16 Personality Factors

Upali Upasana Giri (2337564) - 2 MPCL B

Department of Psychology, Christ (Deemed to be) University

MPS251 Psycho Diagnostic Lab 1

Prof. Athullya S Nair

January 9, 2024
Introduction

The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) is a self-report tool to measure

personality. It was developed by Raymond B. Cattell (Cattell & Mead, 2008). It is effective in
a number of situations where a thorough evaluation of the full person is required. Cattell
aimed to study naturally occurring human personality through measured observer ratings,
self-report questionnaires and behavioural tests (Cattell 1946; Cattell 1947; Cattell 1948).

He states, “Personality is that which permits a prediction of what a person will do in a

given situation” (Cattell, 1950, p. 2). Cattell described a trait as a collection of reactions or
responses bound by some sort of unity, thus allowing the responses to be covered by one term
and treated similarly in most situations. Cattell and his colleagues systematically measured
the broadest possible range of personality dimensions, believing that ‘all aspects of human
personality which are or have been of importance, interest, or utility have already become
recorded in the substance of language’ (Cattell, 1943). They studied these traits in diverse
populations, using three different methodologies (Cattell, 1973).

A large number of personality traits were brought down to fewer underlying traits
through factor analysis (Cattell & Mead, 2008). 171 traits were brought down to 35 by
excluding overlapping and less significant traits. 15 factors they considered best established
by their data, plus general intelligence as the sixteenth factor were finalised (see Cattell,
1956). The 16 factors or primary traits considered are warmth, reasoning, emotional stability,
dominance, liveliness, rule-consciousness, social boldness, sensitivity, vigilance,
abstractedness, privateness, apprehension, openness to change, self-reliance, perfectionism,
and tension. These also help analyse the global scales or second order factors of extraversion,
neuroticism, tough-mindedness, independence and self-control (Cattell & Mead, 2008).
Development of 16PF

1930s: Cattell works with Charles Spearman in the development of factor-analytic methods to
study the structure of human abilities.

1940s: Cattell begins comprehensive programme of research, applying factor analysis to

identify the basic elements of personality structure.

1949: The 16PF Questionnaire, 1st Edition is released in the United States.

1952: The 16PF Questionnaire, 1st Edition is released in Great Britian

1953: First publication of the High School Personality Questionnaire (HSPQ)

1956: 16PF 2nd Edition is released.

1959: First publication of the Children s Personality Questionnaire (CPQ)‟

1962: 16PF 3rd Edition is released.

1963: Early School Personality Questionnaire (ESPQ) is released for use in educational,

counseling, and developmental settings, completing the personality assessment series

spanning the entire age range: Early School Personality Questionnaire (ESPQ) for ages 6-8,

Children’s Personality Questionnaire (CPQ) for ages 8 to 12, High School Personality
Questionnaire (HSPQ) for ages 12 to 18, and 16PF Questionnaire for ages 16 and above.

1965: Introduction of computer scoring by mail

1968: 16PF 4th Edition is released.

Psychometric Properties

Moderate to good reliability ratings have been reported for the 16PF. Based on a
sample of 10,261 individuals, Internal consistency reliabilities are on average 0.76 for the
primary scales and a range of 0.68 to 0.87 for all 16 scales. The test-reliabilities over a 2-
week period showed scores of 0.69-0.87 for all scales and a 2-month interval showed scores
ranging from 0.56-0.79 (Conn & Rieke, 1994). Studies have supported construct validity
(Chernysheno, Stark, & Chan, 2001; Conn &Rieke, 1994; Catell & Krug, 1986; Gerbing &
Tuley, 1991; Hofer, Horn, & Eber, 1997). The test’s applied validity to counseling, career
development, personality assessment and clinical problems has been supported (Kelly, 1999;
Krug & Johns, 1990; Schuerger & Watterson, 1998). It is seen to have widespread
applications in clinical, educational occupational and community settings (Cattell, Eber &
Tatsuoka, 1970).

Description of 16PF

The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) is a self-report personality test

that was created by Herbert Eber, Maurice Tatsuoka, and Raymond B. Cattell over the course
of several decades of empirical research. A person's personality is assessed on two levels of
attributes using the 16PF personality test. The 16PF's designers claim that personality
structure is hierarchical and develops into interrelated core and secondary features. They are
known as Primary Scales and Global Scales, in that order.It takes about 25 to 30 minutes to
complete, with 105 items total. This self-report questionnaire has three forced-choice
answers, each with a score between 0 and 2.
Primary Factors Description
outgoing, caring, attentive to
Warmth (A) others versus reserved, impersonal,
detached
Abstract-thinking, higher mental
Reasoning (B) capacity versus concrete-thinking, lower
mental capacity
Mature, adaptive, emotionally
Emotional Stability (C) stable versus reactive, changeable,
affected by emotions
Dominant, forceful, assertive,
Dominance (E) competitive versus differential,
accommodating, docile, cooperative
Lively, spontaneous, enthusiastic,
cheerful, expressive,
Liveliness (F)
impulsive versus serious, restrained,
taciturn, careful, introspective
Rule-conscious, dutiful, conscientious,
conforming, moralistic, staid, rule-
Rule Consciousness (G)
bound versus expedient, nonconforming,
disregards rules, self-indulgent
Socially bold, venturesome,
Social Boldness (H) uninhibited versus shy, threat-sensitive,
timid, hesitant
Sensitive, aesthetic, intuitive,
Sensitivity (I) refined versus utilitarian, objective,
unsentimental, self-reliant, rough
Vigilant, suspicious, skeptical,
Vigilance (L) oppositional versus trusting, accepting,
unconditional, easy
Abstract, imaginative, absentminded,
impractical, absorbed in ideas versus
Abstractedness (M)
grounded, practical, prosaic, solution-
oriented, conventional
Private, discreet, polished, worldly,
diplomatic versus forthright, genuine,
Privateness (N)
artless, open, naive, unpretentious,
involved
 Apprehensive, self-doubting, worried,
insecure, worrying, self-
Apprehension (O) blaming versus self-assured, unworried,
complacent, secure, confident, self-
satisfied
Open (to change), experimental, liberal,
analytical, freethinking,
Openness to change (Q1) flexible versus traditional, attached to
familiar, conservative, respecting
traditional ideas
Self-reliant, solitary, resourceful,
individualistic, self-
Self Reliance (Q2)
sufficient versus group-oriented,
affiliative, dependent
Perfectionist, organized, compulsive, self-
disciplined, precise, self-
Perfectionism (Q3) sentimental versus disorder-tolerating,
abstract, flexible, undisciplined,
impulsive, careless
Tense, high-strung, impatient, driven,
Tension (Q4) frustrated versus relaxed, placid, patient,
composed, unmotivated

Second Order Factors Description

Extraversion Extraverted, outgoing, socially
participating versus introverted, reclusive,
socially-inhibited
Anxiety Anxious, stressed,
perturbable, versus calm, undisturbed,
collected, well-adjusted
Tough Poise Tough-minded, resolute, non-
empathetic versus receptive, open-
minded, intuitive
Independence Independent, persuasive,
willful versus accommodating, agreeable,
selfless
Application

The 16PF Questionnaire is widely used in counselling and clinical settings because it
provides a comprehensive, integrated picture of the full person, including strengths and
weaknesses, even though it measures normal-range qualities rather than psychopathology.
Furthermore, it can foster communication between the therapist and the patient by
encouraging comprehension, compassion, and rapport from the very first session.
Furthermore, the professional can openly disclose test findings with clients because the 16PF
scale meanings cover widespread areas of everyday experience. This promotes discussion,
raises self-awareness, and gives clients a sense of participation in the evaluation and planning
processes.

A person's ability for insight, self-esteem, cognitive style, internalisation of standards,

openness to change, empathy capacity, level of interpersonal trust, quality of attachments,
interpersonal needs, attitude towards authority, power dynamics, frustration tolerance, and
coping style are just a few of the topics that can be covered by the test and yield information
that is pertinent to the counselling process. The test's Forms C and D are often utilised in
occupational selection processes.
 16 PF Diagnostic Report

Name: N.A. Age: 21

D.O.B: 21.06.2001 Gender: Female

Education: PG student

Test Administered: 16 P Personality Factor Questionnaire

Purpose of Testing: Academic Training

Behavioural Observations:

The participant was comfortable and calm throughout the test. The instructions were
clarified and she did the test with ease. She was able to complete the test without errors or
doubts.

Test Results:
The results of the ‘first order factors’ of the test administered are shown in Table 1.
Table 1

Results of first-order factors of the test

Factor Raw Score Sten Score Description

A 5 2 Reserved, detached, critical, cool
B 7 9 More intelligent, abstract, thinking bright
C 6 5 Average
E 3 4 Average
F 3 2 Sober, prudent, serious, taciturn
G 7 5 Average
H 2 2 Shy, restrained, diffident, timid
I 8 6 Average
L 6 6 Average
M 4 4 Average
N 4 5 Average
O 10 7 Average
Q1 6 5 Average
Q2 9 10 Self-sufficient prefers own decisions,
resourceful
Q3 4 3 Undisciplined, self-conflict, own urges,
careless of protocol
Q4 10 8 Tense, frustrated, driven, overwrought

The results of the ‘second order factors’ of the test administered are shown in Table 2.

Table 2

Results of second-order factors of the test

Factor Sten Score Description

Extraversion 1 Low
Anxiety 7.4 High
Tough poise 3.4 Low
Independence 5.2 Average
Test Interpretation

The present test aims to measure the personality traits of an individual by trying to get
insight of their attitudes and interest. The participant was a 21 year old female currently
pursuing post graduation from an Indian University. The participant scored 5 in the
motivational distortion scale. She scored 2 for the A factor of warmth exhibiting reserved,
detached, critical and cool demeanour. She scored 9 on the B factor i.e. reasoning indicating
high intelligence, abstract and bright thinking. Average scores were seen for emotional
stability, dominance, rule consciousness, sensitivity, vigilance, abstractedness, privateness,
apprehension and openness to change. Low scores (2) were seen for factors F and H which is
liveliness and social boldness indicative of traits like sobriety, prudence, seriousness and
shyness, restrained, diffident and timid. She scored the highest i.e. 10 for self-reliance
showing that she is self-sufficient, prefers her own decisions and is resourceful. Scores 3 and
8 were seen for factors Q3 and Q4 of independence and self-control respectively.

In the second-order factors, she scored 1 in extraversion. The subject scored low on
this factor which indicates that she is shy, self sufficient and inhibited in interpersonal
contacts. She scored 7.4 in anxiety which indicates high levels of anxiety. This means that
the person may have some level of maladjustment and not able to meet demands of life and
her desires. 3.4 in tough praise indicates low levels of this factor meaning tender-minded
emotionality. The person is likely to be troubled by pervasive emotionality and may be of
discouraged and frustrated type. 5.2 in independence indicating average scores. The
participant is mostly introverted with higher-than-average anxiety and average independence.

Impression

The participant scored average in factors C, E, G, I, L, M, N, O and Q1 and falls

under high range for factors B, Q2, and Q4. The participant scored low in factors A, F and
Q3. She has traits of high intelligence, seriousness and self sufficient in decision making but
also detached, and aloof and does not take things too seriously or rigidly. For the second
order traits, she is low in extraversion and tough poise, average in independence and high on
anxiety. This means that the participant an introvert nature with good resourcefulness and
self-reliance.
Recommendation

● In the facet of extraversion, the participant obtained a low score which shows that he is
introverted. I would recommend her to try and talk to more people in her college and
classroom or try to be more interactive with her roommates to get over loneliness.

● She scored high on anxiety, thus I would recommend her to keep a self check dairy and
practice self love techniques to avoid maladaptive behaviours.

● She has scored low in tough poise, thus I would recommend to practice self appreciation
to deal with small failures and take active feedback to get direction to overcome various
subtleties of life. I would also recommend to make a action plan of the doable to avoid
overthinking on the start point.

Summary

Raymond Cattell created the popular self-report Sixteen Personality Factor

Questionnaire (16PF), a tool for assessing personality. Its objective is to assess a person's
personality qualities using sixteen main components, or dimensions.Respondents select
answers for the multiple-choice questions on the questionnaire according to their choices or
actions. Numerous facets of personality are covered by these questions, such as cognitive
processes, emotional reactions, behavioural tendencies, and interpersonal interactions. The
participant was a 21 year old female currently pursuing post graduation from an Indian
University. The test was conducted as per the instruction given in the manual and it can
concluded that the participant scored average in factors C, E, G, I, L, M, N, O and Q1 and
falls under high range for factors B, Q2, and Q4. The participant scored low in factors A, F
and Q3.

The participant scored high for reasoning, self-reliance and tension. Low scores were
seen for warmth, liveliness, social boldness and perfectionism. For the second order traits,
she is low in extraversion and tough poise, average in independence and high on anxiety. The
results support the hypothesis of the differentiation of personality by intelligence (Schermer
et al., 2020). The hypothesis suggests that there is greater between-trait variability for more
intelligent individuals. They are more sensitive to the test items and find it more meaningful
and provide with extreme responses (Austin et al., 2000). The same was reflected in some of
the factors of the current test. Recommendations would be to engage in self appreciation
practices, including self rewarding and mirror work to increase liveliness and practicing
gratitude to enhance warmth in the personality. Managing task as a priority list may help in
reducing overthinking as a trait of perfectionism.
References

Austin, E., Hofer, S. M., Deary, I. J., & Eber, H. W. (2000). Interactions between intelligence
and personality: results from two large samples. Personality and Individual
Differences, 29(3), 405–427. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0191-8869(99)00202-0

Cattell, R. B. (1950). Personality: A systematic theoretical and factual study (1st ed.).
McGraw-Hill. https://doi.org/10.1037/10773-000

Cattell, R. B., Eber, H. W., & Tatsuoka, M. M. (1970). Handbook for the Sixteen Personality
Factor Questionnaire. Champaign, IL: Institute for Personality and Ability Testing.

Cattell, H. E., & Mead, A. D. (2008). The sixteen personality factor questionnaire
(16PF). The SAGE Handbook of Personality Theory and Assessment: Volume 2 —
Personality Measurement and Testing, 135-159. https://doi.org/
10.4135/9781849200479.n7

Conn, S.R., & Rieke, M.L. (1994a). The 16PF Fifth Edition technical manual.

Krug, S.E., & Johns, E.F. (1990). The 16PF. In C.E. Watkins, Jr. & V.L. Campbell (Eds.),
Testing in counseling practice. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

Schermer, J. A., Krammer, G., Goffin, R. D., & Biderman, M. D. (2020). Using the 16PF to
test the differentiation of personality by intelligence hypothesis. Journal of
Intelligence, 8(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence8010012