An Garda Siochana, the Big Five and intrinsic motivation : establishing police personality characteristics in Ireland
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Authors
McIntyre, Niall
Issue Date
2014
Degree
BA (Hons) in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The present study investigated personality characteristics and intrinsic motivation as they related to members of the Garda Síochána. It was a quasi-experimental design using 50 Gardaí from a Dublin based garda station. The personality characteristics were assessed using the Big Five Questionnaire while the intrinsic motivation scale from the Work Preference Inventory was also utilised. These surveys were sent to the selected members via the post and were returned by same. The results showed no significant difference between male and female scores on any of the personality domains or the intrinsic motivation scale. From this, and considering previous research it could be suggested that the Garda Síochána personality type consists of hard-working, helpful, curious, sociable and secure individuals.