DR. SHIVLI SHRIVASTAVA,DR.SHYAM MAURYA,ARUN KUMAR
DOI: https://doi.org/Debugging is a cognitively complex activity that requires prolonged mental focus, cognitive flexibility to solve problems, and emotional self-regulation, which are likely influenced by personality traits. This psychological research explores how variation in personality traits influences the behavioral patterns that software engineers demonstrate while debugging. Using the Big Five Personality Model and the TPMAP (Task-Person-Environment-Activity-Process) framework, we constructed a mixed-method study involving psychometric assessments and behavioral data collection in situ during structured debugging tasks. We measured the participants (n=60) personality traits, and then provided them with standardized debugging scenarios to complete in a controlled laboratory setting. Their debug behaviours were coded for persistence, strategy, frustration, and error recovery styles.Early signs show that engineers who were high on Conscientiousness conducted systematic and goal-directed debugging, while engineers who were high on Neuroticism demonstrated variable behavior under pressure, jumping between unrelated task states, and making incomplete corrections as they went. Findings show that Openness relates to solution-oriented problem solving, despite meandering from the path of the task from time to time. Overall, our research points to trait-based patterns, that can account for differences in how developers approach and resolve software errors.If we can understand trait-based behaviours, we can leverage them as an opportunity for personalized training, adaptive development environments, and team role creation as they relate to debugging. Debugging is not just a technical problem of software; it is also a behavioral problem of engagement. This research places debugging as.
