The Effect of Extraversion On Practical Examination Scores in Students of Physical Therapy

Authors

Scott Richardson, Franklin Pierce UniversityFollow
Zachary Zemanek, Franklin Pierce UniversityFollow
Travis Downen, Franklin Pierce UniversityFollow
Chantsen Rich, Franklin Pierce UniversityFollow
Nate Weltzin, Franklin Pierce UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a physical therapy student’s level of extraversion positively correlates to practical exam scores. Methods: Participants were a convenience sample recruited from the classes of 2018 and 2019 in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Franklin Pierce University in Goodyear, Arizona. Subjects completed the Goldberg’s Big-Five Factor Marker questionnaire as a measure of introversion/extraversion. These scores were compared with participants’ practical exam scores using a Spearman Rho statistical test with data analysis completed using SPSS software. Results: 60 participants (31 males, 29 females) with mean extraversion score (32.97+/-7.90, p=.27) and practical examination score (93.00 +/- 2.44, p=.08). Spearman Rho correlation was .282 (p = .031). Conclusions: A significant positive correlation between extraversion and practical examination scores in physical therapy students was found. Educators can use these findings to provide resources to students to assist with practical examination performance.

Author Bio(s)

Scott Richardson, PT, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Franklin Pierce University located in Goodyear Arizona. He has received the Advanced Competency in Home Health Care from the American Physical Therapy Association.

Zachary Zemanek, Travis Downen, Chantsen Rich, and Nate Weltzin, all graduated from Franklin Pierce University with their DPT in 2019.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2020.1902

Recommended Citation

Richardson S, Zemanek Z, Downen T, Rich C, Weltzin N. The Effect of Extraversion On Practical Examination Scores in Students of Physical Therapy. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2020 Jan 01;18(2), Article 11.