A reanalysis of the higher-order factor structure of the motivation analysis test and the eight state questionnaire

In an exploratory study of the higher-order factor structure of the Motivation Analysis Test (MAT) and the Eight State Questionnaire (8SQ), Boyle (1983c) obtained an 11-factor solution comprising 9 second-order MAT factors and 2 higher-order 8SQ factors. However, application of more conservative criteria regarding the size of significant factor pattern loadings, significance of derived factors, together with reinterpretation of the appropriate Scree ‘break’, suggest that in Boyle's earlier analysis 2 factors too many were extracted. Recalculation of the factor pattern for the MAT (using 8SQ data as ‘hyperplane stuff’) supports the view that 7 rather than 9 second-order MAT factors were appropriate. A separate dR-factoring of the intercorrelations of the subscale difference scores indicated 3 higher-order 8SQ factors, indicative of change dimensions, and not 2 factors as found in the static single-occasion combined factoring of both the MAT and 8SQ data.     

Psychopathology depression superfactors measured in the clinical analysis questionnaire

In the area of psychometric measurement of depression, the most comprehensive multidimensional instrument is the Clinical Analysis Questionnaire (CAQ). This self-report inventory is purported to measure some 28 normal and abnormal personality source traits. In particular, seven separate depression primaries are claimed to have a measurement basis in the CAQ. Clearly, despite the apparent comprehensiveness of the instrument, there are too many primary factors in the CAQ for practical use in many contexts. In order to simplify interpretation of CAQ scores, it seems desirable to utilise a smaller number of more reliable superfactors wherever possible. The present investigation explores this issue and findings suggest that depression is a complex phenomenon even at the superfactor level. Findings also suggest that traditional psychiatric labels may need to be reworked in the light of the present evidence on superfactors within the psychopathological domain.     

Examining the relationship between the Eysenck personality inventory and the sixteen personality factors questionnaire using predictive configural frequency analysis

A nonparametric analogue of canonical correlation analysis, called P-CFA, was used to determine how the Eysenck Personality Inventory is related to Cattell's Sixteen Personality Factors Questionnaire. The P-CFA methods used showed that Eysenck's personality dimensions of Extraversion and Neuroticism can be predicted quite well from suitably chosen primary scales in the Cattell questionnaire. The results were consistent with those obtained in another study using canonical analysis. Beyond that, P-CFA methods were used to predict Eysenckian trait-type categories from Cattell's primary scales. The results were weak and not predictable from canonical analysis, but showed potential analytic capabilities of P-CFA that are not available in canonical analysis.     

Psychological systems questionnaire: An objective personality test designed for on-line computer presentation,scoring, and interpretation

Previous research efforts to use on-line computer systems for personality assessment are briefly reviewed. Shortcomings in the conversion of paper-and-pencil testing forms to computer media are noted. Construction of a new instrument, specifically designed for use with an on-line computer system, is described. Advantages of this approach are noted.     

The location of superfactors P, E and N within an unexplored personality factor space

Two questionnaires designed by Howarth (HPQ, APF2) whose factor space in unexplored and the EPQ (Eysenck) were jointly scale factored on 79 subjects, under the hypothesis that Eysenck's superfactors of P, E, and N should be represented as major influences in the resultant factor structure. A prinicipal component analysis yielded 7 factors from 24 by the Kaiser-Guttman and Scree Test, these 7 being rotated to a maximum simple structure by the Direct Oblimin procedure. Although failing to satisfy Bargmann's test of simple structure, this solution was accepted as adequate, noting the deficiencies og Bargmann's test and the efficiencies of the rotation method used. Within the 7 factor solution, P, E, and N were seen to be located as factor numbers 2, 3 and 1, respectively. One interesting detail is that a sociability primary loaded with an impulsivity primary on the Extraversion factor contrary to Guilford's (1977) arguments for the independence of these primaries. It is concluded that Eysenck's assertion of the enduring stability and breadth of the PEN factor triad has been upheld.     

A factor analysis of the Eysenck personality questionnaire and the Strelau temperament inventory

The relationship of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and the Strelau Temperament Inventory was examined. Correlation analyses of test scores and items provided little evidence of an identity between the scales of these tests.     

Confirmatory factor analysis of the tridimensional personality questionnaire: comments on Bagby, Parker and Joffe

This note is concerned with the interpretation of results of a confirmatory factor analysis of data from the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire, which has been proposed by Bagby, Parker and Joffe (1992; Personality and Individual Differences, 13, 1245–1246). Contrary to their claim of having found a model providing ‘a remarkably good fit’ between the obtained factor structure and the hypothesized dimensions corresponding to the three dimensional biosocial model of personality proposed by Cloninger, it is argued that the cited fitting evidence does not convincingly point to a tenable model. Issues in structural equation model evaluation, as well as possible reasons for lack of an acceptable fit of the model, are discussed.     

Beliefs in personality disorders: a test with the personality disorder belief questionnaire

The hypothesis that each personality disorder (PD) is characterized by a specific set of beliefs was tested in a sample of 643 subjects, including non-patient controls, axis-I and axis-II patients, diagnosed with SCID-I and -II interviews. Beliefs of six PDs (avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive, paranoid, histrionic, borderline) were assessed with the Personality Disorder Belief Questionnaire (PDBQ). Factor analyses supported the existence of six hypothesized sets of beliefs. Structural equation modeling (SEM) supported the hypothesis that each PD is characterized by a specific set of beliefs. Path coefficients were however in the medium range, suggesting that PDs are not solely determined by beliefs. Nevertheless, empirically derived cutoff scores of the six belief subscales were reasonably successful in classifying subjects, percentages ranging form 51% to 83%. It appeared that there was a monotonical increase in scores on each belief subscale from non-patient controls, to patients without any PD, to patients with PDs (other than the pertinent PD), to patients with the pertinent PD. This suggests that PD-related beliefs are at least partly associated with (personality) psychopathology in general. Another explanation is that many patients' position on the underlying dimensions is not high enough to lead to a DSM PD diagnosis, but high enough to lead to an elevated belief score.     

Confirmatory factor analysis of the three-factor structure of the schizotypal personality questionnaire and Chapman schizotypy scales

We examined the factor structure of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ; Raine, 1991), using confirmatory factor analysis in 3 experiments, with an aim to better understand the construct of schizotypy. In Experiment 1 we tested the fit of 2-, 3-, and 4-factor models on SPQ data from a normal sample. The paranoid 4-factor model fit the data best but not adequately. Based on the strong basis for the Raine 3-factor model we attempted to improve the fit of the 3-factor model by making 3 modifications to the Raine model. These modifications produced a well-fitting model. In Experiment 2 the good fit of this modified 2-factor model to SPQ scores was replicated in an independent normal sample. In Experiment 3, the modified 3-factor model was successfully extended to include the 3 Chapman schizotypy scales. Together these 3 experiments indicate that the 3-factor model of the SPQ, albeit with some slight modifications, is a good model for schizotypy structure that is not restricted to 1 measure of schizotypal personality traits.     

A definitive,large-sample factoring of personality structure in objective measures,as a basis for the high school objective-analytic battery

Eighty-two subtests chosen from a series of preceding researches as the best marker variables for 12 previously checked and interpreted personality factors (U.I. 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23–26, 28, 32, and 33) were administered to 2,522 boys of high school age. The ensuing factor analysis, aimed to check and precision the factor patterns, to lead to the definitive HSOA battery, and to yield scores for further age and genetic analyses, observed the following procedural requirements: (1) Scree test for number of factors, (2) iterated communalities, (3) blind automated rotation, carried further by rotoplot to a maximum simple structure, (4) a test of simple structure significance, and (5) matching of patterns for invariance against other studies. As before in this domain, 19–20 factors were found, and the 10 for which definite markers had been made available matched very well with former patterns. Although a small minority of tests failed to load as hypothesized, this results in some weakness of factor estimate only on U.I. 32, Exvia-Invia. For on all 10 factors for the planned HSOA battery, with this possible exception, the validities of weighted battery scores reached acceptable levels.     

The state version of the recovery experience questionnaire: A multilevel confirmatory factor analysis

Although many studies in the field of recovery from work utilize a quantitative diary design, little is known about the validity of the daily measures used in such studies. The present study analyses the factor structure of the state version of the Recovery Experience Questionnaire (REQ) on the between-person (trait) and within-person (state) levels. A total of 127 employees participated in the study. Most of them filled out the questionnaire on three consecutive workdays (N = 375 observations). Results of multilevel confirmatory factor analyses (MCFA) showed that a four-factor model fit the data better than alternative models at both levels of analysis (between and within). In addition, some factor loadings of the four recovery experience dimensions (particularly for relaxation and control) were lower on the day level as compared to the general level. Nevertheless, we conclude that both state and trait versions of the REQ show good psychometric properties. Implications for future research on recovery are discussed.     

Verification of hypothesized factors in one hundred and fifteen objective personality test designs

This paper reports on the third of a series of four experiments using similar concepts and methods for objective personality measurement, and overlapping test batteries. One hundred students were measured with 115 tests. The scores were correlated and factored by a re-iterated multiple group centroid method. The 17 factors thus obtained were rotated toward a clear simple structure. The relation of the rotated factors to earlier ones is indicated, but no extensive interpretation is attempted.     

Composition and consistency of the desired affective state: The role of personality and motivation

Using longitudinal and experience sampling designs, the consistency and composition, and personality and motivational predictors, of the desired affective state are explored. Findings indicate that, while the desired affect is relatively malleable throughout one semester, it is relatively stable throughout 1 week. Personality and motivations/goals were related to the content of the desired affective state. Extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were related to the content of the desired affective state. In addition, higher-order goals predicted the content of the desired affective state. Our results suggest that the content of the desired affective state may be largely dependent on personality, motivation, and, potentially, an interaction between personality and motivation.