Introduction:
Psychologists have long debated exactly how personality should be defined and described. One of these key ideas is known as the trait theory of personality. According to trait theory, human personality is composed of a number of broad traits or dispositions. Some of the earliest of these trait theories attempted to describe every single trait that might possibly exist. This approach was good at identifying different types of traits, it is unwieldy and difficult to infer meaning. Many of these traits, for example, are highly similar, making it difficult to distinguish some traits from others. Such ambiguity also makes it difficult to study these personality traits.
Later, Raymond Cattell analyzed this list and whittled it down to 171 characteristics, mostly by eliminating terms that were redundant or uncommon. He was then able to use a statistical technique known as factor analysis to identify traits that are related to one another. Factor analysis can be used to look at enormous amounts of data in order to look for trends and to see which elements are the most influential or important. By using this method, he was able to whittle his list to 16 key personality factors.
Test Description:
The Sixteen Personality Factor (16PF) questionnaire developed by Raymond Catell in the 1940s. This test measures the basic personality traits in based on 16 basic personality factors: warmth, vigilance, tension, social boldness, sensitivity, self-reliance, rule-consciousness, reasoning, privateness, perfectionism, openness to change, Liveliness, Emotional Stability, Dominance, Apprehension, Abstractedness etc.
The 16PF form A has 187 questions. Each question has three alternative answers. A separate answer sheet is provided to the subject for marking the answers. Although it is considered as a self-administered test, the final calculation and interpretation is done by the test taker. Once the answer sheet is marked, the test taker calculates the scores with the help of a scoring key. These raw scores are then converted to Sten scores with the help of manual and then marked in the 16PF Profile Sheet. In this sheet, the marked dots can be connected to sketch a graphical representation of the Standard Ten scores.
The Sten scores of 1, 2, 3 and 4 are considered low and 7, 8, 9 and 10 are considered high. The scores 5 and 6 are considered average. These scores are used to interpret the subject’s profile and therefore these personality factors are important to recognize the subject’s personality traits.
Purpose:
To find the traits of the subject using 16 PF assessment.
Equipment/Material Used
i) 16 PF reusable booklet
ii) 16 PF Manual
iii) Scoring Key
iv) Pen/pencil/paper, eraser
Introduction to the subject:
Name: abc xxx (Name not disclosed)
Age: 35
Religion: Hindu
Gender: Male
Marital status: Married
Occupation: Finance Manager
Education : Masters
Date of the Test: November 04, 2019, 11:00 AM
Place: Cafe, Baluwatar
Test Administration:
Procedure:
Firstly, the subject was greeted and the conversation started. The subject was informed about the test, its relevance and was excited for the test as it was his first time giving this type of test. The subject was instructed as per the manual and explained the procedure to approach the test. The Subject’s consent was requested and assured that the data obtained will remain confidential.
Testing:
The test was conducted in a confined room in a cafe to limit the outward interaction. The subject went smoothly and was quite occupied on the test but after attempting about hundreds of questions the expression of the subject changed with the thought he was only half way through the test.
Introspection:
After the testing was completed the subject was asked to share his experience. The subject had mixed feelings determining the exact scale on some of the questions. The subject said, “Some questions response depends on the mood and scenario. After completing the test the subject said the questions were generalized so the answer might depend on my mood as well, I think if I am doing the same test again my result would be different even though the variation might be little. In some of the questions the subject was not able to choose the answer so as a natural response he went for the neutral response like “uncertain” on some of the questions
Release:
The subject was excited about the result the instant he finished the assessment. The subject was released then with thanks and will receive the scoring later on. With the manual in hand, the score was calculated and informed to the subject on the following day.
Result and Analysis/Interpretation
Obtained Score:
| Factors | Obtained Raw Score | Standard Ten Score (STEN) | Interpretation |
| A. Coolness | 7 | 4 | Low |
| B. Intelligence | 11 | 8 | High |
| C. Low Ego Strength | 14 | 5 | Average |
| E. Submissiveness | 16 | 7 | High |
| F. Desurgency | 16 | 5 | Normal |
| G. Higher Superego Strength | 10 | 5 | Normal |
| H. Shyness | 10 | 4 | Low |
| I. Tender-Mindedness | 5 | 4 | Low |
| L. Suspiciousness | 7 | 4 | Low |
| M. Praxemia | 12 | 5 | Normal |
| N. Shrewdness | 7 | 5 | Normal |
| O. Guilt Proneness | 9 | 5 | Normal |
| Q1. Radicalism | 11 | 6 | Normal |
| Q2. Group Adherence | 6 | 3 | Low |
| Q3. Low Integration | 9 | 4 | Low |
| Q4. Tension, Anxiety | 3 | 1 | Very Low |
Table: Obtained Score 16 PF assessment
Interpretation
The subject has a Normal score on factors C,F,G,M,N,O,Q1, High score on the factors B,E and low score on factors A,H,I,L,Q2,Q3,Q4. From the above scenario, the subject seemed to be patient, relaxed and intelligent and seems to enjoy the company of oneself rather than depending on the group. This also shows the shyness of the subject to the group and . Subject is easy going and of restful nature.
Note: The interpretation of the score is as per the 16 PF manual
Impression:
The personality traits to be addressed
I. B. Intelligence (High)
II. E. Submissiveness (High)
III. Q2. Group Adherence (Low)
IV. Q4. Tension, Anxiety (Very low)
The subjects’s overall score is normal on most of the personality traits and the ones that stand out are mentioned above.The subject seems to be an relaxed individual with shy nature and of high intelligence and humble and wants to be independent. Other factors refer that this trait might be due to shyness towards the group as well.
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