Character Source Material: Big Bang Theory, The (TV Series, CBS)
Dr Sheldon Cooper is a fictional character from the popular TV shows The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon. He is a brilliant but socially inept theoretical physicist who works at Caltech and lives with his wife Amy Farrah Fowler, a neurobiologist. Sheldon Cooper’s personality is very different from the other characters on the show.
He is often described as a genius with a low emotional intelligence and a rigid sense of order and logic. He has trouble understanding social cues, humor, sarcasm, and empathy. He is also very stubborn, arrogant, and self-centered. He follows strict rules and routines, and expects others to do the same. He has a hard time accepting change or compromise. He is also very passionate about his interests, such as physics, comic books, sci-fi, and video games.
Trait | Percentile | Trait Disposition |
---|---|---|
Neuroticism | 23.03 | Average |
Agreeableness | 0.53 | Low |
Extraversion | 1.85 | Low |
Conscientiousness | 51.05 | Average |
Openness | 95.12 | High |
This section displays the detail item responses that were used to generate the above personality summary. The methodology for selecting the item responses for this fictional character involved using research from a generative artificial intelligence tool to summarize a descriptive response to a question related to each item. The research was reviewed and a judgement was made on the most appropriate response on that item. You can view an example script for collecting these responses (see: Script for Automated Five Factor Assessment)
Trait | Item | Item Response | Item Score | AI-Generated Research* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Openness | Do not have a good imagination. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | Dr. Sheldon Cooper, as a highly intelligent and imaginative individual, is known for having a very active and creative imagination. He often uses his imagination to explore scientific concepts and theories, and he is known for creating elaborate scenarios in his mind to understand complex ideas. Sheldon's imagination also manifests in his love for science fiction, comics, and fantasy literature. He enjoys creating and participating in fan fiction and cosplay, and he often incorporates these interests into his work as a theoretical physicist. However, Sheldon's imagination is often tempered by his highly analytical and logical nature. He may approach imaginative pursuits with a scientific mindset, seeking to understand and analyze the underlying mechanics of the imaginary worlds he creates or explores. Therefore, it can be said that Dr. Sheldon Cooper has a good imagination, which he uses to explore scientific ideas and indulge in his interests in science fiction and fantasy. However, his imagination is often tempered by his analytical mindset and scientific approach to imaginative pursuits. |
Openness | Am not interested in abstract ideas. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | Dr. Sheldon Cooper, as a highly intelligent and curious individual, is generally interested in a wide range of abstract ideas, particularly those related to science and mathematics. In fact, he has a strong passion for theoretical physics, which involves the exploration of highly abstract concepts such as quantum mechanics, string theory, and the nature of the universe. However, Sheldon's interests and preferences are highly specific and often focused on his own areas of expertise. He may have little interest in other abstract concepts outside of his field of study, or he may dismiss certain ideas that do not align with his own beliefs or understanding. Furthermore, while Sheldon may be interested in abstract ideas, he may struggle with the practical application of these ideas, particularly when it comes to social and emotional concepts. This can lead to misunderstandings or difficulties in his interactions with others. Therefore, while Sheldon is generally interested in abstract ideas, his focus and interests are highly specific and may not extend to all areas of abstract thought. |
Openness | Have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | Dr. Sheldon Cooper, as a highly intelligent and analytical person, is known for his exceptional ability to understand abstract ideas and complex scientific theories. In fact, he often excels in his field of theoretical physics precisely because he can grasp and apply abstract concepts in his work. However, Sheldon can sometimes struggle with understanding social and emotional concepts, which are more abstract in nature. He may have difficulty empathizing with others or understanding social cues, which can lead to misunderstandings or awkward interactions with those around him. This difficulty with social abstract concepts is sometimes referred to as a form of social communication disorder, which can be common in individuals with high-functioning autism or Asperger's syndrome. Therefore, while Sheldon may struggle with certain types of abstract ideas, such as social and emotional concepts, he generally does not have difficulty understanding abstract scientific theories or mathematical concepts. |
Openness | Have a vivid imagination. | Very Accurate | 5 | Dr. Sheldon Cooper, as a highly intelligent and imaginative individual, is known for having a vivid imagination. He often uses his imagination to explore scientific concepts and theories, and he is known for creating elaborate scenarios in his mind to understand complex ideas. For example, he has imagined himself traveling through time to explain the concept of causality, or he has created a Dungeons and Dragons-inspired game to simulate the interaction between subatomic particles. Sheldon's imagination also manifests in his love for science fiction, comics, and fantasy literature. He enjoys creating and participating in fan fiction and cosplay, and he often incorporates these interests into his work as a theoretical physicist. Therefore, it can be said that Dr. Sheldon Cooper has a vivid imagination, which he uses to explore scientific ideas and indulge in his interests in science fiction and fantasy. |
Neuroticism | Seldom feel blue. | Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate | 3 | Dr. Sheldon Cooper, as a fictional character, has been portrayed with a variety of emotions throughout the TV show 'The Big Bang Theory.' While he is often depicted as being highly logical and analytical, he is also shown to experience a range of emotions, including sadness or feeling 'blue' at times. In the show, Sheldon has had moments of feeling down, such as when his research work has been criticized or when he has struggled with personal relationships. However, due to his personality traits and coping mechanisms, he may not always express his emotions in the same way as others do. He may, for example, use humor or sarcasm to deflect from his feelings, or he may withdraw from others when he is feeling low. Therefore, while Dr. Sheldon Cooper may not express his emotions in a conventional way, he is still susceptible to feeling sad or blue at times, like any other person. |
Neuroticism | Am relaxed most of the time. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | Dr. Sheldon Cooper is a fictional character from the TV show 'The Big Bang Theory.' He is portrayed as a highly intelligent but socially awkward and eccentric individual. While he does have moments of calm and relaxation, he is also known for being easily agitated, obsessive, and highly strung, particularly when things do not go according to his plan or when he is faced with situations outside of his comfort zone. Therefore, it would be incorrect to say that Dr. Sheldon Cooper is relaxed most of the time. |
Neuroticism | Get upset easily. | Very Inaccurate | 1 | Dr. Sheldon Cooper, the character from the television show 'The Big Bang Theory,' can be sensitive to changes in his environment and routines, and he may become upset or agitated when his routines or preferences are disrupted. However, he generally does not get upset easily in the traditional sense. Sheldon tends to be very logical and methodical in his thinking, and he is not prone to sudden emotional outbursts or tantrums. He may become upset or frustrated if someone touches his food or moves something on his desk without his permission, but he typically responds in a measured and rational way rather than lashing out in anger or frustration. Overall, while Sheldon can become upset or agitated when his routines or preferences are disrupted, he does not typically get upset easily in the traditional sense, and he is generally able to maintain a relatively even keel in his emotional responses. |
Neuroticism | Have frequent mood swings. | Very Inaccurate | 1 | Dr. Sheldon Cooper, the character from the television show 'The Big Bang Theory,' does not have frequent mood swings in the traditional sense. He tends to be very logical and methodical in his thinking, and he is not prone to sudden emotional outbursts or drastic changes in mood. However, Sheldon can be very particular about certain things, and he may become upset or agitated if his routines or preferences are disrupted. For example, he may become very upset if someone touches his food or moves something on his desk without his permission. These behaviors can sometimes be perceived as mood swings, but they are typically the result of Sheldon's rigid adherence to his routines and preferences. Overall, while Sheldon is not prone to frequent mood swings, he can become upset or agitated when his routines or preferences are disrupted, and this can sometimes be perceived as a change in mood. |
Conscientiousness | Make a mess of things. | Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate | 3 | Dr. Sheldon Cooper, the character from the television show 'The Big Bang Theory,' is known for his love of order and structure, and he typically tries to avoid making a mess of things whenever possible. However, due to his eccentricities and occasional lack of awareness of his surroundings, he can sometimes inadvertently make a mess. For example, in the show, Sheldon may accidentally spill food or drinks on himself or others, or he may leave items out of place when he is working on a project. Additionally, his meticulous attention to detail and insistence on doing things his way can sometimes cause conflict or make things more difficult for others. Overall, while Sheldon does not typically set out to make a mess of things, his eccentricities and lack of awareness of his surroundings can sometimes lead to unintentional messes or conflicts with others. |
Conscientiousness | Often forget to put things back in their proper place. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | While Dr. Sheldon Cooper, the character from the television show 'The Big Bang Theory,' has a strong preference for order and organization, he is not immune to forgetting to put things back in their proper place. In fact, there are several instances in the show where Sheldon misplaces items or forgets where he put them, much to his frustration. However, when Sheldon does misplace something, he is typically very motivated to find it and put it back in its proper place as quickly as possible. He may become agitated or anxious when he cannot find something, and he may go to great lengths to retrace his steps and search for the missing item. Overall, while Sheldon may forget to put things back in their proper place from time to time, he is typically very invested in maintaining order and organization in his environment, and he will work to correct any lapses in his routine as quickly as possible. |
Conscientiousness | Like order. | Very Accurate | 5 | Yes, Dr. Sheldon Cooper, the character from the television show 'The Big Bang Theory,' is known for his love of order and structure. He is often portrayed as having a rigid and highly organized routine, and he becomes upset or anxious when his routine is disrupted or his environment is disorganized. Sheldon's need for order and structure is a part of his personality, and it likely stems from his preference for logic and predictability. He likes to have control over his environment and his schedule, and he feels more comfortable and at ease when things are organized in a logical and predictable way. Overall, Sheldon's love of order is a defining characteristic of his personality, and it is often a source of both humor and conflict in the show. |
Conscientiousness | Get chores done right away. | Moderately Inaccurate | 2 | Sheldon Cooper is a fictional character from the TV shows The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon. He is a brilliant theoretical physicist who has a hard time understanding sarcasm and social cues. He also has many quirks and idiosyncrasies, such as a strict adherence to routines and schedules, a preference for certain spots on the couch and the table, and a fear of germs and physical contact. According to the information I found, Sheldon Cooper does not get chores done right away. In fact, he often tries to avoid doing chores altogether or delegates them to others. For example, in The Big Bang Theory episode “The Holographic Excitation”, he tricks Penny into doing his laundry by pretending to be interested in her hobbies. In another episode, “The Locomotion Interruption”, he hires Stuart to do his chores while he is away1. In Young Sheldon, he tries to buy his way out of chores by giving his father money. He also complains about having to do chores when his mother asks him to help around the house. Sheldon does not seem to enjoy or appreciate doing chores, unlike his wife Amy who finds them relaxing. |
Agreeableness | Am not interested in other people's problems. | Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate | 3 | While Sheldon may not always understand the emotional nuances of a situation or know how to respond in a conventional way, he can be very invested in helping his friends when they are in need. For example, in the show, he often goes out of his way to help his friends with their academic or personal problems, and he can be very loyal and supportive when they are going through difficult times. Overall, while Sheldon may not always understand the emotional complexities of a situation or know how to respond in the most conventional way, he can be interested in other people's problems and invested in helping his friends when they are in need. |
Agreeableness | Am not really interested in others. | Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate | 3 | Sheldon can be very passionate about certain topics, such as science or comic books, and he may focus on these topics to the exclusion of others. However, he can also be very invested in his relationships with his friends and has a deep sense of loyalty and commitment to them. Additionally, while he may struggle with social interactions and reading social cues, he often seeks to understand others and can be curious about their lives and interests. Overall, while Sheldon may not always show it in the most conventional ways, he can be interested in others and invested in his relationships with those closest to him. |
Agreeableness | Feel others' emotions. | Moderately Inaccurate | 2 | Sheldon's difficulty with emotions is often portrayed in the show through his struggle to read social cues and understand others' nonverbal communication. This can make it difficult for him to pick up on others' emotions and empathize with them on a deep level. However, there are moments in the show where Sheldon demonstrates an understanding of others' emotions and even offers support and comfort when his friends are going through difficult times. Overall, while Sheldon may not always feel others' emotions, he is capable of demonstrating empathy and compassion when it is called for, particularly with those closest to him. |
Agreeableness | Sympathize with others' feelings. | Moderately Inaccurate | 2 | Dr. Sheldon Cooper, the character from the television show 'The Big Bang Theory,' is known for his intelligence, eccentricities, and social awkwardness. While he can be empathetic at times, he often struggles to understand or sympathize with others' feelings due to his literal and logical way of thinking. Sheldon's social awkwardness and difficulty reading social cues can sometimes make it challenging for him to pick up on others' emotions or understand how they are feeling. Additionally, his tendency to focus on facts and logic can make it difficult for him to connect emotionally with others. However, there are moments in the show where Sheldon shows empathy and compassion towards his friends, especially when they are going through difficult situations. Overall, while Sheldon may not always be the most emotionally intuitive character, he can demonstrate empathy and understanding when it is called for. |
Extraversion | Keep in the background. | Moderately Accurate | 2 | He tends to have a unique perspective on the world and often expresses himself in his own way. However, due to his social awkwardness, he can sometimes prefer to keep in the background and observe rather than actively participate in social situations. Sheldon's preference to keep in the background can stem from his discomfort with social interactions and his tendency to struggle with reading social cues. Additionally, he may feel more comfortable observing and analyzing a situation before deciding how to participate or engage with others. This can sometimes give the impression that he is aloof or disinterested, but in reality, he may simply be processing information and deciding on the best way to interact. |
Extraversion | Don't talk a lot. | Moderately Accurate | 2 | Sheldon tends to be very particular about what he says and how he says it, often taking a long time to choose his words and phrasing. This can make it seem as though he doesn't talk much, or that he is being overly deliberate with his speech. Additionally, his social awkwardness and difficulty reading social cues may make him hesitant to engage in conversation with others, leading him to remain silent or avoid talking altogether in some situations. |
Extraversion | Talk to a lot of different people at parties. | Very Inaccurate | 1 | In the TV show 'The Big Bang Theory,' Dr. Sheldon Cooper is often shown to be socially awkward and uncomfortable in large social gatherings, particularly parties. While he may attend such events, he usually finds it difficult to interact with people and tends to stick to those he knows well, such as his group of friends. In some instances, Sheldon may engage in conversation with others at parties, particularly if the topic of discussion is something that interests him, such as science or comic books. However, his interactions with others are typically limited, and he often struggles to read social cues or understand humor, which can make it challenging for him to connect with those around him. |
Extraversion | Am the life of the party. | Moderately Inaccurate | 2 | Dr. Sheldon Cooper, the character from the television show 'The Big Bang Theory,' is known for his intelligence, eccentricities, and social awkwardness. While he has a unique sense of humor that can be entertaining, he is not typically considered the life of the party. In fact, Sheldon's personality traits often make it challenging for him to connect with others on a social level, and he is often portrayed as struggling in social situations. |