Personality correlates of Benton's visual retention test

Bivariate correlations revealed that only L was highly significantly (negatively) correlated with the ability to retain and reproduce geometrical figures (Benton Visual Retention Test). Personality groups were generated using extreme cut-offs for E and N, as well as P and L. Extraverts produced similar error profiles to introverts. High trait N Ss tended to emit more errors of omission compared to low trait N persons, otherwise the performance profiles were not statistically different. Several E × N interactions emerged however, with stable introverts yielding significantly more correct reproductions and a lower error frequency than the other groups, with dysthymics (introverted neurotics) performing worst, the latter group further characterised by a greater number of perseveration and mislocation errors. High and low P-scoring Ss did not differ significantly in their ability to reproduce figures, with the exception of perseveration errors which were more common amongst P + Ss. L + individuals displayed inferior performance compared to L− Ss. An analysis of error categories revealed that L + emitted more distortion, left- and right-handed errors. There was no indication of any P × L interaction effect.