16PF - 16 Personality Factors

Dr. Raymond Cattell, whittled down 171 characteristics through analysing Alport’s list of personality traits. Cattell further used a statistical technique known as ‘Factor analysis’ to identify traits that are related to one another. In 1949, Cattell developed a standardized personality test that measures 16 primary personality factors and 5 global personality factors, known as 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire.

The 16pf questionnaire is a reliable and validated tool and highly effective at revealing potential, confirming suitability, and identifying development needs. 16pf establishes a fully-rounded picture of the individual and makes a vital roadmap for decision makers.

16pf identifies 16 traits of an individual and reflect on the five global factors, and the grouping is called 16PF5.

1. Warmth: Outgoing vs. Reserved 

Degree to which you maintain relationships with others.

2. Reasoning: Abstract vs. Concrete

Ability to solve verbal and numerical problems.  

3. Emotional Stability: Calm vs. Stressed

Degree to which you respond to life situations.

4. Liveliness: Lively vs. Restrained 

Ability to express yourself freely.

5. Social Boldness: Social Bold vs. Shy

Ability to adapt to social situations

6. Vigilance: Suspicious vs. Trusting

Ability to be cautious to the intentions and motivations of others.

7. Privateness: Discreet vs. Open

Degree to which you keep personal information to yourself.

8. Openness to Change: Flexible vs. Traditional

Degree to which one enjoys new situations and experiences.

9. Perfectionism: Tolerates Disorder vs. Perfectionist

Ability to create the best out of all.

10. Dominance: Dominant vs. Submissive

Ability to influence and control others:

11. Rule - Consciousness: Conforming vs. Non-conforming

Degree to which one value rules.

12. Sensitivity: Sensitive vs. Tough

Ability to let emotions get affected by others.  

13. Abstractness: Imaginative vs. Practical

Degree to which one gives more importance to abstract than concrete observations.

14. Apprehension: Worried vs. confident

Tendency to self-criticism.

15. Self – reliance: Self – sufficient vs. Group-Oriented

Ability to trust my own judgments to work independently.

16. Tension: Impatient vs. Relaxed

Ability to handle different situations.

The sixteen traits of the 16PF are divided into five umbrella categories.

1. Extraversion: Relating to others.

Does the person spend more energy on their relationships in the workplace or completing tasks?

2. Independence: Influence and collaboration.

Does the person carry assertive style or is it more cooperative?

3. Tough Mindedness: Thinking style.

Is the person quite realistic or more intuitive and creative?

4. Self-control: Structure and flexibility.

Does the person have a flexible approach or more disciplined in handling things?

5. Anxiety: Management of pressure.

How does the person cope up with setbacks or how do they handle stress?

16pf is used in various industrial, organisational, research, educational and medical environments. Many psychologists use 16pf to provide career counselling and identify academic, emotional and social problems in students and adults.