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Validation of an ipsative personality measure (DISCUS)
M Martinussen1, A M Richardsen, H W Vårum
1Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, Norway. monicam@psyk.uit.no
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
|January 5, 2002
Summary
This study found that the ipsative DISCUS personality test is not equivalent to its normative version. Caution is advised when using ipsative personality tests for psychometric evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Personality Assessment
Background:
- Ipsative personality tests present scores relative to an individual's other scores.
- The DISCUS is a personality assessment tool with both ipsative and normative formats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the construct validity of the ipsative DISCUS personality test.
- To investigate the effects of the ipsative format on personality test results.
Main Methods:
- Administered both ipsative and normative versions of the DISCUS to 103 undergraduate students.
- Utilized the Five-Factor Personality Assessment (5PFa) to measure Big-Five traits.
Main Results:
- The ipsative and normative DISCUS versions were not equivalent.
- DISCUS dimensions (Dominance, Influence, Stability, Carefulness) correlated with combinations of Big-Five traits, not independent traits.
Conclusions:
- The ipsative DISCUS format yields different results than the normative format.
- Researchers should exercise caution when employing ipsative personality tests in psychometric evaluations and validation studies.