Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress
Published on: October 19, 2011
"SOMETIMES, IT'S OKAY TO FACTOR DIFFERENCE SCORES"-THE SEPARATION OF STATE AND TRAIT ANXIETY
Abstract:
Contemporary psychometric policy and practice have tended to make the use of algebraic difference scores in psychological research taboo. Within the more limited domain of factor analytic research on personality, difference scores have been the subject of sporadic debate for more than 30 years. Using the personality trait versus state distinction as a substantive context, the fit of the factor analytic model to difference score data is investigated and found to be quite good. Methodological issues related to properties of difference scores and their implications for personality research are briefly discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Traits and States
Trait and State Self-Esteem
Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Cattell's 16 Personality Factors
In contrast, source traits are the...
Five-Factor Theory of Personality
Openness reflects creativity, curiosity, and openness to new experiences. Individuals scoring high in openness are imaginative, have a wide range of interests, and are independent...
Trait Centrality

