Personality and cognitive ability: A critical review and meta-analytic synthesis

This paper critically reviews research on the relationship between personality and cognitive ability. Findings are synthesized from two recent meta-analyses: Anglim et al. (2022, Psychological Bulletin) and Stanek & Ones (2023, PNAS). Stanek & Ones used a sample-size-weighted estimator, which excessively weighted a few large-sample studies and produced estimates that do not generalize. I reanalyzed their dataset with REML estimation, which better accounts for between-study variability and yields results more consistent with Anglim et al. Meta-analytic results are presented for broad traits (Big Five, HEXACO), facets, and cognitive domains (general, fluid, crystallized intelligence). Recent empirical studies (2022-2025) are reviewed, highlighting methodological and theoretical developments. Findings highlight progress in clarifying personality-intelligence relations and provide a foundation for future research.