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Guide to understanding Personality Traits
Guide to understanding Personality Traits

Definition of personality traits

Markellos Diorinos avatar
Written by Markellos Diorinos
Updated over 2 years ago

The 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF)

Bryq assessment is based on the 16PF which is a comprehensive measure of personality which has been broadly used and has been considered as one of the most researched and well-rounded personality assessment tools. The assessment is considered to be a hallmark in the objective personality measurement and it has laid the foundation for other well-known personality assessments such as the Big 5 (see here).

One of the most powerful tools of science to understanding human personality

Each of the 16 traits that are included in Bryq assessment include two opposite endpoints or poles, so the scales are conceptually bipolar. The continuum between the two different poles ranges from Left range to Right Range. During the assessment the candidate chooses an option based on how similar or not they perceive themselves compared to this question.

Note that the two opposite poles do not indicate that those at the high ends are “good” and those at the low ends are “bad”, as both come with their strengths and weaknesses, depending on the situation.

Below you can see each of the 16 traits which are used in the Bryq assessment along with their subsequent ranges.

Note, that for each of the 16 traits below, you will find a link to a separate knowledge base article containing:

  • An overview of the trait and a detailed description.

  • Explanations of the behaviors that are commonly associated with individuals who score low range/high range on each trait.

  • Sample candidate interview questions that will help you gain further understanding of the candidate's behavior on this specific trait.

16 Traits

Low Range

High Range

Cooperative

Assertive

Group-oriented

Self-reliant

Trusting

Skeptical

Practical

Imaginative

Conservative

Open to change

Conservative

Abstract

Flexible

Perfectionist

Serious

Enthusiastic

Hesitant

Outgoing

Forthright

Diplomatic

Reserved

Warm

Confident

Apprehensive

Objective

Sensitive

Reactive

Adaptive

Easygoing

Tense

Non-comforming

Rule-conscious

How is the science behind Bryq connected?

The 16 traits as measured by the Bryq assessment can be grouped in 5 broad dimensions known as the “Global Factors”, which correlate strongly with the Big 5 (see here). This strong association enables us to assess the results of OCEAN through the Bryq assessment. Moreover, the 16 traits have been found to predict the 6 Holland Types which are also assessed by Bryq (see here).

References

Cattell, R. B., Eber, H. W., & Tatsuoka, M. M. (1970). Handbook for the sixteen personality factor questionnaire (16 PF): In clinical, educational, industrial, and research psychology, for use with all forms of the test. Institute for personality and ability testing.

Cattell, H. E., & Mead, A. D. (2008). The sixteen personality factor questionnaire (16pf).

Cattell, H. E., & Schuerger, J. M. (2003). Essentials of 16PF assessment (Vol. 40). John Wiley & Sons.

Dancer, L. J., & Woods, S. A. (2006). Higher‐order factor structures and intercorrelations of the 16PF5 and FIRO‐B. International Journal of Selection and Assessment, 14(4), 385-391.

Stark, S., Chernyshenko, O. S., Drasgow, F., & Williams, B. A. (2006). Examining assumptions about item responding in personality assessment: Should ideal point methods be considered for scale development and scoring?. Journal of Applied Psychology, 91(1), 25.

Walsh, W. B., & Betz, N. E. (1995). Tests and assessment. Prentice-Hall, Inc.

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