The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF)

Riya Gupta (23223050)

CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Delhi NCR

MPS211N: Psychodiagnostic Lab - 1

Prof. Shewta

January 24th, 2024

 Introduction

The term ‘personality’ is derived from the Latin word persona, the mask used by actors in

the Roman theatre for changing their facial makeup. In psychological terms, personality refers to

our characteristic ways of responding to individuals and situations. In 1961, Allport defined

personality as: “Personality is the dynamic organization within the individual of those

psychophysical systems that determine his characteristic behavior and thought”.

Personality can be said to be the enduring characteristics and behavior that comprise a

person’s unique adjustment to life, including major traits, interests, drives, values, self-concept,

abilities, and emotional patterns. Different theories, including Trait Theories, Type Theories,

Social Cognitive Theories, Humanistic Theories, as well as the Psycho-dynamic and

neo-Freudian perspectives, have been proposed to study personality.

Allport’s Trait Theory

According to Allport, individuals possess dynamic traits that influence behavior, leading

them to approach different situations with consistent plans. In his research, he discovered that an

English-language dictionary included over 4,000 words describing various personality traits.

Allport categorized these traits into three distinct levels:

● Cardinal Traits: Traits that are rare in individuals, but strongly deterministic of behavior.

They often represent a central goal around which a person's life revolves.

● Central Traits: Traits that are present to varying degrees in all people. Central Traits

influence, but do not determine the individual’s behavior.

 ● Secondary Traits: These traits can also be present in all individuals and can influence

behavior, but secondary traits are strongly dependent upon immediate context, such that

they are not apparent in all situations.

Type theories of personality

Type theorists have explained personality based on physique and temperament. Temperament

refers to the emotional aspect of the personality like changes in mood, tension, excitement, etc. A

‘type’ is simply a class of individuals said to share a common collection of characteristics. Type

theories include C. Jung’s classification of personality is based on sociability as Introverts and

Extraverts. William Sheldon has proposed a theory of personality correlating temperament and

body type, and on this basis, has divided people into Endomorphs, Ectomorphs, and

Mesomorphs.

Cattell’s 16-Personality Factor Model

Raymond Cattell has defined personality as “that which permits a prediction of what a person

will do in a given situation” (Cattell, 1950).

Cattell took Gordon Allport's expansive list of over 4,000 personality traits and refined it through

a systematic process. Initially, Cattell reduced the overwhelming number to a more manageable

171 by eliminating uncommon traits and combining common characteristics.

Cattell then assessed a diverse group of individuals based on these 171 traits. Using a statistical

method called factor analysis, he identified closely related terms and eventually narrowed down
the list to 16 fundamental personality traits, including qualities like dominance, perfectionism,

reasoning, and self-reliance. According to Cattell, these 16 traits form the basis for all human

personalities.

Description of the Test

The 16 PF test is a widely recognized and extensively used personality assessment

tool originally developed by Raymond Cattell and colleagues in 1949. This

comprehensive test is designed to measure 16 distinct personality factors, each representing a

unique dimension of an individual's personality. These factors are derived from Cattell's

extensive research on trait theory and aim to provide a nuanced understanding of an

individual's psychological makeup.

The questionnaire utilizes forced-choice questions where respondents are presented

with a series of statements, and for each statement, they must choose one of three

alternatives.

The 16 PF test encompasses the following factors, each representing a specific aspect

of personality:

● Warmth (A): Outgoing versus reserved

● Reasoning (B): Abstract versus concrete

● Emotional Stability (C): Calm versus high-strung

● Dominance (E): Forceful versus submissive

● Liveliness (F): Spontaneous versus restrained

● Rule-Consciousness (G): Conforming versus non-conforming

● Social Boldness (H): Uninhibited versus shy

● Sensitivity (I): Tender-hearted versus tough-minded

● Vigilance (L): Suspicious versus trusting

● Abstractedness (M): Imaginative versus practical

● Privateness (N): Discreet versus open

● Apprehension (O): Worried versus confident

● Openness to Change (Q1): Flexible versus attached to the familiar

● Self-Reliance (Q2): Self-sufficient versus dependent

● Perfectionism (Q3): Controlled versus undisciplined

● Tension (Q4): Impatient versus relaxed.

Statistical Techniques Used

Cattell used a statistical technique, called Factor Analysis to narrow down to 16 fundamental

Personality traits. These traits, he argued form the basis of all human personalities. Factor

analysis is a statistical technique that reduces a set of variables by extracting all their

commonalities into a smaller number of factors. It can also be called data reduction.

There are essentially two types of factor analysis:

Exploratory Factor Analysis: In exploratory factor analysis, the researcher does not make any

assumptions about prior relationships between factors. In this method, any variable can be

related to any factor. This helps identify complex relationships among variables and group them

based on common factors.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis: The confirmatory factor analysis, on the other hand, assumes that

variables are related to specific factors and uses pre-established theory to confirm its

expectations of the model.

History and Development of 16-Personality Factors Questionnaire

The history of the 16PF Questionnaire spans almost the entire history of standardized personality

measurement. Instead of being developed to measure preconceived dimensions of interest to a

particular author, the instrument was developed from the unique perspective of a scientific quest

to try to discover the basic structural elements of personality.

Having witnessed the first-hand awe-inspiring results of science, ranging from electricity to

automobiles, Cattell wanted to apply these scientific methods to the uncharted domain of human

personality to discover the basic elements of personality. Thus, through factor analysis, Cattell

believed the basic dimensions of personality could be discovered and then measured.

To seek a thorough research-based map of normal personality, Cattell and colleagues

systematically measured the widest possible range of personality dimensions. They studied these

traits in diverse populations using three different methodologies: L-data, Q-data, and T-data.

Several decades of research from Cattell and his colleagues resulted in the 16 unitary traits of the

16PF Questionnaire.

From the beginning, Cattell’s goal was to investigate universal aspects of personality and thus his

laboratory included research from different countries who later continued their research abroad.
Since its first publication in 1949, there have been four major revisions - the most recent release

being the 16PF fifth edition (Cattell, R.B. et al., 1993). The main goals of the latest revision were

to develop updated, refined item content and collect a large, new norm sample. The resulting

instrument has shorter, simpler items with updated language, and a more standardized answer

format, and has been reviewed for gender, cultural, and ethnic bias and ADA (Americans With

Disabilities Act) compliance. Psychometric characteristics are improved, hand scoring is easier,

and the standardization contains over 10,000 people.

Because of its international origins, the 16PF Questionnaire was quickly translated and adapted

into many other languages. Since its first publication in 1949, the instrument has been adapted

into more than 35 languages worldwide. These are not simply translations, as many

questionnaires provide, but careful cultural adaptations, involving new norms and reliability and

validity research in each new country.

Psychometric Properties of the Test

Reliability

The test-retest reliability of the 16PF has demonstrated stability over time, supporting

the notion that this assessment tool consistently produces reliable results across different

testing occasions. This stability adds to the overall credibility and usefulness of the 16PF

questionnaire in assessing and understanding personality traits.

Validity

● Content validity is robust, as the questionnaire was developed with a solid theoretical

foundation by Raymond Cattell, and its items comprehensively represent the 16

primary personality factors.

● Construct validity is further supported by the alignment of measured factors with

established personality theories.

● Criterion-related validity is evidenced by the test's ability to predict outcomes in

various contexts, such as clinical, educational, and occupational settings.

Norms

Norm tables are available for converting raw scores for 16 personality factors to

STEN scores. These tables cover the general adult population and various subsamples, with

tables for individual forms and frequently encountered combinations of forms.

The norm tables are categorized into three groups: high school students, university

and college undergraduate students, and the general adult population. The selection of the

most suitable norm group typically depends on the examinee's age or current affiliation with a

specific norm group. Separate tables are provided for men, women, and combined data for

both genders. Additional tables for special groups may be incorporated as needed.

Administration of the Test

Age Range of the Test

The 16PF is written at a fifth-grade level and is designed for ages 16 years and older.
Time Duration of the Test

The primary difference between Forms A and B, on the one hand, and Forms C and D

and D, on the other, is their length and, therefore, the time required for administration. While

Forms A and B generally require 45-60 minutes each for administration, Forms C and D usually

require only about 25-30 minutes each to administer.

Materials Required

● The 16 PF questionnaire (Form C)

● 2 sets of stencils

● Response Sheet

● Manual and Norms

● Stationery Items

Instructions

“Inside this booklet are some questions to see what attitudes and interests you have.

There are no right or wrong answers because everyone has the right to their views. To be able to

get the best advice from your results, you will want to answer them exactly and truly.

A separate ‘Answer Sheet’ has not been given to you. Write your name and all other

information asked for on the top line of the Answer Sheet.

First, you should answer the four sample questions below so that you can see whether

you need to ask anything before starting. Although you are to read the questions in this booklet,

you must record your answer on the answer sheet, alongside the same number as in the booklet.
 There are three possible answers to each question. Read the following examples and mark

your answers at the top of your answer sheet where it says ‘Examples’. Fill in the left-hand box

if your answer choice is the ‘a’ answer, in the middle box if your answer choice is the ‘b’ answer,

and in the right-hand box if you choose the ‘c’ answer.”

Method of Scoring

The 16PF can be hand-scored with a set of scoring stencils. Each answer should be

checked to make sure that there are no odd, unscorable responses, e.g., marking two out of three

alternatives, making incomplete erasures, or entirely omitting a response to an item. If such a

misunderstanding of instructions has occurred, the participant is supposed to go back and do the

affected items correctly.

Each answer scores 0, 1, or 2 points, except the Factor B (conceptual ability) answers,

which score 0 (incorrect) or 1 (correct). The score of each item contributes to only one factor

total. The raw scores are then converted into STEN scores and the results are profiled for easier

review and interpretation.

Careful selection of the most appropriate norm reference group (general population,

undergraduate college students, or high school students) is required.

Applications of the Test

● Employee Selection and Placement: Businesses often utilize the 16 PF in the hiring

process to assess candidates' personality traits and determine their suitability for specific

roles. This aids in making informed decisions about employee placement, contributing to

better job-person fit.

 ● Clinical Psychology: In clinical settings, the 16 PF questionnaire is employed for

diagnosing and understanding personality disorders. Psychologists use the results to tailor

treatment plans and interventions to individual patients, enhancing the effectiveness of

therapeutic approaches.

● Career Counseling: The 16 PF is commonly used in career counseling to match

individuals with occupations that align with their personality traits. This helps individuals

make informed career choices based on their natural inclinations, strengths, and

preferences.

● Education: In educational settings, the 16 PF is employed to understand students' learning

styles, preferences, and potential challenges. It assists educators in developing strategies

to meet individual needs.

Conduction of the Test

Procedure

The participant was first provided with comprehensive information regarding the nature

and purpose of the test, ensuring their voluntary and informed consent. The assessment took

place in a controlled and quiet environment to minimize potential distractions and optimize

participant focus. Clear instructions were given to elucidate the process of responding to the

questions, emphasizing that there were no right or wrong responses. Upon completion, the

responses were scored. The raw scores were then converted to STEN scores, allowing for a

standardized assessment. The findings were subsequently analyzed and explained appropriately.
Participant’s Demographic Information

Name: RA

Age: 22

Gender: Female

Nationality: Indian

Educational Qualifications: Post-graduate student.

Marital Status: Unmarried

Precautions

● The room should be well-illuminated and well-ventilated.

● The participants should be given clear instructions.

● Noise and interference should be minimized as much as possible.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations during the administration of the 16 PF questionnaire were

carefully addressed.

● Before the assessment, informed consent was actively sought, ensuring that participants

fully understood the nature of the evaluation and willingly agreed to take part.

● To safeguard privacy, participant initials were used instead of personal identifiers.

● Participants were explicitly informed of their right to withdraw from the assessment at

any point without facing consequences.

 ● Scoring procedures were executed with precision to accurately represent participants'

responses.

Analysis of the Results

The following table displays the raw scores and the subsequent STEN scores of the

participant for each factor. A STEN score of 1-4 is considered a low score, a score of 5-6 is an

average score, and a score of 7-10 is a high score.

Table 1: RESULT TABLE

FACTORS RAW SCORES STEN SCORES

A 6 3

B 4 4

C 7 10

E 6 10

F 6 5

G 7 5

H 4 4

I 7 5

L 8 8

M 6 6

N 6 7

O 7 5

Q1 4 4
 Q2 6 7

Q3 6 4

Q4 7 5

Interpretation

The participant scored 3 on Factor A which falls in the lower range and indicates that the

individual tends to be stiff, cool, skeptical, and aloof. She likes things rather than people, works

alone and avoids compromises of viewpoints. She might like to be precise and "rigid" in her way

of doing things and in her personal standards. In many occupations, these are desirable traits. She

may tend, at times, to be critical, obstructive, or hard.

The participant scored 4 on Factor B which falls in the below-average range and the

individual may exhibit characteristics such as being slow to learn, having difficulty grasping

ideas, being dull, and being prone to concrete and literal interpretation. This could suggest a

potential for lower intelligence or poor functioning, which may be indicative of

psychopathology.

The participant scored 10 on Factor C which falls in the upper range which suggests a

high level of emotional maturity, stability, and realism in handling frustration and unsatisfactory

conditions. She could be described as unruffled, possessing strong ego strength, and capable of

maintaining solid group morale. However, the mention of a resigned adjustment to unsolved

emotional problems implies that, despite their apparent stability, there may be underlying

emotional issues that have not been fully addressed.

The participant scored 10 on Factor E which falls in the upper range which suggests a

highly assertive, self-assured, and independent individual who is likely to be austere, a law unto
themselves, and potentially hostile or extra punitive. She may display an authoritarian tendency,

possibly managing others, and may be inclined to disregard authority.

The participant scored 5 on Factor F which falls in the average range which suggests a

person with a balanced personality. They are likely to be moderately restrained and introspective,

not overly dour or excessively cheerful. Their demeanor may be sober, but not pessimistic, and

they might not be overly talkative but still express themselves when needed. This balanced score

indicates a mix of qualities, portraying a person who is neither excessively reserved nor overly

outgoing.

The participant scored 5 on Factor G which falls in the average range which suggests she

may exhibit a balance between being unsteady in purpose and exacting in character. She is likely

to be neither excessively casual nor overly persevering. This moderate score indicates a mix of

qualities, where the person may not be strictly bound by rules, yet is not completely lacking in

effort for group undertakings. They may not be dominated solely by a sense of duty but may

show elements of responsibility and conscientiousness.

The participant scored 4 on Factor H which falls in the below-average range which

indicates they may exhibit characteristics associated with being somewhat shy, withdrawing,

cautious, and possibly slow in expressing themselves. She might prefer a smaller social circle

with one or two close friends rather than large groups, and she may not actively keep up with

everything happening around them.

The participant scored 5 on Factor I which falls in the average range which suggests they

exhibit a moderate level of toughness, realism, and independence, while also showing some

emotional sensitivity and artistic fastidiousness. She may not be overly demanding or
excessively daydreaming, maintaining a practical and realistic approach. Her personality may

involve both no-nonsense practicality and a touch of fanciful thinking.

The participant scored 8 on Factor L which falls in the upper range which suggests a

personality with a notable degree of skepticism and self-focus. She is likely to be more

mistrusting and doubtful, potentially focused on her ego and self-opinionated. She may tend to

be less concerned about others, deliberate in her actions, and may not function well as a team

member.

The participant scored 6 on Factor M which falls in the average range which indicates a

person with a well-rounded approach to both practical and inner-directed aspects, demonstrating

a balanced approach to everyday matters and personal interests. She is moderately attentive to

practical matters, concerned with doing the right things, and responsive to the outer world. While

not highly unconventional, she may have some imaginative creativity.

The participant scored 7 on Factor N which falls in the upper range which indicates a

tendency toward an unsentimental approach, akin to cynicism. She may exhibit a polished and

shrewd approach to people and problems, characterized by perceptiveness, hard-headedness, and

efficiency. She may prioritize practicality and experience over natural warmth and sentimentality.

The participant scored 5 on Factor O which falls in the average range, which indicates a

mix of characteristics, including some sense of obligation and expectations of themselves, but

not to the extent of constant worry or high anxiety. She may exhibit a balanced level of

confidence and sensitivity. She might possess a certain level of composure and unshakable nerve

but without being excessively secure or insensitive to others' feedback.

The participant scored 4 on Factor Q1 which falls in the below-average range, which

indicates a mix of both conservative and inquisitive tendencies, with an interest in both
traditional and intellectual matters. She may exhibit a balanced approach to beliefs, being

confident in what they've been taught while also showing some openness to new ideas. She

might be cautious and compromising in her attitudes, not staunchly opposing change but also not

overly inclined to embrace it.

The participant scored 7 on Factor Q2 which falls in the upper range, which reflects a

temperamentally independent approach, with less dependence on social agreement or support.

She is likely to make decisions and take action on their own, not strongly seeking social approval

or relying on group support. While not necessarily dominant in relationships, she prefers

working autonomously and may be hesitant to ask others for help.

The participant scored 4 on Factor Q3 which falls in the below-average range, which

indicates a mix of characteristics, including a reasonable level of emotional control and social

awareness without being overly perfectionistic or obstinate. She may exhibit a balanced

approach, not strongly inclined towards impetuosity or perfectionism.

The participant scored 5 on Factor Q3 which falls in the average range, which suggests a

person who is neither too laid-back to the point of laziness nor overly driven to the extent of

feeling constant frustration. She may appear composed, satisfied, and reasonably motivated. She

is likely to strike a middle ground between being overly sedate and excessively tense.
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Appendix