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The structure of the Eysenck Personality Profiler
C J Jackson1, A Furnham, L Forde
1Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, UK.
Summary
This study examined the structure of the Eysenck Personality Profiler (EPP), finding limited evidence for either three- or five-factor solutions. A shorter EPP version suggested a three-factor structure might be more appropriate.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Personality Research
Background:
- The fundamental structure of personality and its measurement have been central issues in personality research.
- The Eysenck Personality Profiler (EPP) is a measure with 21 primary scales under three super-factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying factor structure of the Eysenck Personality Profiler (EPP).
- To evaluate the suitability of three- and five-factor models for the EPP data.
- To assess criticisms regarding the EPP's scale reliability and response format.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory factor analysis was employed to examine three- and five-factor solutions for the EPP.
- Confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling was used to assess model fit.
- A shorter, nine-scale version of the EPP was also analyzed.
Main Results:
- Little evidence supported a five-factor solution for the EPP, contrary to previous claims.
- Confirmatory factor analysis showed no strong preference between three- and five-factor models.
- A shorter version of the EPP appeared to favor a three-factor solution.
- Criticisms included low scale alpha, excessive neuroticism scales, and suboptimal response categories.
Conclusions:
- The optimal factor structure of the Eysenck Personality Profiler remains ambiguous.
- A three-factor solution may be more suitable for a condensed version of the EPP.
- Further refinement of the EPP may be necessary to address psychometric concerns.