A FACTOR ANALYSIS OF SELECTED MARKERS FOR OBJECTIVE PERSONALITY FACTORS

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Personality Psychology
• Factor Analysis

Background:

• Raymond Cattell proposed a comprehensive model of personality structure based on factor analysis.
• Previous attempts to replicate Cattell's factors have yielded mixed results.
• This study focuses on replicating specific Cattellian factors (U.I. 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 32).

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a large-scale replication of selected Cattell's personality factors.
• To evaluate Cattell's universal index series.
• To compare the replicated factors with Cattell's original findings and alternative models, particularly Eysenck's.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale study involving 60 variables and 569 subjects.
• Factor analysis was performed on marker variables.
• Both orthogonal and oblique rotations were used at primary and secondary factor levels.

Main Results:

• Seven factors were identified at the primary level and four at the secondary level.
• Replicated factors showed only partial similarity to Cattell's factors, and only in certain cases.
• Factors emerging from the Cattell marker variables more closely resembled Hans Eysenck's factors, particularly at the secondary level.

Conclusions:

• The replication of Cattell's factors was only partially successful.
• The study suggests that Cattell's marker variables may better represent Eysenck's personality dimensions.
• Discrepancies highlight the complexities and criteria involved in replicating personality factor structures.