Exploring Associations Between Holland's Personality Types and Productive Language Skills Among Iranian EFL Learners: A Pilot Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student, Department of English, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of English, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.

3 Professor, Department of English, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.

Abstract

This exploratory pilot study tried to investigate the relationships between Holland’s RIASEC personality types and productive language skills among 104 Iranian EFL learners in the city of Kashan, at three proficiency levels. Participants took the Oxford Quick Placement Test, IELTS Mock Test, and Holland’s Vocational Typology Test, as well. Due to small and unequal sample sizes (ranging from n = 0 to n = 15), traditional inferential statistics were underpowered. Descriptive statistics and effect size calculations indicated modest variations: Artistic and Social types exhibited higher speaking scores at lower proficiency levels, while Enterprising learners showed stronger writing performance at higher proficiency levels. However, effect sizes were small to negligible (η² = .01–.15), suggesting limited practical associations. These preliminary findings imply that Holland’s personality framework may have minimal explanatory power regarding L2 productive skills. Nonetheless, the exploratory nature of the present study and its limited sample size prevent drawing definitive conclusions.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Linguistic Studies: Theory and Practice

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 05 January 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 05 January 2026
  • Accept Date: 05 January 2026

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