Recognition of extraversion level based on handwriting and support vector machines

Percept Mot Skills. 2012 Jun;114(3):857-69. doi: 10.2466/03.09.28.PMS.114.3.857-869.

Abstract

This study investigated whether it is possible to train a machine to discriminate levels of extraversion based on handwriting variables. Support vector machines (SVMs) were used as a learning algorithm. Handwriting of 883 people (404 men, 479 women) was examined. Extraversion was measured using the Polish version of the NEO-Five Factor Inventory. The handwriting samples were described by 48 variables. The support vector machines were separately trained and tested for each sex, using 10-fold cross-validation. Good recognition accuracy (around .7) was achieved for 10 handwriting variables, different for men and women. The results suggest the existence of a relationship between handwriting elements and extraversion.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Extraversion, Psychological*
  • Female
  • Handwriting*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personality Assessment*
  • Poland
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Support Vector Machine*