The 16PF instrument is a valid and robust measure of personality
traits. It was developed by Raymond Cattell in 1949 and is available in
UK English and many other languages.
The current fifth edition
represents a controlled, natural evolution of the questionnaire and is
based on over 50 years of research and testing.
One of the most valid
predictors of human behaviour. The 16PF questionnaire assesses an
individual’s personality against 16 personality factors. This provides
a valid and accurate predictor of future behaviour.
The 16 factors are:
| Warmth Desire to develop close relationships with others |
Reasoning Extent to which you can solve numerical and verbal problems |
| Emotional Stability How calmly you respond to life’s demands |
Dominance Tendency to assert influence and/or control others |
| Liveliness How freely and spontaneously you will express yourself |
Rule-Consciousness How much value is placed on externally imposed rules |
| Social Boldness How much at ease you feel in social situations |
Sensitivity Extent to which emotions and sentiments influence outlook and judgement |
| Vigilance The extent to which you are cautious of others’ motives |
Abstractedness How much attention is given to abstract rather than concrete observations |
| Privateness How much you like to keep personal information to yourself |
Apprehension How much you are prone to self-criticism |
| Openness to Change Extent to which you enjoy new situations and experiences |
Self-Reliance How much you enjoy your own company and trust your own judgement |
| Perfectionism Need to rely on structure rather than leaving things to chance |
Tension How easily situations can cause you frustration |
These 16 traits or ‘personality factors’ can be further grouped into 5 ‘global factors’, highlighting their interdependence:
- Extraversion
- Independence
- Tough-Mindedness
- Anxiety
- Self-Control
The 16PF®5 instrument is used for:
- Selection
- Management development
- Career guidance
- Team-building
- Counselling
- Research