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Table 4 Trait correlates of task/activity preferences

From: Subjective (dis)utility of effort: mentally and physically demanding tasks

Trait

Task/Activity

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4

PS/physical

Games

Retire plan

Read EH,

  

IRS

NYT, write

   

SAT essays

Self-Concept

 Verbal/Crystallized

.02

.10

−.06

−.24*

 Math/Fluid

.25*

−.25*

−.22

−.00

Interests

 Realistic

−.15

−.20

.01

−.10

 Investigative

−.05

−.01

.14

−.39**

 Artistic

−.11

−.12

.44**

−.37**

 Social

−.15

.12

.07

−.16

 Enterprising

.29*

.25*

−.43**

−.34**

 Conventional

.05

−.12

−.57**

−.12

Personality Trait Complexes

 Mastery/Need for Achievement

.06

.00

.03

−.29*

 TIE, Openness, Desire to Learn

.16

−.17

.06

−.49**

 Lack of worry/negative emotions in Ach Contexts, Social Closeness, Extroversion

.31**

.26*

−.24*

−.22

 Competitiveness, Other-Oriented Goals

.16

−.21

−.09

.12

  1. Positive correlations indicate higher levels of trait are associated with lower attractiveness/higher aversion to tasks/activities, negative correlations indicate higher levels of trait associated with higher attractiveness/lower aversion to tasks/activities
  2. PS Perceptual Speed, IRS Internal Revenue Service, EH European history, NYT The New York Times, Ach Achievement
  3. *p < .05; **p < .01, N = 77