Extraversion and neuroticism, partially independent dimensions?

Eysenck suggested that the extraversion (E) and neuroticism (N) dimensions are independent except amongst high N scorers, hence the frequently reported negative correlation between the two dimensions. Eysenck Personality Questionnaire data from 877 undergraduate psychology students were analysed to determine support for this notion of partial independence. A negative correlation between E and N was found for both male (−0.35) and female (−0.22) respondents. Chi-squared tests were employed to analyse the frequency of respondents with extreme scores (high and low quartiles) on both the E and N scales. In line with Eysenck’s notion of partial independence a significantly higher proportion of neurotic male and female respondents were classified as introverted as opposed to extraverted. However, amongst respondents low on neuroticism a significantly higher proportion of females were classified as extraverted rather than introverted. Robinson’s personality dimensions were noted as a possible alternative to Eysenck’s notion of partially independent E and N dimensions.