Types of Data

Question 1

S-data

Answer 1

Self-reports, self-judgements or ratings that people provide of their own personality attributes or behavior

Question 2

advantages of S-data

Answer 2

1. Large amount of information
2. Access to thoughts, feelings, and intentions
3. Some S-data are true by definition (e.g., self-esteem)
4. Causal force
5. Simple and easy

Question 3

disadvantages of S-data

Answer 3

1. Bias
2. Error
3. Too simple and too easy

Question 4

I-data

Answer 4

Informant’s Reports, or judgments made by knowledgeable informants about general attributes of an individual’s personality.

Question 5

Advantages of I-data

Answer 5

1. Large amount of information
2. Real-world basis
3. Common sense and context
4. Some I-data are true by definition (e.g., likeability)
5. Causal force

Question 6

disadvantages of I-data

Answer 6

1. Limited behavioral information
2. Lack of access to private experience
3. Error
4. Bias

Question 7

L-data

Answer 7

Life outcomes, or more or less easily verifiable, concrete, real-life outcomes, which are of possible psychological significance.

Question 8

advantages of L-data

Answer 8

1. Objective and verifiable
2. Intrinsic importance
3. Psychological relevance

Question 9

disadvantages of L-data

Answer 9

1. Multidetermination
2. Possible lack of psychological relevance

Question 10

B-data

Answer 10

Behavioral data, or direct observations of another’s behavior, are translated directly or nearly directly into numerical form. B-data can be gathered in natural or experimental settings.

Question 11

advantages of B-data

Answer 11

1. Wide range of contexts (both real and contrived)
2. Appearance of objectivity

Question 12

disadvantages of B-data

Answer 12

1. Difficult and expensive
2. Uncertain interpretation