Raymond B. Cattell's Personality Theories (continued)
PERSONALITY AS A STRUCTURE OF TRAITS (continued)
The 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire assesses people on 16 factors, or traits, most of which are temperament factors.
Traits derived by factor analysis from raw data are known as first-order factors. Refactoring a group of these factors can produce second-order factors, broader and more inclusive categories under which the first set are grouped. Some first-order factors derived from T data align with second-order factors derived from L and Q data, which may suggest that the different sets of data tap different levels of organization in the personality.
A behavioral specification equation, which incorporates trait variables and situational variables, makes it possible to predict how a particular person will behave in a particular situation. Including variables for state, role and set in the equation may enhance accuracy in prediction. A specification equation can also be used to assess conflict among ergs and sentiments.
