Descriptions of the 16 Primary Personality Factors

(Adapted from the Administrator's manual for the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire, 1986)

A. FIRST-ORDER FACTORS

Low score direction   High score direction

Cool, reserved, impersonal, detached, formal, aloof People who score low (sten of 1 to 3) tend to be stiff, cool, skeptical, and aloof. They like things rather than people, working alone, and avoiding compromising viewpoints. They are likely to be precise and "rigid" in their ways of doing things and in their personal standards. In many occupations these are desirable traits. They may tend, at times, to be critical, obstructive, or hard.

vs.

Factor A

Warm, outgoing, kindly, easygoing, participating, likes people People who score high (sten of 8 to 10) tend to be good-natured, easygoing, emotionally expressive, ready to cooperate, attentive to people, softhearted, kindly, adaptable. They like occupations dealing with people and socially impressive situations, and they readily form active groups. They are generous in personal relations, less afraid of criticism, and better able to remember names of people.

Affected by feelings, emotionally less stable, easily annoyed The person who scores low (1 to 3) tends to be low in frustration tolerance for unsatisfactory conditions, changeable and plastic, evading necessary reality demands, neurotically fatigued, fretful, easily annoyed and emotional, active in dissatisfaction, having neurotic symptoms (phobias, sleep disturbances, psychosomatic complaints, etc.)

vs.

Factor C

Emotionally stable, mature, faces reality, calm The person who scores high (8 to 10) tends to be emotionally mature, stable, realistic about life, unruffled, possessing ego strength, better able to maintain solid group morale.

Submissive, humble, mild, easily led, accommodating Individuals scoring low (1 to 3) tend to give way to others, to be docile, and to conform. They are often dependent, confessing, anxious for obsessional correctness.

vs.

Factor E

Dominant, assertive, aggressive, stubborn, competitive, bossy Individuals scoring high (8 to 10) are assertive, self-assured, and independent-minded. They tend to be austere, a law unto themselves, hostile or extrapunative, authoritarian (managing others), and disregarding of authority.

Sober, restrained, prudent, taciturn, serious Low scorers tend to be restrained, reticent,

vs. Enthusiastic, spontaneous, heedless, expressive, cheerful

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and introspective. They are sometimes dour, pessimistic, unduly deliberate, and considered smug and primly correct by observers. They tend to be sober, dependable people.

Factor F

High scorers tend to be cheerful, active, talkative, frank, expressive and carefree. They are frequently chosen as elected leaders. They may be impulsive and mercurial.

Expedient, disregards rules, self-indulgent People who score low tend to be unsteady in purpose. They are often casual and lacking in effort for group undertakings and cultural demands. Their freedom from group influence may lead to antisocial acts, but at times makes them more effective, while their refusal to be bound by rules causes them to have less somatic upset from stress.

vs.

Factor G

Conscientious, conforming, moralistic, staid, rule-bound People who score high tend to be exacting in character , dominated by sense of duty, persevering, responsible, planful, "fill the unforgiving minute." They are usually conscientious and moralistic, and they prefer hard-working people to witty companions.

Shy, threat-sensitive, timid, hesitant, intimidated Individuals who score low on this trait tend to be shy, withdrawing, cautious, retiring, "wallflowers." They usually have inferiority feelings and tend to be slow and impeded in speech and in expressing themselves. They dislike occupations with personal contacts, prefer one or two close friends to large groups, and are not given to keeping in contact with all that is going on around them.

vs.

Factor H

Bold, venturesome, uninhibited, can take stress Individuals who score high are sociable, bold, ready to try new things, spontaneous, and abundant in emotional response. Their "thick-skinnedness" enables them to face wear and tear in dealing with people and grueling fatigue. However, they can be careless of detail, ignore danger signals, and consume much time talking. They tend to be "pushy" and actively interested in the opposite sex.

Tough-minded, self-reliant, no-nonsense, rough, realistic People who score low tend to be tough, realistic, "down to earth," independent, responsible, but skeptical of subjective, cultural elaborations. They are sometimes unmoved, hard, cynical, and smug. They tend to keep a group operating on a practical and realistic "no-nonsense" basis.

vs.

Factor I

Tender-minded, sensitive, overprotected, intuitive, refined People who score high tend to be emotionally sensitive, day-dreaming, artistically fastidious, and fanciful. They are sometimes demanding of attention and help, impatient, dependent, temperamental, and not very realistic. They dislike crude people and rough occupations. In a group, they often tend to slow up a group performance and to upset group morale by undue fussiness.

Trusting, accepting conditions, easy to get on with The person who scores low tends to be free of jealous tendencies, adaptable, cheerful,

vs.

Factor L

Suspicious, hard to fool, distrustful, skeptical People who score high tend to be mistrusting and doubtful. They are often

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uncompetitive, concerned about others, a good team worker. They are open and tolerant and usually willing to take a chance with people.

involved in their own egos and are self-opinionated and interested in internal, mental life. Usually they are deliberate in their actions, unconcerned about other people, and poor team members.

Practical, concerned with "down to earth" issues, steady Low scorers tend to be anxious to do the right things, attentive to practical matters, and subject to the dictation of what is obviously possible. They are concerned over detail, able to keep their heads in emergencies, but are sometimes unimaginative. In short, they are responsible to the outer, rather than the inner, world.

vs.

Factor M

Imaginative, absent-minded, absorbed in thought, impractical High scorers tend to be unconventional, unconcerned over everyday matters, self-motivated, imaginatively creative, concerned with "essentials," often absorbed in thought, and oblivious of particular people and physical realities. Their inner-directed interests sometimes lead to unrealistic situations accompanied by expressive outbursts. Their individuality can cause them to be rejected in group activities.

Forthright, unpretentious, open, genuine, artless Individuals who score low have a lot of natural warmth and a genuine liking for people. They are uncomplicated, sentimental, and unvarnished in their approach to people.

vs.

Factor N

Shrewd, polished, socially aware, diplomatic, calculating Individuals who score high tend to be polished, experienced, and shrewd. Their approach to people and problems is usually perceptive, hard-headed, and efficient - an unsentimental approach to situations, an approach akin to cynicism.

Self-assured, secure, feels free of guilt, untroubled, self-satisfied Persons with low scores tend to be unruffled and to have unshakable nerve. They have a mature, unanxious confidence in themselves and their capacity to deal with things. They can, however, be secure to the point of being insensitive to the feedback of others.

vs.

Factor O

Apprehensive, self-blaming, guilt-prone, insecure, worrying Persons with high scores have a strong sense of obligation and high expectations of themselves. They tend to worry and feel anxious and guilt-stricken over difficulties. Often they do not feel accepted in groups or free to participate.

Conservative, respecting traditional ideas Low scorers are confident in what they have been taught to believe, and accept the "tried and true," even when something else might be better. They are cautious and compromising in regard to new ideas. Thus, they tend to oppose and postpone change, are inclined to go along with tradition, are

Factor Q1

vs.

Experimenting, liberal, critical, open to change High scorers tend to be interested in intellectual matters and to have doubts on fundamental issues. They are skeptical and inquiring regarding ideas, either old or new. Usually they are more well informed, less inclined to moralize, more

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more conservative in religion and politics, and tend not to be interested in analytical "intellectual" thought.

inclined to experiment in life generally, and more tolerant of inconvenience and change.

Group-oriented, a "joiner" and sound follower, listens to others Individuals who score low prefer to work and make decisions with other people and like and depend on social approval and admiration. They may tend to go along with the group and may be lacking in individual resolution. They are not necessarily gregarious by choice; rather they might need group support.

Factor Q2

vs.

Self-sufficient, resourceful, prefers own decisions Individuals who score high are temperamentally independent, accustomed to going their own way, making decisions and taking action on their own. They discount public opinion, but are not necessarily dominant in their relations with others (see factor E); in fact, they could be hesitant to ask others for help. They do not dislike people, but simply do not need their agreement or support.

Undisciplined self-conflict, lax, careless of social rules People who score low will not be bothered with will control and have little regard for social demands. They are impetuous and not overly considerate, careful, or painstaking. They may feel maladjusted, and many maladjustments (especially the affective, but not the paranoid) show Q3-.

Factor Q3

vs.

Following self-image, socially precise, compulsive People who are high tend to have strong control of their emotions and general behavior, are inclined to be socially aware and careful, and evidence what is commonly termed "self-respect" and high regard for social reputation. They sometimes tend, however, to be perfectionistic and obstinate. Effective leaders, and some paranoids, are high on Q3.

Relaxed, tranquil, composed, has low drive, unfrustrated Individuals who score low tend to be sedate, relaxed, composed, and satisfied (not frustrated). In some situations, their over satisfaction can lead to laziness and low performance, in the sense that low motivation produces little trial and error.

Factor Q4 vs.

Tense, frustrated, overwrought, has high drive Individuals who score high tend to be tense, restless, fretful, impatient, and hard driving. They are often fatigued, but unable to remain inactive. Their frustration represents an excess of stimulated, but undischarged, drive. Extremely high tension level may disrupt school and work performance.

B. SECOND-ORDER FACTORS

In addition to interpreting the basic 16 primary traits, several other scores are obtainable from various combinations of primary scales. In general, these are known as composite scores, and they provide interpretive information about important criteria, such as potential for success in a

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particular occupation, leadership ability, likelihood for successful treatment outcome, to name a few. Five of these composite scales have special interpretive meaning. They are called second-order factors and provide information at a broader level of understanding. That is, they explain personality in terms of fewer, more general, traits.

Low score direction   High score direction

Introversion The person who scores low (sten of 1 to 3) tends to be shy, self-sufficient, and inhibited in interpersonal contacts. this can be either a favorable or unfavorable finding, depending upon the particular situation in which the person is expected to function; e.g., introversion is a favorable predictor of precision workmanship.

EXTROVERSION

Extroversion The person who scores high (sten of 8 to 10) is a socially outgoing, uninhibited person, good at making and maintaining interpersonal contacts. This can be very favorable in situations that call for that type of temperament, e.g., salesmanship, but should not be considered necessarily favorable as a general predictor, e.g., of scholastic achievement.

Low Anxiety People who score low on this tend to be those whose lives are generally satisfying, and those who are able to achieve those things that seem to be important. However, an extremely low score can mean lack of motivation for difficult tasks, as generally shown in studies relating anxiety to achievement.

ANXIETY High Anxiety The people who score high on this factor are high in anxiety as it is commonly understood. They need not be neurotic, since anxiety could be situational, but it is probable that there are some maladjustments, i.e., they are dissatisfied with the degree to which they are able to meet the demands of life and to achieve what they desire. Very high anxiety is generally disruptive of performance and productive of physical disturbances.

Emotional Sensitivity People who score low tend to be strongly influenced by their emotions. They are likely to be gentle people (as in gentlemen), with artistic or cultured interests. Low scorers are sensitive to their own feelings, as well as to the feelings of others. They may, however, be slow to take decisive action, preferring to give a problem much consideration.

TOUGH POISE Tough Poise People who score high are more influenced by the facts than by feelings. They tend to be bold, hard people, decisive and enterprising, but often insensitive to other people. High scorers orient their behavior toward the obvious, rather than to the subtleties of life. Hence, even though they are able to make decisions quickly, they may take action without sufficient thought or consideration.

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Subduedness People who score low are group dependent, chastened, passive personalities. They are likely to desire and need support from other persons, and likely to orient their behavior toward persons who give such support.

INDEPENDENCE Independence People who score high tend to be aggressive, independent, daring, incisive people. They will seek those situations where such behavior is at least tolerated and possibly rewarded, and are likely to exhibit considerable initiative.

Low Control People who score low typically do not act according to others' values or out of a sense of duty. They tend to be nonconformists who do not hesitate to bend the rules, or who develop their own set of rules whenever it is expedient to do so. These are flexible people, yet because they tend to follow their own impulses, they may not be as self-disciplined as some situations may require. Further, they may be perceived as unreliable at times, because the rules by which they operate may not be clear to others.

SUPEREGO

/CONTROL

vs.

High Control People who score high typically have strong superego controls; that is they have internalized the rules of the milieu in which they function. Hence, they tend to conform to expectations that others have for them or to expectations they have for themselves. They are quite reliable because they do not "bend the rules"; however, they may be so controlled as to be perceived by others as rigid or moralistic.

Descriptors of Low Range Primary Factor Descriptors of High Range

Reserved, impersonal, distant, cool, reserved, impersonal, detached, formal, aloof (Sizothymia)

Warmth Warm, outgoing, attentive to others, kindly, easygoing, participating, likes people (Affectothymia)

Concrete-thinking, lower general mental capacity, less intelligent, unable to handle abstract problems (Lower Scholastic Mental Capacity)

Reasoning Abstract-thinking, more intelligent, bright, higher general mental capacity, fast learner (Higher Scholastic Mental Capacity)

Reactive, emotionally changeable, affected by feelings, emotionally less stable, easily upset (Lower Ego Strength)

Emotional Stability

Emotionally stable, adaptive, mature, faces reality, calm (Higher Ego Strength)

Deferential, cooperative, avoids conflict, submissive, humble, obedient, easily led, docile, accommodating (Submissiveness)

Dominance Dominant, forceful, assertive, aggressive, competitive, stubborn, bossy (Dominance)

Serious, restrained, prudent, taciturn, introspective, silent (Desurgency)

Liveliness Lively, animated, spontaneous, enthusiastic, happy-go-lucky, cheerful, expressive, impulsive (Surgency)

Expedient, nonconforming, disregards rules, self-indulgent (Low Superego Strength)

Rule-Consciousness

Rule-conscious, dutiful, conscientious, conforming, moralistic, staid, rule-bound (High Superego Strength)

Shy, threat-sensitive, timid, hesitant, intimidated (Threctia)

Social Boldness Socially bold, venturesome, thick-skinned, uninhibited, can take stress (Parmia)

Utilitarian, objective, unsentimental, tough-minded, self-reliant, no-nonsense, rough (Harria)

Sensitivity Sensitive, aesthetic, sentimental, tender-minded, intuitive, refined (Premsia)

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Trusting, unsuspecting, accepting, unconditional, easy (Alaxia)

Vigilance Vigilant, suspicious, skeptical, wary, distrustful, oppositional (Protension)

Grounded, practical, prosaic, solution-oriented, steady, conventional (Praxernia)

Abstractedness Abstracted, imaginative, absent-minded, impractical, absorbed in ideas (Autia)

Forthright, genuine, artless, open, guileless, naive, unpretentious, involved (Artlessness)

Privateness Private, discreet, non-disclosing, shrewd, polished, worldly, astute, astute, diplomatic (Shrewdness)

Self-assured, unworried, complacent, secure, free of guilt, confident, self-satisfied (Untroubled)

Apprehension Apprehensive, self-doubting, worried, guilt-prone, insecure, worrying, self-blaming (Guilt Proneness)

Traditional, attached to familiar, conservative, respecting traditional ideas (Conservatism)

Openness to Change

Open to change, experimenting, liberal, analytical, critical, free-thinking, flexibility (Radicalism)

Group-oriented, affiliative, a joiner and follower, dependent (Group Adherence)

Self-Reliance Self-reliant, solitary, resourceful, individualistic, self-sufficient (Self-Sufficiency)

Tolerates disorder, unexacting, flexible, undisciplined, lax, self-conflict, impulsive, careless of social rules, uncontrolled (Low Integration)

Perfectionism Perfectionistic, organized, compulsive, self-disciplined, socially precise, exacting will power, control, self-sentimental (High Self-Concept Control)

Relaxed, placid, tranquil, torpid, patient, composed, low drive (Low Ergic Tension)

Tension Tense, high energy, impatient, driven, frustrated, over-wrought, has high drive, time-driven (High Ergic Tension)

Introverted, socially inhibited Extraversion Extraverted, social participant

Low anxiety, unperturbable, adjustment Anxiety High anxiety, perturbable, histrionic

Receptive, open-minded, intuitive, emotionality, feeling (Pathemia)

Tough-Mindedness

Tough-minded, resolute, unempathetic, tough poise (Cortical Alertness)

Accommodating, agreeable, selfless, subduedness Independence Independence, persuasive, willful

Unrestrained, impulsive, uncontrolled Self-Control Self-controlled, inhibitory of impulses

The Global FactorsThe chart below presents the global factors derived from the sixteen primary factors.

 Descriptors of Low Range

Global Factors Descriptors of High

Range

Introverted, socially inhibited Extraversion

Extraverted, social participant

Low anxiety, unperturbable, adjustment

Anxiety High anxiety, perturbable, histrionic

Receptive, open-minded, intuitive, emotionality, feeling (Pathemia)

Tough-Mindedness Tough-minded, resolute, unempathetic, tough poise (Cortical

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Alertness)

Accommodating, agreeable, selfless, subduedness

Independence Independence, persuasive, willful

Unrestrained, impulsive, uncontrolled

Self-Control Self-controlled, inhibitory of impulses

Response Style IndicesThe concept of the response style in test taking refers to the ways in which a responent reacts to a test and the test-taking atmosphere.   Respondents may function during the test in ways which render the scores on the test suspect.  For example, one respondent may have a tendency to provide socially desirable answers to items while another may answer with random responses, another may wish to receive a pathological or undesirable profile, and still another may perhaps wish to agree with any item placed in front of him or her (a faulty response style known as acquiescence).  One can see how this might occur if you imagine yourself being screened for a job you really didn't want to begin with.  Perhaps you would provide extreme answers to test items simply to make yourself appear an undesirable employee.

The 16 PF is designed to reflect certain response tendencies by incorporating three response-style indices:  Impression Management (IM), Acquiescence (ACQ), and Infrequency (INF).  The table below explains these measures as well as the meaning of the range of scores.

Low Score

Less socially desirable responding or less exaggeration of undesirable qualities.  Though it is difficult to select cutoff scores for every situation, a score of 4 or below would cast some doubt on the validity of the test for that respondent.

Impression Management (IM)

A 12-item index that measures the global construct of social desirability (the wish to hide socially undesirable traits), specifically self-deception (self-denial of attributes one finds psychologically threatening) and other-deception (misrepresentation of self to others).

High Score

More socially desirable responding or greater exaggeration of undesirable qualities.  Though it is difficult to set cutoff scores for every situation, a score 19 or above would cast some doubt on the validity of the test for that respondent.

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Low Score

A balanced rate of endorsement of a set of items specifically designed to measure acquiescence.  A low need for approval or acceptance.  A score on acquiescence (ACQ) below 41 would place the respondent in a statistically low group.  Interpretation of a low score is difficult to recommend and would depend on test-taking situation.

Acquiescence (ACQ)

A tendency to agree to personality items as self-descriptive regardless of the content of those items.

High Score

A high rate of "true" selection to specific items for acquiescence.  It may indicate a high need for approval or acceptance by the respondent. A score on acquiescence (ACQ) above 70 may be viewed as suspicious.

Low Scores

There are no suspiciously low scores, since low means low rate of random responding and is, thus, a good thing.

Infrequency (INF)

A measure of nonpurposive or random responding to items on the inventory.  In the 16PF the scale was developed empirically by comparing response patterns against the typical response patterns of standardizing group of test takers.  The more responses to infrequent response alternatives, the higher the infrequency score.

High Score

A high rate of random responding.  Scores above 8 (the manual recommends 7 as 95% accuracy rate) are above the 95th percentile and indicate high level of random responding.

 

1. What are the primary scales and/or global scales on the 16 PF that best predict academic success at V.M.I.?

The following are the top three predictors of academic success in rank order:

Dominance correlates positively with VMI GPA Reasoning correlates positively with VMI GPA Extraversion correlates negatively with VMI GPA

2. What primary and/or global scales predict early dropout from V.M.I.?

The following are the top three scales that predict early dropout from V.M.I.

Dominance (the lower scores dropout at a higher rate) Self Control (the lower scores dropout at a higher rate)

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Anxiety (the higher scores dropout at a higher rate)

3. What are the major changes seen in the primary or global scales over time?

The following are the most stable changes seen over time:

Cadets enter V.M.I. with high dominance scores, and these scores continue to rise Cadets enter V.M.I. with lower than normal self-control scores and these scores rise

significantly over time Cadets enter V.M.I. with average tough-mindedness scores, and these scores

increase significantly over time

Extraversion (EX)

Introversion Extraversion

Low Scorers tend to value time spent alone or in solitary pursuits, being generally less inclined to seek out interaction with others. The introvert can have one or more of these qualities: personal aloofness and a tendency to make few close connections; caution, restraint and a tendency to take life seriously; an inclination to be shy or fearful about reaching out to others; discomfort about revealing personal information; and/or a preference for

High Scorers tend to be people-oriented, to seek interaction with others, and to value time spent with others, in social pursuits. The extravert can have one or more of these qualities: warmth and a wish to feel close connections with people; a lively, stimulating social energy; comfort in the company of others; bold gregariousness; and/or a tendency to be forthright and self-disclosing. A high EX score, however, doesn't guarantee the

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working alone and functioning autonomously. relationship quality.

Anxiety (AX)

Low Anxiety High Anxiety

Low Scorers tend to be unperturbed by most events and less easily upset than most people. They can be: emotionally stable, facing life's challenges with calm and stability; trusting of others; unworried and self-assured; and/or relaxed and placid. Extremely low scorers may minimize the ways that life or personal limitations can pose stress or challenges, or may be so comfortable that they are not motivated to change.

High Scorers tend to be more easily upset by events; they are more perturbed, both by internal thoughts and feelings as well as by external events. This may be characteristic or may be due to current life stress. Anxious people can experience one or more of the following: feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with day-to-day living; being suspicious or doubting of others; worrying and self-doubting; and/or feeling tense, driven, or frustrated.

Tough-Mindedness (TM)

Receptivity Tough-Mindedness

Low Scorers tend to be open to feelings, imagination, people, and new ideas. Their approach may focus on: emotional and aesthetic sensibilities; ideas and thoughts, especially imaginative ones; caring connections with people; or experimenting and trying new approaches. They may overlook the need to be practical, objective, or realistic in dealing with the world.

High Scorers tend to prefer logical, realistic solutions. They may focus on: objectivity (as opposed to sentimentality); practical, concrete things rather than abstract ideas or theories; keeping things on an impersonal level; and valuing methods that are traditional and proven. Extreme tough-mindedness may result in resolute entrenchment and avoidance of new or imaginative approaches.

Independence (IN)

Accommodation Independence

Low Scorers tend to be agreeable and accommodating to other people and external influences rather than being self-determining. They may be uncomfortable in situations that call for independence or assertiveness. Low scorers have varying degrees of deference, cooperation, shyness, trust, and adherence to the status quo. Their ability to accommodate others' wishes often comes at their own

High Scorers tend to take charge of situations and to influence others rather than be influenced. Their active stance on life can include one or more of these elements: dominance and an unwillingness to acquiesce; social boldness and fearlessness; skepticism of others, especially about being controlled; and willingness to question and improve on the status quo. High scorers can be seen as

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expense, and may frustrate others who desire more active participation from them.

disagreeable by others who feel challenged or controlled. They may find it hard to accommodate others when it is important to do so.

Self-Control (SC)

Lack of Restraint Self-Control

Low Scorers are unrestrained and tend to have fewer resources for controlling their behavior. They may find it hard to place limits on their own urges or to focus their attention. They may be: spontaneous, carefree or impulsive; non-conforming, or inattentive to rules and regulations; so caught up in internal thoughts that they don't focus on practicalities; or so undisciplined and casual that they do not plan, organize, or persevere. While perceived as flexible, playful and casual, low scorers can also be seen as unreliable, expedient, or careless.

High Scorers are conscientious and have substantial resources for controlling their behavior and meeting their responsibilities. These resources may include one or more of these qualities: being cautious, restrained, and taking matters seriously; placing importance on following rules and meeting expectations; being practical, focused, and realistic; being self-disciplined, goal-oriented, and organized. While they tend to be seen as conscientious, responsible, and reliable, high scorers can also be seen as overly controlled -- that is, too serious or moralistic or task-oriented.

Warmth (A)

Low A: Reserved, impersonal, distant, formal. They tend to be reserved and cautious about involvement and attachment. They tend to like solitude, often focusing attention on intellectual, mechanical, or artistic pursuits, where they can be quite effective. Low scorers can be uncomfortable in situations that call for emotional closeness or extensive interaction.Reserved, impersonal, distant, cool, reserved, impersonal, detached, formal, aloof

High A: Warm, caring, soft-hearted, and generous. They tend to have an intrinsic interest in people and they often seek situations that call for closeness with other people. Their friends describe them as sympathetic and comforting. Extreme scorers may be seen as gullible, and may be uncomfortable in situations where close relationships are inaccessible.Warm, outgoing, attentive to others, kindly, easygoing, participating, likes people

Reasoning (B)

Low B: They are less able to solve verbal and numerical problems of an academic nature. This can indicate lower intellectual ability, but it is also related to educational level. Low scores can also result from a range of problems affecting

High B: They are more able to solve verbal and numerical problems of an academic nature. This is often indicative of intellectual ability, but is also related to educational level. This index should not replace full-length measures of cognitive ability.Abstract-thinking, more intelligent, bright, higher general

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concentration and motivation.Concrete-thinking, lower general mental capacity, less intelligent, unable to handle abstract problems

mental capacity, fast learner

Emotional Stability (C)

Low C: Reactive, easily upset, temperamental. They tend to feel a lack of control over life's challenges and to react to life rather than making adaptive or proactive choices. For some test takers, reactivity can reflect current life stressors; for others, it may characterize their way of life.Reactive, emotionally changeable, affected by feelings, emotionally less stable, easily upset

High C: Calm, stable, mature, unruffled. They tend to take life in stride and to cope with day-to-day life and its challenges in a calm, balanced, adaptive way. They tolerate frustration well, can delay gratification, and don't let emotions obscure realities. Extreme scorers may tend to avoid "negative" feelings or use strong defenses like denial.Emotionally stable, adaptive, mature, faces reality, calm

Dominance (E)

Low E: Deferential, modest, submissive. They tend to accommodate others' wishes, and are cooperative and agreeable. They are likely to avoid conflict by acquiescing to the wishes of others, and they are willing to set aside their own wishes and feelings. Extreme deference can disappoint those who wish for a more forceful or participating response from them.Deferential, cooperative, avoids conflict, submissive, humble, obedient, easily led, docile, accommodating

High E: Assertive, forceful, competitive. They tend to be vocal in expressing their opinions and wishes. While dominance can create a commanding, take-charge social presence, at times it can be seen as overbearing, stubborn or argumentative. For example, dominant people who are also Warm (A) may be more thoughtful than reserved people.Dominant, forceful, assertive, aggressive, competitive, stubborn, bossy

Liveliness (F)

Low F: Serious, quiet, reflective, cautious. Though they may not be the life of the party or the most entertaining person in a group, their quiet attentiveness can make them reliable and mature. At the extreme, they can inhibit their spontaneity, sometimes to the point of appearing constricted.Serious, restrained, prudent, taciturn,

High F: Carefree, enthusiastic, spontaneous, energetic. They are high spirited and stimulating and drawn to lively social situations. Extreme scores may reflect an impulsive or unreliable quality. They may find it hard to rein in their enthusiasm in situations that call for restraint or decorum.Lively, animated, spontaneous, enthusiastic, happy-go-lucky, cheerful, expressive, impulsive

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introspective, silent

Rule-Consciousness (G)

Low G: Expedient, non-conforming. They may not worry about conventions, obligations, or following rules and regulations. This may be because they lack internalized standards or simply because they follow unconventional values.Expedient, nonconforming, disregards rules, self-indulgent (Low Superego Strength

High G: Rule-conscious, dutiful, scrupulous. They tend to be proper and conscientious, and conform to conventional cultural standards. At the extreme, they can be perceived as inflexible, moralistic, or self-righteous.Rule-conscious, dutiful, conscientious, conforming, moralistic, staid, rule-bound (High Superego Strength

Social Boldness (H)

Low H: Shy, socially timid, threat-sensitive, easily embarrassed. They find speaking in front of groups to be difficult, and may feel intimidated when facing stressful situations of an interpersonal nature. However, they may be sensitive listeners, who are more aware of risks in situations.Shy, threat-sensitive, timid, hesitant, intimidated (Threctia)

High H: Socially bold, outgoing, gregarious, adventuresome. They tend to boldly initiate social contacts, be fearless in the face of new or intimidating social settings, and to be risk-takers seeking adventure. Extreme scorers may be thick-skinned or attention seeking.Socially bold, venturesome, thick-skinned, uninhibited, can take stress (Parmia)

Sensitivity (I)

Low I: Tough, realistic, logical, unsentimental. They focus more on how things work than on aesthetics or refined sensibilities, and may be so concerned with utility and objectivity that they exclude emotions from consideration. Because they don't tend to allow vulnerability, extreme low scorers may have trouble in situations that demand awareness of feelings.Utilitarian, objective, unsentimental, tough-minded, self-reliant, no-nonsense, rough

High I: Emotionally sensitive, intuitive, cultured, sentimental. High scorers are attuned to sensitive feelings, and thus are empathetic, sympathetic, and tender-minded. They tend to be artistic and refined in their interests and tastes. Extreme scorers may be so focused on subjective aspects of situations that they overlook more functional aspects.Sensitive, aesthetic, sentimental, tender-minded, intuitive, refined

Vigilance (L)

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Low L: Trusting, unsuspecting, forgiving, accepting. They tend to be easy-going and expect fair treatment and good intentions from others, and to have trusting relationships. However, extremely low scorers may be taken advantage of because they do not give enough thought to others' motivations.Trusting, unsuspecting, accepting, unconditional, easy

High L: Vigilant, suspicious, distrustful, wary. They tend to be attentive to others' motives and intentions and sensitive to being misunderstood or taken advantage of. They may be unable to relax their vigilance, and at the extreme their mistrust may have an aspect of animosity.Vigilant, suspicious, skeptical, wary, distrustful, oppositional

Abstractedness (M)

Low M: Grounded, practical, concrete. They tend to focus on practical, observable realities of their environment and may be better at working on a specific solution than at imagining possible solutions. Extreme scorers may be so concrete in their focus, unimaginative, or literal that they "miss the forest for the trees."Grounded, practical, prosaic, solution-oriented, steady, conventional

High M: Abstracted, imaginative, idea-oriented, contemplative. They are more oriented to abstract ideas than to external facts and practicalities. Being focused on thinking, imagination and fantasy, high scorers generate many ideas and theories and are often creative. Extreme scorers can be so absorbed in thought that they can be absentminded and impractical.Abstracted, imaginative, absent-minded, impractical, absorbed in ideas

Privateness (N)

Low N: Forthright, self-revealing, transparent. They tend to be open, artless, and transparent. They are willing to talk about themselves readily, even about fairly personal matters. They tend to "put all their cards on the table", and to be genuine and unguarded. At the extreme, they may be forthright in situations where it might be more astute to be circumspect or tactful.Forthright, genuine, artless, open, guileless, naive, unpretentious, involved

High N: Private, discreet, non-disclosing. They tend to be guarded, and reluctant to disclose personal information, and "play their hand close to their chest." They may be tactful, diplomatic and calculating regarding others' motives. At the extreme, they maintain their privacy at the expense of developing few close relationships.Private, discreet, non-disclosing, shrewd, polished, worldly, astute, astute, diplomatic

Apprehension (O)

Low O: Self-assured, unworried, complacent. They tend to be self-

High O: Apprehensive, self-doubting, guilt-prone. They tend to worry about things and to feel anxious and

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confident and untroubled by self-doubt. While this may make them more resilient in stressful situations, at the extreme, the person's confidence may be unshaken, even in situations that call for self-evaluation and self-improvement. The extreme low score may reflect an avoidance of anything negative about the self.Self-assured, unworried, complacent, secure, free of guilt, confident, self-satisfied

insecure. These feelings may be in response to current life events or they may be characteristic. While worrying can help the person anticipate dangers, be sensitive to others' reactions, and anticipate consequences of actions, it can also be painful and make a poor social impression on others.Apprehensive, self-doubting, worried, guilt-prone, insecure, worrying, self-blaming

Openness to Change (Q1)

Low Q1: Traditional, attached to familiar, resistant to change. They tend to stick to traditional ways of doing things. They prefer what's predictable and routine, and so they don't tend to challenge the status quo. At the extreme, they may not initiate or be open to change, even when the situation calls for it.Traditional, attached to familiar, conservative, respecting traditional ideas

High Q1: Open-to change, experimenting, freethinking. They tend to be open-minded and innovative, and seek ways to improve the status quo. They enjoy experimenting, and tend to think critically or question authority. Extreme scorers may find it hard to "leave well enough alone."Open to change, experimenting, liberal, analytical, critical, free-thinking, flexibility

Self-Reliance (Q2)

Low Q2: Group-oriented, affiliative. They tend to prefer being around other people, and enjoy social groups and working in teams. At the extreme, they may not be effective in situations where they need to function independently or where others are giving poor direction or advice.Group-oriented, affiliative, a joiner and follower, dependent

High Q2: Self-reliant, solitary, individualistic. They enjoy spending time alone and prefer to rely on their own thinking and judgment. While self-reliant people are autonomous in their thoughts and actions, extreme scorers may be uncomfortable working collaboratively or neglect interpersonal consequences of their actions.Self-reliant, solitary, resourceful, individualistic, self-sufficient

Perfectionism (Q3)

Low Q3: Tolerates disorder, unexacting, casual, lax. They tend to be comfortable leaving things to chance, tending to be spontaneous rather than

High Q3: Perfectionistic, self-disciplined, goal-oriented. They tend to be organized, plan ahead, persevere, and work conscientiously. They are most effective in organized and structured situations, and may

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planful, organized, and structured. Extreme scorers may seem flexible and spontaneous, but they may also seem unorganized, unprepared, or undisciplined.Tolerates disorder, unexacting, flexible, undisciplined, lax, self-conflict, impulsive, careless of social rules, uncontrolled

find it hard to deal with unpredictability. At the extreme, they may be seen as inflexible or preoccupied with tasks.Perfectionistic, organized, compulsive, self-disciplined, socially precise, exacting will power, control, self-sentimental

Tension (Q4)

Low Q4: Relaxed, placid, tranquil, patient. They are laid back, easy-going, and composed. They are not easily upset or aroused, and frustrations rarely bother them. At the extreme, their low level of arousal can make them unmotivated. That is, because they are comfortable, they may be disinclined to change or push themselves.Relaxed, placid, tranquil, torpid, patient, composed, low drive

High Q4: Tense, driven, high energy, impatient. They tend to have a lot of drive, to be high strung, and to be fidgety when made to wait. A certain amount of tension is necessary to focus effectively and can motivate action. However, extremely high tension can lead to impatience and irritability. The source of tension should be explored when scores are extremely high.Tense, high energy, impatient, driven, frustrated, over-wrought, has high drive, time-driven

Extraversion (EX)

Introversion Contributing Primary Scales

Extraversion

Reserved, Impersonal, Distant Warmth (A) Warm, Outgoing, Attentive to Others

Serious, Restrained, Careful Liveliness (F) Lively, Animated, Spontaneous

Shy, Threat-Sensitive, Timid Social Boldness (H) Bold, Venturesome, Thick-Skinned

Private, Discreet, Non-Disclosing Privateness (N)* Forthright, Genuine, Artless

Self-Reliant, Solitary, Individualistic Self-Reliance (Q2)* Group-Oriented, Affiliative

Anxiety (AX)

Low Anxiety Contributing Primary Scales

High Anxiety

Emotionally Stable, Adaptive, Mature Emotional Stability (C)* Reactive, Emotionally Changeable

Trusting, Unsuspecting, Accepting Vigilance (L) Vigilant, Suspicious, Skeptical, Wary

Self-Assured, Unworried, Complacent Apprehension (O) Apprehensive, Self-Doubting, Worried

Relaxed, Placid, Patient Tension (Q4) Tense, High Energy, Impatient, Driven

Tough-Mindedness (TM)

Receptivity (Openness) Contributing Primary Tough-Mindedness

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Scales

Warm, Outgoing, Attentive to Others Warmth (A)* Reserved, Impersonal, Distant

Sensitive, Aesthetic, Sentimental Sensitivity (I)* Utilitarian, Objective, Unsentimental

Abstracted, Imaginative, Idea-oriented Abstractedness(M)* Grounded, Practical, Solution-Oriented

Open to Change, Experimenting Openness to Change (Q1)*

Traditional, Attached to Familiar

Independence (IN)

Accommodation (Agreeableness) Contributing Primary Scales

Independence

Deferential, Cooperative, Avoids Conflict Dominance (E) Dominant, Forceful, Assertive

Shy, Threat-Sensitive, Timid Social Boldness (H) Bold, Venturesome, Thick-Skinned

Trusting, Unsuspecting, Accepting Vigilance (L) Vigilant, Suspicious, Skeptical, Wary

Traditional, Attached to Familiar Openness to Change (Q1) Open to Change, Experimenting

Self-Control (SC)

Lack of Restraint Contributing Primary Scales

Self-Control (Conscientiousness)

Lively, Animated, Spontaneous Liveliness (F)* Serious, Restrained, Careful

Expedient, Nonconforming Rule-Consciousness (G) Rule-Conscious, Dutiful

Abstracted, Imaginative, Idea-Oriented Abstractedness (M)* Grounded, Practical, Solution-Oriented

Tolerates Disorder, Unexacting, Flexible Perfectionism (Q3) Perfectionist, Organized, Self-Disciplined

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