English

Personality Matters: User Traits Predict LLM Preferences in Multi-Turn Collaborative Tasks

Computation and Language 2025-09-01 v1 Human-Computer Interaction

Abstract

As Large Language Models (LLMs) increasingly integrate into everyday workflows, where users shape outcomes through multi-turn collaboration, a critical question emerges: do users with different personality traits systematically prefer certain LLMs over others? We conducted a study with 32 participants evenly distributed across four Keirsey personality types, evaluating their interactions with GPT-4 and Claude 3.5 across four collaborative tasks: data analysis, creative writing, information retrieval, and writing assistance. Results revealed significant personality-driven preferences: Rationals strongly preferred GPT-4, particularly for goal-oriented tasks, while idealists favored Claude 3.5, especially for creative and analytical tasks. Other personality types showed task-dependent preferences. Sentiment analysis of qualitative feedback confirmed these patterns. Notably, aggregate helpfulness ratings were similar across models, showing how personality-based analysis reveals LLM differences that traditional evaluations miss.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2508.21628,
  title  = {Personality Matters: User Traits Predict LLM Preferences in Multi-Turn Collaborative Tasks},
  author = {Sarfaroz Yunusov and Kaige Chen and Kazi Nishat Anwar and Ali Emami},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2508.21628},
  year   = {2025}
}

Comments

Accepted to EMNLP 2025 Main Conference

R2 v1 2026-07-01T05:12:13.867Z