On the Shortcomings of a Mono-Methodical Approach to Personality Assessment

Author(s): Klaus D. Kubinger, Margarete Litzenberger

DOI: https://doi.org/10.65030/idr.04014

Abstract: In order to examine whether alternative approaches to psychological investigation, other than personality questionnaires, also contribute to relevant diagnostic information, this paper will focus primarily on objective personality tests. Hence, in two subsequently selected independent samples two objective personality (computer) test batteries as well as a semi-projective technique were administered in addition to the Big Five representative NEO-FFI. Using confirmatory factor analysis, a methods model proved to fit the data while the (Big Five) traits model did not. The best fitting model turned out to (pre)suppose latent method factors after having correlated the methods. A personality assessment, therefore, does not demand the use of a single approach to psychological investigation but rather a multi-methodical one.

Keywords: Personality assessment; Objective personality tests; Projective techniques; Multimethod assessment; Big Five personality traits; Confirmatory factor analysis; Psychological testing

Pages: 139-158

Download Full Article: Click here