Psychometric measurement of personality and the EPQ - tutorial 2

Question 1

Eysenck’s hierarchical (PEN) model of personality

Answer 1

According to Eysenck personality can be sufficiently described using just three dimensions.

His theory identifies three second-order factors (super-traits) derived from inter-correlations between source traits.

Super-traits are broad traits that subsume a large number of surface or narrow traits.

Eysenck’s model of personality is based on three super-traits. It is often referred to by the
acronym PEN.
1. Psychoticism - A tendency towards psychotic/sociopathic behaviour
2. Extraversion vs Introversion - high extroversion = low levels of cortical arousal
3. Neuroticism vs Emotional stability - high levels of neuroticism = excessive activity of the autonomic nervous system

Question 2

EPQ

Answer 2

The EPQ is primarily intended for research purposes (rather than diagnoses).

Evidence indicates that the EPQ is reliable and valid.
- Barrett & Kline (1982) found the EPQ factors emerged with ‘remarkable clarity’ in three different samples. However, as in other studies, the P dimension was less clearly defined than E and N and remains the most controversial.

Question 3

E-I

Answer 3

Typical EXTRAVERTS are sociable, thrive on human company, frequently seek exciting activities, like parties and are willing to take risks. They are impulsive, restless, optimistic and not always reliable.

Typical INTROVERTS are more serious and reserved individuals who prefer solitary activities to people. They are more cautious, pessimistic, orderly and restrained.

Question 4

N-S

Answer 4

Highly NEUROTIC individuals tend to be more prone to worries and anxiety and are often touchy and irritable. More likely to be depressed and to suffer from various psychosomatic disorders. More likely to complain of headaches and to suffer eating and sleeping difficulties. May be overly emotional and finds it difficult to get back on to an even keel after emotionally arousing experiences.

Highly STABLE individuals are less likely to make strong emotional responses and tend to be relatively calm, even-tempered and controlled.

Question 5

P

Answer 5

High scores on psychoticism indicate a certain recklessness, a disregard for common sense or conventions, a degree of inappropriate emotional expression, a tendency to be hostile, manipulative and impulsive.

Some evidence that criminals and schizophrenics have high P scores (Hampson, 1988).