The Personality Type That Actually Predicts Intelligence, According to a Psychologist

July 22, 2026 - 13:17

A new analysis of more than two million people has challenged common assumptions about what makes a person smart. According to the research, the personality traits most linked to intelligence have little to do with being agreeable, polite, or socially warm.

The study, led by a psychologist who specializes in personality and cognitive ability, found that openness to experience is the single strongest personality predictor of intelligence. People who score high in openness tend to be curious, imaginative, and willing to explore new ideas. They enjoy abstract thinking and often question conventional wisdom. This trait consistently correlates with higher scores on tests of verbal ability, problem-solving, and general knowledge.

Conscientiousness also showed a modest positive link to intelligence, particularly in academic settings. However, the connection was weaker than many might expect. The trait most often associated with being a "good person" - agreeableness - showed no meaningful relationship with intelligence. In some cases, highly agreeable people actually scored slightly lower on certain cognitive measures. The psychologist suggests this may be because agreeable individuals are less likely to challenge ideas or engage in critical debate.

Extraversion and neuroticism had mixed and mostly small effects. Extraverts sometimes performed better on tests of quick thinking but worse on tasks requiring sustained focus. Neuroticism, or emotional instability, showed a slight negative correlation with intelligence, possibly due to anxiety interfering with cognitive performance.

The findings underscore a simple point: being smart is not the same as being nice. Intelligence, the researcher argues, is more about how a person processes information than how they make others feel. The most intelligent personality type, based on this data, is someone who is intellectually curious, open to new experiences, and willing to think independently - even if that means being less polite.