A comparison of individuals versus groups in judging personality.

186 individuals divided into 62 groups of 3 persons each tried to predict the responses of people seen in moving pictures. Individual and independent predictions were first made; and then after group discussion, the consensus predictions were made. "A comparison was made of the accuracy of (a) the average of the total accuracy scores of the independent predictions made by each of the three persons composing the group, (b) the group consensus predictions, (c) the accuracy of an 'artificial group' derived through the statistical combination of the independent item by item predictions of these same three persons, and (d) the accuracy of the 'best judge' from each group. The results indicated that the average accuracy of the individuals is significantly inferior to any of the three procedures… . the pooling of several independent judges' ratings (by items) appeared to be the most satisfactory procedure." From Psyc Abstracts 36:04:4HE50C. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Composition, process, and performance in self-managed groups: The role of personality.

Using the five factor model with an emphasis on extraversion and conscientiousness, the authors investigated how personality is related to small group processes and outcomes. Graduate students (N ?=?289) assigned to 4- and 5-person teams in 61 groups engaged in a series of creative problem-solving tasks over a period of several weeks. Extraversion was associated with group processes and outcomes at both individual and group levels of analysis. At the individual level, extraverts were perceived by others as having greater effect than introverts on group outcomes. Covariance structure modeling suggested that extraverts induce these perceptions through the provision of both socioemotional and task-related inputs. At the group level, the proportion of relatively extraverted members was related curvilinearly to task focus and group performance. Contrary to expectations, Conscientiousness was unrelated to processes and outcomes at either the individual or group level. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychologists and societal concerns.

Analyzed the session topics of the American Psychological Association (APA) convention from the 1950s to the 1970s. Topics generally addressed scientific and professional matters, although there was a trend from almost exclusive focus on nonsocietal topics in the 1950s to a greater concern for societal problems in the 1970s. Even with this increased responsiveness to societal issues, the predominant interest of APA members is defined in scientific and professional terms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The environment of personality.

Discusses the implications of the sociocultural environment for the study of personality. Two issues are considered. The first concerns the effects of the sociocultural environment on experimental findings obtained at the situational level. The trait–situation controversy is used as an example of a basic personality datum that is markedly affected by sociocultural environmental variables. The data yielded by studies of the interaction between sex and aggression provide another instance of a research issue that has been investigated without adequate consideration of the environmental context. A second issue involves the effects of the sociocultural environment on theoretical models and modes of interpretation of experimental findings. The degree of emphasis given to biological social antecedents of aggression provides one example of a theoretical interpretation and research strategy that is particularly vulnerable to variations in the sociocultural environment. More profoundly, social forces in the environment may affect the theoretical importance ascribed to internal psychological states and personality processes. Empirical investigation of the role of the sociocultural environment in shaping personality organization and in affecting psychological research and theory may help reduce the effects of these cultural "blinders." (38 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Some personality factors of matched groups of New Brunswick blacks and whites.

Randomly matched groups of 14 blacks and 14 whites from the same high school completed Form C of the 16 PF under the joint supervision of 2 test administrators, 1 white and 1 black. Group differences were found on 2 of the 16 factors: A (.01) and Q2 (.01). An illustration is given of the inapplicability of knowledge of the group differences to decision making about individuals. (French summary) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A review of the relationships between personality and performance in small groups.

Studies included cover the period from 1900 to October 1957 and do not include those studies wherein children constitute the sample. The review is concerned with 7 personality characteristics (introversion-extraversion, dominance, interpersonal sensitivity, masculinity-feminity, conservatism, intelligence, and adjustment) and their relationship to such group behavior variables as leadership, popularity, conformity, task activity, total activity, and social-emotional activity. Most of the studies yielded low positive relationships, intelligence being the best predictor of individual behavior in the group. Considering the studies as a whole, the author is encouraged by the many clear trends which emerge. 151 refs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evaluating societal change in attitude.

Presents a probabilistic response model for assessing attitude data from national surveys. The attendant statistical analysis by generalized least squares adjusts for the heterogeneous variances and covariances characterizing the data in such surveys. The flexibility of this approach in survey analysis is illustrated using attitude data from the Netherlands' Social and Cultural Report 1980. Estimation and testing procedures applied to these data demonstrate sharp shifts during the last decade toward easing social constraints on the feminine role. This illustration is suggestive of the types of lawful relationships that are demonstrable at the societal level of analysis. Other possible applications of the approach are suggested. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The personality structure of affect.

We examined the organization of individual differences in pleasant affect, unpleasant affect, and six discrete emotions. We used several refinements over past studies: a) systematic sampling of emotions; b) control of measurement error through the use of latent traits; c) multiple methods for measuring affect; d) inclusion of only affects that are widely agreed to be emotions; e) a statistical definition of "independence"; and f) a focus on the frequency and duration of long-term affect. There was strong convergence between the two pleasant emotions (love and joy) and between the four unpleasant emotions (fear, anger, sadness, and shame). The results indicated, however, that individual differences in the discrete emotions cannot be reduced to positive and negative affect. The latent traits of pleasant and unpleasant affect were correlated –.44, and a two-factor model accounted for significantly more variance than a one-factor model. This finding indicates that long-term pleasant and unpleasant affect are not strictly orthogonal, but they are separable. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The structure of personality capabilities.

Wallace (1966) proposed that personality be construed as a set of abilities. Rather than assessing typical performance, as in trait ratings, he recommended assessing an individual's ability to perform social behaviors. We have elaborated this notion by distinguishing between personality abilities and capabilities. In this article we focus on the capability, that is, the ease with which an individual can display a certain category of social responses. A capability X is assessed with self-reports of (a) likelihood of performing X when perceived to be required, (b) perceived difficulty in performing X, (c) anxiety in performing X, and (d) tendency to avoid performing X. In Study 1 we examined the relations among six measures of 16 interpersonal behaviors in the context of the interpersonal circumplex. The four capability-related measures were shown to be measuring something distinct from the two trait measures. Unlike trait measures, which showed a circular structure in two dimensions, capability measures exhibited a positive manifold structure (i.e., no negative intercorrelations). The first two orthogonal factors were interpreted as Hostility and Nurturance, which are normally bipolar opposites on trait measures. The only dimension to remain bipolar was introversion–extraversion. In Study 2, the nomological network of the capability measures was shown to be consistent with the theoretical construct. For example, high self-esteem and interpersonal control were associated with almost all of the interpersonal capabilities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A factor analytic study of Eysenck's and Schutz's personality dimensions among psychiatric groups.

As a test of the applicability of Schutz's Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation (FIRO) theory to psychiatric groups a battery of personality inventories, including the Maudsley Personality Inventory and Schutz's Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior (FIRO-B), was administered to 3 schizophrenic (N = 20), 3 neurotic (N = 10 - 12), and 1 normal group (N = 20) of male VA patients. All Ss were rated for 1 week on a check list of behaviors paralleling the FIRO-B scales. Factor analysis of the correlations among 25 variables resulted in 6 orthogonal factors. The FIRO behavior check list variables loaded on the same factors as the FIRO-B scales, Schutz's "inclusion" dimension combined with Eysenck's "extraversion" factor, but "control" and "affection" appeared as separate factors. Additional factors of "emotionality," "social status," and "deteriorated paranoia" appeared in the factor loading matrix. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The stability of personality traits in individuals with borderline personality disorder.

Although stability and pervasive inflexibility are general criteria for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) personality disorders (PDs), borderline PD (BPD) is characterized by instability in several domains, including interpersonal behavior, affect, and identity. The authors hypothesized that such inconsistencies notable in BPD may relate to instability at the level of the basic personality traits that are associated with this disorder. Five types of personality trait stability across 4 assessments over 6 years were compared for BPD patients (N = 130 at first interval) and patients with other PDs (N = 302). Structural stability did not differ across groups. Differential stability tended to be lower for 5-factor model (FFM) traits in the BPD group, with the strongest and most consistent effects observed for Neuroticism and Conscientiousness. Growth curve models suggested that these 2 traits also showed greater mean-level change, with Neuroticism declining faster and Conscientiousness increasing faster, in the BPD group. The BPD group was further characterized by greater individual-level instability for Neuroticism and Conscientiousness in these models. Finally, the BPD group was less stable in terms of the ipsative configuration of FFM facet-level profiles than was the other PD group over time. Results point to the importance of personality trait instability in characterizing BPD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The undisordered personality: Normative assumptions underlying personality disorder diagnoses.

Clinical diagnoses are impossible without referring to normative assumptions about what is desirable functioning. In this paper, the authors explicate the implicit normative assumptions that seem to have guided the formulation of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–IV) personality disorder (PD) criteria. Then the authors discuss various conceptual reference frames in which such assumptions may be grounded: (1) a given diagnostician’s personal value system, (2) the expectations of the culture in which a person currently lives, (3) the expectations of the culture in which a person was raised, (4) models of “natural” personality functioning that are rooted in evolution theory, and (5) the presence of distress and/or impairment. In accordance with Wakefield (1992a, 2006), the authors argue that PD diagnoses necessarily involve both an evolutionary and a cultural component. If PDs were defined completely in cultural terms, investigating their biological underpinnings would be nonsensical. In addition, the values of any specific culture should not be given too much weight, because cultural expectations may themselves be harmful. Future editions of DSM should define personality pathology in less culture-relative terms, and address the inevitable issue of values more explicitly. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Who attains social status? Effects of personality and physical attractiveness in social groups.

One of the most important goals and outcomes of social life is to attain status in the groups to which we belong. Such face-to-face status is defined by the amount of respect, influence, and prominence each member enjoys in the eyes of the others. Three studies investigated personological determinants of status in social groups (fraternity, sorority, and dormitory), relating the Big Five personality traits and physical attractiveness to peer ratings of status. High Extraversion substantially predicted elevated status for both sexes. High Neuroticism, incompatible with male gender norms, predicted lower status in men. None of the other Big Five traits predicted status. These effects were independent of attractiveness, which predicted higher status only in men. Contrary to previous claims, women's status ordering was just as stable as men's but emerged later. Discussion focuses on personological pathways to attaining status and on potential mediators. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The content of personality inventory items.

Four aspects of the item content of personality inventories were studied: (1) the area of psychological functioning addressed (cognitive, preferences, feelings, behavioral), (2) degree of reference to situational factors, (3) degree of reference to response frequency, and (4) the nature of reference to time. Three judges rated items of the California Psychological Inventory, Eysenck Personality Inventory, Maudsley Personality Inventory, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Personality Research Form, and Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF). Behavioral acts were found infrequently addressed in inventory items, and the other areas of functioning were approximately equally represented. More than half of the items referred to situation characteristics, 39% included the notion of frequency of behavior or experience, and most referred to the present. Rating reliabilities were also presented, and results for individual inventories were compared. Data suggest that the realm of personality is broadly defined by inventory authors, encompassing not only behaviors but also cognitions, preferences, and feelings. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The meaning of personality test scores.

The process of reexamining the methodological and metatheoretical assumptions of personality psychology over the past two decades has been useful for both critics and practitioners of personality research. Although the field has progressed substantially, some critics continue to raise 1960s-vintage complaints, and some researchers perpetuate earlier abuses. We believe that a single issue—construct validity—underlies the perceived and actual shortcomings of current assessment-based personality research. Unfortunately, many psychologists seem unaware of the extensive literature on construct validity. This article reviews five major contributions to our understanding of construct validity and discusses their importance for evaluating new personality measures. This review is intended as a guide for practitioners as well as an answer to questions raised by critics. Because the problem of construct validity is generic to our discipline, these issues are significant not only for personality researchers but also for psychologists in other domains. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The stability of Guilford-Zimmerman personality measures.

In comparing performance on the Guilford-Zimmerman Temperament Survey of the same group of females over a period of time, it was found that the inventory measures "relatively persistent attributes of the persons tested." The N was 96 the 1st time and 49 the 2nd time. (19 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The implicit personality theory of Islam.

Almost every traditional personality theorist had something to say about religion, but the topic of how religious beliefs might affect individuals’ views of human nature remains largely unstudied. All religions, however, contain certain implicit ideas regarding personality that are likely to impact individual behavior. This article draws on Islamic sources to consider what a practicing Muslim might believe about motivation, personality development, the self, the unconscious, psychological adjustment, and the individual and society. In general terms, understanding these beliefs can be useful in the broader study of how cultural issues affect personality. More specifically, understanding Islamic beliefs related to personality can assist in planning for the provision of psychological services to Muslims, as well as understanding the psychological perspectives of Muslims who are not extremists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The structure of phenotypic personality traits.

Traces the development of the Big-Five factor structure, whose growing acceptance by personality researchers has profoundly influenced the scientific study of individual differences. The roots of this taxonomy lie in the lexical hypothesis and the insights of Sir Francis Galton, the prescience of L. L. Thurstone, the legacy of Raymond B. Cattell, and the seminal analyses of E. C. Tupes and R. E. Christal. Paradoxically, the present popularity of this model owes much to its many critics, each of whom tried to replace it but failed. In reaction, there have been a number of attempts to assimilate other models into the 5-factor structure. Lately, some practical implications of the emerging consensus can be seen in such contexts as personnel selection and classification. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Increasing the societal contribution of organized psychology.

Encourages greater political involvement by psychologists and offers commentary on the experiences of 25 psychologists who have recently served on Capitol Hill. The current and potential contribution of psychology to a selected series of policy areas, including child health issues, care for the elderly, functional illiteracy, and criminal justice, is discussed. Also examined are the role and associated responsibilities of psychologists with regard to the health care field. (12 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)