Reasoning multivariately with the same data, the question becomes: In what way
or ways can the Big Five traits be combined to discriminate among the three
groups? Perhaps a combination of high extraversion and low neuroticism separates
the groups, or perhaps a combination of high extraversion, high agreeableness,
and low conscientiousness discriminates among the three groups? These
questions demonstrate how a multivariate frame of mind entails considering the
dependent variables simultaneously rather than separately. Whether or not such
questions are justified or meaningful is an issue that must be addressed by any
researcher confronted with the prospect of conducting a MANOVA. In the current
example this issue manifests itself as follows: Are we truly interested in examining
the multivariate, linear combinations of Big Five traits, or are we content with
considering each trait separately? Another way of considering the issue regards
the intent to interpret the multivariate effect that might underlie the data. For the
current example, if we have no intention of interpreting the multivariate composites
(that is, the linear combinations of traits¾the dependent variables), then the
univariate analyses above are perfectly sufficient. There is certainly no shame in