THE RELATION BETWEEN POLITICAL PARTICIPATION and PERSONALITY FEATURES in TERMS OF UNIVERSITY YOUTH

This research aims to reveal the relationship between political participation and personality traits of young voters. Data were collected by questionnaire method. The survey was conducted between 1-30 January 2016 with 602 participants in the age range of 20-29 years who are studying at the state universities in Istanbul. Convenience sampling method was used to reach participants. The questionnaire was distributed to participants through a data collection software over the internet.The result of canonical correlation analysis shows that personality traits and political participation dimensions explain each other at 5% level. Accordingly, it is determined that there is a two-way and moderate relationship between these two variables.In addition, three canonical variable pairs are formed as a result of this canonical correlation analysis. These three variable pairs are composed of factors that have the highest level of meaningful relationship among the factors of political participation and personality traits. The first of these variable pairs is Compatibility and Political Action.The meaningful relationship between these two variables suggests that those who are compatible with their environment are more active in terms of political activity.The second variable pair is, Extraversion and Political Interest.The relationship between these two variables indicates that extroverted people have a higher level of interest in politics. The third variable pair is Openness to Experiences and Political Membership. The relationship between these two variables reveals that those who take part in youth organizations of political parties are more open to new experience