

respondents, research instruments, quantitative analysis, and data gathering procedure

used in the study.

Research Design

This study falls under the type of quantitative research design called

correlational research. A correlational research design is concerned with the extent to

which certain characteristics or variables relate to one another (Simon & Goes, 2011).

A correlation can either be interpreted as positive or negative. A positive

correlation (r = (0 ≤ 1.00]) means that the variables are directly proportional to one

another and a negative correlation (r = [-1.00 ≥ 0)) means that the variables are

inversely proportional to one another. A zero (r = 0), on the other hand, signifies that

the variables do not correlate to one another at all (Siegle, 2015).

Research Respondents

For this study, the respondents chosen are grade 12 senior high school students

from PISD. Out of a population of 84 students, 69 of them were selected to participate

𝑁
in the survey. The sampling for this study is done using the formula 𝑛 = ,
(1+𝑁𝑒 2 )

wherein n is for sampling size, N for population size and e for error tolerance of 5%.

Table 3.1 below features the frequency distribution of the respondents for this study.

18
 Table 3.1 Frequency Distribution of Respondents

Population Percentage No. of Total

(N= 84) Respondents
(n=69)
Garnet 22 26.2% 18

Onyx 23 27.4% 19 100%

Zircon 39 46.4% 32

Research Instruments

Likert-scale Questionnaire. For this study, the researchers use a Likert scale-

based questionnaire to measure both personality trait and circadian rhythm variables.

The questionnaire consists of two parts, one to determine personality trait and the other

to identify circadian rhythm preference.

The first part is the personality trait identification test with an item pool of

twenty-five (25) statements in total, five (5) statements for each Big Five Personality

Trait. The second part is the circadian rhythm preference test with another item pool of

ten (10) statements. Each statement in the questionnaire is patterned after an interval

scale ranging from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree.

Data Analysis

The following statistical tools were used by the researchers for the quantitative

data analysis:

Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. A tool that is commonly used in

correlational studies to measure the strength of a linear association between two

variables. It is denoted by r and can take a range from +1 to -1. The range values can

be interpreted as follows.

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 Table 3.2 Pearson Correlation Coefficient
Range of r Description
-1.00 to -0.71 Strong negative correlation
-0.31 to -0.70 Moderate negative correlation
-0.30 to -0.01 Weak negative correlation
0.0 No correlation
0.01 to 0.30 Weak positive correlation
0.31 to 0.70 Moderate positive correlation
0.71 to 1.00 Strong positive correlation

The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation can be calculated using the given

formula, wherein x is equal to the personality trait score and y is equal to the circadian

rhythm score:

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers conducted the following steps to obtain data that is necessary

and relevant for the interpretation of results.

1. The researchers first proceeded to coming up with an instrument that would

satisfy the purpose, goal and scope of the study. The use of Likert-scale

questionnaire was agreed upon and the statements were written based on the

said format.

2. A total of thirty-five (35) statements were formulated with the interval ranging

from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree. The questionnaire consists of two

parts for the personality trait and the circadian rhythm. Under personality traits

there are 5 subparts for Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion,

20
 Agreeableness and Extraversion each. Under circadian rhythm, there is the

Morningness-Eveningness test.

3. After confirmation and final revisions, the questionnaire is handed out to the 69

respondents chosen from grade 12. A duration of 1 day will be allotted to

administer the survey proper.

4. Once this is complete, the researchers gather the questionnaires and the data is

analyzed. The correlations are then determined using the mean and Pearson

Product-Moment Correlation and the results will be subjected to further

analysis.

21
 Chapter 4

Presentation and Analysis of Data

This chapter includes a descriptive and statistical presentation of the results

from the data gathering, accompanied by the interpretations drawn from these findings.

Variable 1: Personality Traits

Openness
1%

9%
20% Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
43% 27% Disagree
Strongly Disagree

The graph above shows the level of personality trait of the respondents in terms

of openness. “Strongly agree” and “agree” indicates that the respondents consider

themselves to be more intuitive than observant. Based on the graph, 20% of the

respondents strongly agree that they are intuitive while 27% of the respondents agree

to being intuitive. In contrast to that, 9% of the respondents disagree that they are

intuitive while 1% strongly disagree to being intuitive. Moreover, 43% of the

respondents chose neutral to being intuitive or observant.

Openness is associated with fantasy, aesthetics, feelings, actions, ideas, and

values. High openness indicates that an individual is intuitive while low openness

indicates that they are observant. The results show that majority of the respondents are

neutral to openness. This means that they neither consider themselves to be an absolute

intuitive or an absolute observant. Instead, their level of openness lies in the middle.

22
 Conscientiousness

5% 8%
Strongly Agree
25% Agree
25%
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
37%

The graph above shows the level of personality trait of the respondents in terms

of conscientiousness. “Strongly agree” and “agree” indicates that the respondents

consider themselves to be more judging than prospecting. Based on the graph, 8% of

the respondents strongly agree that they are the judging type while 25% of the

respondents agree to being a judging type. In contrast to that, 25% of the respondents

disagree that they are judging while 5% strongly disagree to being judging. Moreover,

37% of the respondents chose neutral to being judging or prospecting.

Conscientiousness is associated with competence, order, dutifulness,

achievement-striving, self-discipline, and deliberation. High conscientiousness

indicates that an individual is a judging type while low conscientiousness indicates that

they are a prospecting type. The results show that majority of the respondents are

neutral to conscientiousness. This means that they neither consider themselves to be an

absolute judging type or an absolute prospecting type. Instead, their level of

conscientiousness lies in the middle of both.

23
 Extraversion

5%
13%
15% Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
28%
Disagree
39% Strongly Disagree

The graph above shows the level of personality trait of the respondents in terms

of extraversion. “Strongly agree” and “agree” indicates that the respondents consider

themselves to be more extroverted than introverted. Based on the graph, 13% of the

respondents strongly agree that they are extroverted while 28% of the respondents agree

to being extroverted. In contrast to that, 15% of the respondents disagree that they are

extroverted while 5% strongly disagree to being extroverted. Moreover, 39% of the

respondents chose neutral to being extroverted or introverted.

Extraversion is associated with warmth, gregariousness, assertiveness, activity,

excitement-seeking, and positive emotions. High extraversion indicates that an

individual is extroverted while low extraversion indicates that they are introverted. The

results show that majority of the respondents are neutral to extraversion. This means

that they neither consider themselves to be an absolute extrovert or an absolute

introvert. Instead, their level of extraversion lies in the middle of both.

24
 Agreeableness

5%
17% Strongly Agree
12%
Agree
Neutral
31% Disagree
35%
Strongly Disagree

The graph above shows the level of personality trait of the respondents in terms

of agreeableness. “Strongly agree” and “agree” indicates that the respondents consider

themselves to use feeling more than thinking. Based on the graph, 17% of the

respondents strongly agree that they are feelers while 35% of the respondents agree to

using their feeling more. In contrast to that, 12% of the respondents disagree that they

are feelers while 5% strongly disagree to using their feeling more. Moreover, 31% of

the respondents chose neutral to using feeling more or thinking more.

Agreeableness is associated with trust, compliance, altruism,

straightforwardness, modesty, and tender-mindedness. High agreeableness indicates

that an individual is more of a feeler while low agreeableness indicates that they are

more of a thinker. The results show that majority of the respondents chose to agree to

this aspect. This means that they consider themselves to be feelers as they use their

feeling more than their thinking.

25
 Neuroticism

13%
22% Strongly Agree
Agree
21% Neutral

23% Disagree
Strongly Disagree
21%

The graph above shows the level of personality trait of the respondents in terms

of neuroticism. “Strongly agree” and “agree” indicates that the respondents consider

themselves to be more turbulent than assertive. Based on the graph, 22% of the

respondents strongly agree that they are turbulent while 23% of the respondents agree

to being turbulent. In contrast to that, 23% of the respondents disagree that they are

turbulent while 13% strongly disagree to being turbulent. Moreover, 21% of the

respondents chose neutral to being turbulent or assertive.

Neuroticism is associated with anxiety, hostility, depression, self-

consciousness, impulsiveness, and vulnerability. High neuroticism indicates that an

individual is turbulent while low neuroticism indicates that they are assertive. In this

case, the results here show that majority of the respondents chose to agree to this aspect.

This means that they consider themselves to be more turbulent than assertive.

26
Variable 2: Circadian Rhythm

Morningness-Eveningness

12% 11%
Strongly Agree

17% Agree
Neutral
31%
Disagree

29% Strongly Disagree

The graph above shows the level of circadian rhythm of the respondents.

“Strongly agree” and “agree” indicates that the respondents consider themselves to be

more diurnal than nocturnal. Based on the graph, 11% of the respondents strongly agree

that they are more diurnal while 17% of the respondents agree to being more diurnal.

In contrast to that, 31% of the respondents disagree that they are diurnal while 12%

strongly disagree to being diurnal. Moreover, 29% of the respondents chose neutral to

being diurnal or nocturnal .

Circadian rhythm refers to the sleep-wake pattern of an individual. A high score

for circadian rhythm indicates that an individual is more diurnal while a low score

indicates that they are nocturnal. The results show that majority of the respondents

chose to disagree to being diurnal. This means that they consider themselves to be more

nocturnal

27
The Correlation Between Personality Traits and Circadian Rhythm

Personality Trait and Circadian Rhythm

50

40

30

20

10

0
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Disagree

Circadian Rhythm Extraversion Openness

Agreeableness Neuroticism Conscientiousness

The graph above shows the relationship of each personality trait indicator with

the circadian rhythm of the respondents. Using the formula for Pearson correlation

coefficient, the correlation of each personality trait indicator with circadian rhythm is

calculated and the following results were revealed: a correlation of 0.37 for openness,

0.85 for conscientiousness, 0.54 for extraversion, 0.24 for agreeableness, and 0.42 for

neuroticism.

Based on the results shown, the indicator conscientiousness has the strongest

positive correlation with circadian rhythm as its r value is equal to 0.85. The personality

trait indicators openness, extraversion, and neuroticism have a moderate positive

correlation with circadian rhythm as they have r values of 0.37, 0.54, and 0.42

respectively. On the other hand, the indicator agreeableness was shown to have the

weakest positive correlation with circadian rhythm as its r value is equal to 0.24 only.

In general, the correlation coefficient for the overall personality trait and

circadian rhythm is shown to be 0.49. This means that both variables have a moderate

positive correlation.

28
 Chapter 5

Conclusions and Recommendations

This chapter outlines the conclusions the researchers formulated after thorough

analysis of the data gathered. This section also includes the recommendations that are

to be implicated from the results of this study.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. With regard to personality trait, majority of the learners are neutral in terms

of extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness, meaning they are neither

extroverted or introverted, intuitive or observant, or judging or prospecting.

Consequently, majority of the respondents show that they have high levels

of agreeableness and neuroticism, meaning they are of the feeling type and

turbulent type respectively.

2. With regard to circadian rhythm, majority of the learners are more nocturnal

or active during the night.

3. There is a significant moderate correlation between the personality traits and

circadian rhythm of the grade 12 senior high school learners.

Recommendations

Based on the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations are

provided:

Students. The researchers suggest that students should improve their time management

based on their circadian rhythm inclination in order to avoid compromising the amount

29
of sleep they get or causing irregularities in both their psychological and biological

health.

Working Adults. The researchers recommend that working adults should practice

awareness of their circadian rhythm by creating time tables that fit their work style and

personality and do not compromise a stable circadian rhythm in order to ensure that

they are able to deliver beyond what is expected of them.

Companies and Organizations The researchers advise companies and organizations

to consider their employees circadian rhythm when pertaining to their shifts and create

a more appropriate schedule for each employees in order for them to be able to

concentrate on their work more efficiently.

Other Researchers. The researchers encourage other researchers to make more in-

depth analysis of personality traits and circadian rhythm and use the data gathered in

this study as a point of reference to guide them.

30
 APPENDIX

Documentation

31
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