the-BA : Personality Survey press release

For Immediate Release

Have you ever wondered why some people are wall flowers and why some strive to be the life and soul of every party? Why, at school, there’s always the clown and always the one who just wants to blend into the background? These might sound like social stereotypes but think about it, in any social group there are always people that seem to take on these predefined roles.

It’s no surprise that people can be grouped like this; it’s all to do with just how big a dollop of conscientiousness you were dolled out in the queue for personality or whether you got more than your fair share of openness or agreeableness.

Now, psychologist and author Daniel Nettle, from the University of Newcastle in collaboration with the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science), has devised a short multiple choice test that can tell you just how much of the ‘big five’ personality types you possess. These five dimensions of personality have been shown to be surprisingly accurate indicators of what makes you tick. Complete the survey online at www.the-ba.net/personality and find out just what your neuroticism versus extroversion balance is and whether this makes you a ‘worrier’ or a ‘wanderer’.

Dr Nettle will be presenting the results of this National Personality Survey at the BA Festival of Science which takes place in York from 9-15 September. The Festival brings over 350 of the UK’s top scientists to discuss the latest developments in science with the public. From debates about the most topical and challenging issues of our time, to science cinema, exhibitions and hands-on entertainment, there will be hundreds of exciting events taking place.

Why not come along to the Festival to compare your results with the nation at large and see what regional trends emerge?

Dr Nettle’s book, ‘Personality – what makes us the way we are’ is published by Oxford University Press in September.

This year’s BA Festival of Science is organised by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) in partnership with the University of York, Science City York and the City of York Council. It is supported by the Department of Trade & Industry, BP and Yorkshire Forward.

For more information about the BA Festival of Science, including an online programme, visit www.the-ba.net/festivalofscience.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Lisa Hendry, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4946
Email: lisa.hendry@the-ba.net

Jessica Griggs, Press Assistant, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4947
Email: Jessica.griggs@the-ba.net

Note for editors

1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation that exists to advance the public understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including National Science and Engineering Week, the annual BA Festival of Science, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges. The BA also organises specific activities for the science communication community in the UK through its Science in Society programme. For more information about the BA, please visit www.the-ba.net.

2. To register for access to the press papers or to the Press Centre at the BA Festival of Science, visit www.the-ba.net/pressregister.

3. The BA Festival of Science 2007 is being hosted in York by the University of York, Science City York and the City of York Council.

4. The University of York, founded in 1963, has nearly 12,000 students, 3,000 staff and more than 30 academic departments and research centres. It is one of Britain’s leading research-intensive universities, with a global reputation. The University concentrates on strong viable departments and teaching and research of the highest quality. It is rated sixth out of 172 UK higher education institutions for the quality of its research, with 18 of its 23 departments rated 5 or 5*. Ambitious plans for growth include a projected 50 per cent increase in student numbers, and significant research expansion and spin-out activity. For more information, visit www.york.ac.uk.

5. Science City York is a successful business and skills development initiative, driving the creation and growth of business and employment opportunities across York and North Yorkshire in bioscience, IT & digital and creative technologies. Established in 1998 as a partnership between City of York Council and The University of York, Science City York is supported by Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency for Yorkshire and the Humber. Further information available from www.sciencecityyork.org.uk.

6. City of York Council serves over 180,000 residents, covering an area of 236km2 and providing a wide range of services. The council works with 70 schools across the city to provide high quality education to over 24,000 pupils. The authority employs over 7,000 staff and is York's largest employer. More information about the council and its services is available at www.york.gov.uk.

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