The Relationship Between Iranian EFL Students’ Personality Traits, Gender and Use of Metacognitive Reading Strategies
Subject Areas : Journal of Teaching English Language Studies
Hamed Badpa
1
*
,
Leila Alinouri
2
1 - Department of English Language and Literature, Arak University, Arak, Iran
2 - English Department, Isfahan(Khorasgan), Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Keywords: Personality Traits, Metacognitive Reading Strategies, Support Strategies, Global Strategies, Problem-Solving Strategies,
Abstract :
This study examines the connection between Iranian EFL students’ personality traits, gender, and their use of metacognitive reading strategies. A correlational research design was used, incorporating two survey tools: the Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and the Survey of Reading Strategies (SORS). The data were gathered from university students in Esfahan City. Descriptive analysis showed that students frequently used metacognitive reading strategies, with 18 strategies categorized as high-use, 12 as moderate-use, and none as low-use. While general and problem-solving strategies were commonly employed, support reading strategies were used at a moderate level. The results indicated a significant negative correlation between Neuroticism and the use of problem-solving and global strategies. In contrast, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Openness, and Agreeableness had strong positive correlations with problem-solving, global, and supportive strategies. However, overall metacognitive reading strategy use did not show a significant correlation with Neuroticism, whereas the other personality traits had a positive and meaningful association with the general use of these strategies. Gender differences were observed in the use of supportive and problem-solving reading strategies, with significant differences between male and female participants. These findings provide insights into how personality traits and gender influence metacognitive reading strategy use.