Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects
Department
Psychology
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Research examining fraternities and sororities is minimal. Whenever research does arise, it usually focuses on negative stigmas with these organizations, such as alcohol abuse or hazing. This study seeks to examine more positive aspects of Greek organizations in order to inspire further research into fraternities and sororities. It was hypothesized that Greek-affiliated college students differ from unaffiliated college students in the Big Five personality factors such that Greek members are less likely to be open to experience, less conscientious, more extraverted, and less neurotic than nonmembers. Greek members and nonmembers will be similar in agreeableness. It is also hypothesized that Greek members are more likely to be politically conservative than nonmembers. Furthermore, it is predicted that Greek-affiliated students will become more similar to their respective organizations over time spent affiliated with them on these six measures. A 24-item online survey was given to 613 undergraduates (51% Greek) measuring the Big Five personality factors and political preference. Logistic and linear regressions were used to analyze data. Greek members were found to be more likely to be extraverted, less likely to be neurotic, and more likely to be politically conservative than nonmembers. Patterns in change over time for each organization were not found.
Advisor(s) or Committee Chair
Dr. Frederick Grieve
Disciplines
Comparative Politics | Psychology
Recommended Citation
Armstrong, Michael B., "Regressions on Personality and Political Preferences of Greek Letter Social Organizations" (2013). Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects. Paper 411.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/411