Descriptions of the 16 Primary Personality Factors
(Adapted from the Administrator's manual for the 16 Personality Factor
Questionnaire, 1986)
A. FIRST-ORDER FACTORS
Low score direction
Cool, reserved, impersonal, detached, formal, vs.
aloof
People who score low (sten of 1 to 3) tend to
be stiff, cool, skeptical, and aloof. They like
things rather than people, working alone, and Factor A
avoiding compromising viewpoints. They are
likely to be precise and "rigid" in their ways
of doing things and in their personal
standards. In many occupations these are
desirable traits. They may tend, at times, to be
critical, obstructive, or hard.
Affected by feelings, emotionally less stable, vs.
easily annoyed
The person who scores low (1 to 3) tends to Factor C
be low in frustration tolerance for
unsatisfactory conditions, changeable and
plastic, evading necessary reality demands,
neurotically fatigued, fretful, easily annoyed
and emotional, active in dissatisfaction,
having neurotic symptoms (phobias, sleep
disturbances, psychosomatic complaints, etc.)
Submissive, humble, mild, easily led, vs.
accommodating
Individuals scoring low (1 to 3) tend to give Factor E
way to others, to be docile, and to conform.
They are often dependent, confessing,
anxious for obsessional correctness.
Sober, restrained, prudent, taciturn, serious vs.
Low scorers tend to be restrained, reticent,
and introspective. They are sometimes dour,
pessimistic, unduly deliberate, and considered
High score direction
Warm, outgoing, kindly, easygoing,
participating, likes people
People who score high (sten of 8 to 10) tend
to be good-natured, easygoing, emotionally
expressive, ready to cooperate, attentive to
people, softhearted, kindly, adaptable. They
like occupations dealing with people and
socially impressive situations, and they
readily form active groups. They are
generous in personal relations, less afraid of
criticism, and better able to remember
names of people.
Emotionally stable, mature, faces reality,
calm
The person who scores high (8 to 10) tends
to be emotionally mature, stable, realistic
about life, unruffled, possessing ego
strength, better able to maintain solid group
morale.
Dominant, assertive, aggressive, stubborn,
competitive, bossy
Individuals scoring high (8 to 10) are
assertive, self-assured, and independent-
minded. They tend to be austere, a law unto
themselves, hostile or extrapunative,
authoritarian (managing others), and
disregarding of authority.
Enthusiastic, spontaneous, heedless,
expressive, cheerful
High scorers tend to be cheerful, active,
talkative, frank, expressive and carefree.
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smug and primly correct by observers. They Factor F
tend to be sober, dependable people.
Expedient, disregards rules, self-indulgent vs.
People who score low tend to be unsteady in
purpose. They are often casual and lacking in Factor G
effort for group undertakings and cultural
demands. Their freedom from group
influence may lead to antisocial acts, but at
times makes them more effective, while their
refusal to be bound by rules causes them to
have less somatic upset from stress.
Shy, threat-sensitive, timid, hesitant, vs.
intimidated
Individuals who score low on this trait tend to Factor H
be shy, withdrawing, cautious, retiring,
"wallflowers." They usually have inferiority
feelings and tend to be slow and impeded in
speech and in expressing themselves. They
dislike occupations with personal contacts,
prefer one or two close friends to large
groups, and are not given to keeping in
contact with all that is going on around them.
Tough-minded, self-reliant, no-nonsense,
rough, realistic
People who score low tend to be tough,
realistic, "down to earth," independent, vs.
responsible, but skeptical of subjective,
cultural elaborations. They are sometimes
unmoved, hard, cynical, and smug. They tend Factor I
to keep a group operating on a practical and
realistic "no-nonsense" basis.
Trusting, accepting conditions, easy to get on vs.
with
The person who scores low tends to be free of Factor L
jealous tendencies, adaptable, cheerful,
uncompetitive, concerned about others, a
good team worker. They are open and tolerant
They are frequently chosen as elected
leaders. They may be impulsive and
mercurial.
Conscientious, conforming, moralistic,
staid, rule-bound
People who score high tend to be exacting
in character , dominated by sense of duty,
persevering, responsible, planful, "fill the
unforgiving minute." They are usually
conscientious and moralistic, and they
prefer hard-working people to witty
companions.
Bold, venturesome, uninhibited, can take
stress
Individuals who score high are sociable,
bold, ready to try new things, spontaneous,
and abundant in emotional response. Their
"thick-skinnedness" enables them to face
wear and tear in dealing with people and
grueling fatigue. However, they can be
careless of detail, ignore danger signals,
and consume much time talking. They tend
to be "pushy" and actively interested in the
opposite sex.
Tender-minded, sensitive, overprotected,
intuitive, refined
People who score high tend to be
emotionally sensitive, day-dreaming,
artistically fastidious, and fanciful. They are
sometimes demanding of attention and
help, impatient, dependent, temperamental,
and not very realistic. They dislike crude
people and rough occupations. In a group,
they often tend to slow up a group
performance and to upset group morale by
undue fussiness.
Suspicious, hard to fool, distrustful,
skeptical
People who score high tend to be
mistrusting and doubtful. They are often
involved in their own egos and are self-
opinionated and interested in internal,
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and usually willing to take a chance with
people.
Practical, concerned with "down to earth" vs.
issues, steady
Low scorers tend to be anxious to do the right Factor M
things, attentive to practical matters, and
subject to the dictation of what is obviously
possible. They are concerned over detail, able
to keep their heads in emergencies, but are
sometimes unimaginative. In short, they are
responsible to the outer, rather than the inner,
world.
Forthright, unpretentious, open, genuine, vs.
artless
Individuals who score low have a lot of
natural warmth and a genuine liking for
people. They are uncomplicated, sentimental, Factor N
and unvarnished in their approach to people.
Self-assured, secure, feels free of guilt, vs.
untroubled, self-satisfied
Persons with low scores tend to be unruffled
and to have unshakable nerve. They have a
mature, unanxious confidence in themselves Factor O
and their capacity to deal with things. They
can, however, be secure to the point of being
insensitive to the feedback of others.
Conservative, respecting traditional ideas Factor Q1
Low scorers are confident in what they have
been taught to believe, and accept the "tried vs.
and true," even when something else might be
better. They are cautious and compromising
in regard to new ideas. Thus, they tend to
oppose and postpone change, are inclined to
go along with tradition, are more conservative
in religion and politics, and tend not to be
interested in analytical "intellectual" thought.
mental life. Usually they are deliberate in
their actions, unconcerned about other
people, and poor team members.
Imaginative, absent-minded, absorbed in
thought, impractical
High scorers tend to be unconventional,
unconcerned over everyday matters, self-
motivated, imaginatively creative,
concerned with "essentials," often absorbed
in thought, and oblivious of particular
people and physical realities. Their inner-
directed interests sometimes lead to
unrealistic situations accompanied by
expressive outbursts. Their individuality
can cause them to be rejected in group
activities.
Shrewd, polished, socially aware,
diplomatic, calculating
Individuals who score high tend to be
polished, experienced, and shrewd. Their
approach to people and problems is usually
perceptive, hard-headed, and efficient - an
unsentimental approach to situations, an
approach akin to cynicism.
Apprehensive, self-blaming, guilt-prone,
insecure, worrying
Persons with high scores have a strong
sense of obligation and high expectations of
themselves. They tend to worry and feel
anxious and guilt-stricken over difficulties.
Often they do not feel accepted in groups or
free to participate.
Experimenting, liberal, critical, open to
change
High scorers tend to be interested in
intellectual matters and to have doubts on
fundamental issues. They are skeptical and
inquiring regarding ideas, either old or new.
Usually they are more well informed, less
inclined to moralize, more inclined to
experiment in life generally, and more
tolerant of inconvenience and change.
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Group-oriented, a "joiner" and sound
follower, listens to others
Individuals who score low prefer to work and
make decisions with other people and like
and depend on social approval and
admiration. They may tend to go along with
the group and may be lacking in individual
resolution. They are not necessarily
gregarious by choice; rather they might need
group support.
Factor Q2 Self-sufficient, resourceful, prefers own
decisions
vs. Individuals who score high are
temperamentally independent, accustomed
to going their own way, making decisions
and taking action on their own. They
discount public opinion, but are not
necessarily dominant in their relations with
others (see factor E); in fact, they could be
hesitant to ask others for help. They do not
dislike people, but simply do not need their
agreement or support.

Undisciplined self-conflict, lax, careless of Factor Q3 Following self-image, socially precise,

social rules
People who score low will not be bothered
with will control and have little regard for
social demands. They are impetuous and not
overly considerate, careful, or painstaking.
They may feel maladjusted, and many
maladjustments (especially the affective, but
not the paranoid) show Q3-.
compulsive
vs. People who are high tend to have strong
control of their emotions and general
behavior, are inclined to be socially aware
and careful, and evidence what is
commonly termed "self-respect" and high
regard for social reputation. They
sometimes tend, however, to be
perfectionistic and obstinate. Effective
leaders, and some paranoids, are high on
Q3.

Relaxed, tranquil, composed, has low drive,
unfrustrated
Individuals who score low tend to be sedate,
relaxed, composed, and satisfied (not
frustrated). In some situations, their over
satisfaction can lead to laziness and low
performance, in the sense that low motivation
produces little trial and error.
Factor Q4 Tense, frustrated, overwrought, has high
vs. drive
Individuals who score high tend to be tense,
restless, fretful, impatient, and hard driving.
They are often fatigued, but unable to
remain inactive. Their frustration represents
an excess of stimulated, but undischarged,
drive. Extremely high tension level may
disrupt school and work performance.

B. SECOND-ORDER FACTORS

In addition to interpreting the basic 16 primary traits, several other scores are obtainable
from various combinations of primary scales. In general, these are known as composite scores, and
they provide interpretive information about important criteria, such as potential for success in a
particular occupation, leadership ability, likelihood for successful treatment outcome, to name a
few. Five of these composite scales have special interpretive meaning. They are called second-order
factors and provide information at a broader level of understanding. That is, they explain
personality in terms of fewer, more general, traits.

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Low score direction
Introversion
The person who scores low (sten of
1 to 3) tends to be shy, self-
sufficient, and inhibited in
interpersonal contacts. this can be
either a favorable or unfavorable
finding, depending upon the
particular situation in which the
person is expected to function; e.g.,
introversion is a favorable predictor
of precision workmanship.
Low Anxiety
People who score low on this tend
to be those whose lives are
generally satisfying, and those who
are able to achieve those things that
seem to be important. However, an
extremely low score can mean lack
of motivation for difficult tasks, as
generally shown in studies relating
anxiety to achievement.
Emotional Sensitivity
People who score low tend to be
strongly influenced by their
emotions. They are likely to be
gentle people (as in gentlemen),
with artistic or cultured interests.
Low scorers are sensitive to their
own feelings, as well as to the
feelings of others. They may,
however, be slow to take decisive
action, preferring to give a problem
much consideration.
Subduedness
People who score low are group
dependent, chastened, passive
personalities. They are likely to
desire and need support from other
persons, and likely to orient their
High score direction
Extroversion
The person who scores high (sten of 8 to 10)
EXTROVERSION is a socially outgoing, uninhibited person,
good at making and maintaining
interpersonal contacts. This can be very
favorable in situations that call for that type
of temperament, e.g., salesmanship, but
should not be considered necessarily
favorable as a general predictor, e.g., of
scholastic achievement.
ANXIETY High Anxiety
The people who score high on this factor are
high in anxiety as it is commonly
understood. They need not be neurotic,
since anxiety could be situational, but it is
probable that there are some
maladjustments, i.e., they are dissatisfied
with the degree to which they are able to
meet the demands of life and to achieve
what they desire. Very high anxiety is
generally disruptive of performance and
productive of physical disturbances.
TOUGH POISE Tough Poise
People who score high are more influenced
by the facts than by feelings. They tend to
be bold, hard people, decisive and
enterprising, but often insensitive to other
people. High scorers orient their behavior
toward the obvious, rather than to the
subtleties of life. Hence, even though they
are able to make decisions quickly, they
may take action without sufficient thought
or consideration.
INDEPENDENCE Independence
People who score high tend to be
aggressive, independent, daring, incisive
people. They will seek those situations
where such behavior is at least tolerated and
possibly rewarded, and are likely to exhibit
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 behavior toward persons who give
such support.
Low Control SUPEREGO
People who score low typically do
not act according to others' values /CONTROL
or out of a sense of duty. They tend
to be nonconformists who do not
hesitate to bend the rules, or who vs.
develop their own set of rules
whenever it is expedient to do so.
These are flexible people, yet
because they tend to follow their
own impulses, they may not be as
self-disciplined as some situations
may require. Further, they may be
perceived as unreliable at times,
because the rules by which they
operate may not be clear to others.
Descriptors of Low Range Primary Factor
Reserved, impersonal, distant, cool, reserved,
impersonal, detached, formal, aloof (Sizothymia)
Concrete-thinking, lower general mental capacity,
less intelligent, unable to handle abstract problems
(Lower Scholastic Mental Capacity)
Reactive, emotionally changeable, affected by
feelings, emotionally less stable, easily upset (Lower
Ego Strength)
Deferential, cooperative, avoids conflict, submissive,
humble, obedient, easily led, docile, accommodating
(Submissiveness)
Serious, restrained, prudent, taciturn, introspective,
silent (Desurgency)
Expedient, nonconforming, disregards rules, self-
indulgent (Low Superego Strength) Consciousness staid, rule-bound (High Superego Strength)
Shy, threat-sensitive, timid, hesitant, intimidated
Social Boldness stress
(Threctia)
Utilitarian, objective, unsentimental, tough-minded,
self-reliant, no-nonsense, rough (Harria)
Trusting, unsuspecting, accepting, unconditional,
easy (Alaxia)
Grounded, practical, prosaic, solution-oriented,
steady, conventional Abstractedness ideas
(Praxernia)
Forthright, genuine, artless, open, guileless, naive,
considerable initiative.
High Control
People who score high typically have strong
superego controls; that is they have
internalized the rules of the milieu in which
they function. Hence, they tend to conform
to expectations that others have for them or
to expectations they have for themselves.
They are quite reliable because they do not
"bend the rules"; however, they may be so
controlled as to be perceived by others as
rigid or moralistic.
Descriptors of High Range
Warm, outgoing, attentive to others, kindly, easygoing,
Warmth
participating, likes people (Affectothymia)
Abstract-thinking, more intelligent, bright, higher general mental
Reasoning
capacity, fast learner (Higher Scholastic Mental Capacity)
Emotional Emotionally stable, adaptive, mature, faces reality, calm (Higher
Stability Ego Strength)
Dominant, forceful, assertive, aggressive, competitive, stubborn,
Dominance bossy
(Dominance)
Lively, animated, spontaneous, enthusiastic, happy-go-lucky,
Liveliness
cheerful, expressive, impulsive (Surgency)
Rule- Rule-conscious, dutiful, conscientious, conforming, moralistic,
Socially bold, venturesome, thick-skinned, uninhibited, can take
(Parmia)
Sensitive, aesthetic, sentimental, tender-minded, intuitive, refined
Sensitivity
(Premsia)
Vigilant, suspicious, skeptical, wary, distrustful, oppositional
Vigilance
(Protension)
Abstracted, imaginative, absent-minded, impractical, absorbed in
(Autia)
Privateness Private, discreet, non-disclosing, shrewd, polished, worldly,
6
unpretentious, involved (Artlessness)
Self-assured, unworried, complacent, secure, free of
guilt, confident, self-satisfied (Untroubled)
Traditional, attached to familiar, conservative,
respecting traditional ideas (Conservatism)
Group-oriented, affiliative, a joiner and follower,
dependent (Group Adherence)
Tolerates disorder, unexacting, flexible,
undisciplined, lax, self-conflict, impulsive, careless
of social rules, uncontrolled (Low Integration)
Relaxed, placid, tranquil, torpid, patient, composed,
low drive (Low Ergic Tension)
Introverted, socially inhibited
Low anxiety, unperturbable, adjustment
Receptive, open-minded, intuitive, emotionality,
feeling (Pathemia)
Accommodating, agreeable, selfless, subduedness
Unrestrained, impulsive, uncontrolled
astute, astute, diplomatic (Shrewdness)
Apprehensive, self-doubting, worried, guilt-prone, insecure,
Apprehension
worrying, self-blaming (Guilt Proneness)
Openness to Open to change, experimenting, liberal, analytical, critical, free-
Change thinking, flexibility (Radicalism)
Self-reliant, solitary, resourceful, individualistic, self-sufficient
Self-Reliance
(Self-Sufficiency)
Perfectionistic, organized, compulsive, self-disciplined, socially
Perfectionism precise, exacting will power, control, self-sentimental (High Self-
Concept Control)
Tense, high energy, impatient, driven, frustrated, over-wrought,
Tension
has high drive, time-driven (High Ergic Tension)
Extraversion Extraverted, social participant
Anxiety High anxiety, perturbable, histrionic
Tough- Tough-minded, resolute, unempathetic, tough poise (Cortical
Mindedness Alertness)
Independence Independence, persuasive, willful
Self-Control Self-controlled, inhibitory of impulses

The Global Factors

The chart below presents the global factors derived from the sixteen primary factors.

Descriptors of Low Descriptors of High

Global Factors
Range Range
Introverted, socially Extraverted, social
inhibited Extraversion participant
Low anxiety,
High anxiety,
unperturbable,
Anxiety perturbable, histrionic
adjustment
Receptive, open- Tough-minded,
minded, intuitive, resolute, unempathetic,
emotionality, feeling Tough-Mindedness tough poise (Cortical
(Pathemia) Alertness)
Accommodating,
Independence,
agreeable, selfless,
Independence persuasive, willful
subduedness
Unrestrained,
Self-controlled,
impulsive,
Self-Control inhibitory of impulses
uncontrolled

7
 Response Style Indices
The concept of the response style in test taking refers to the ways in which a responent
reacts to a test and the test-taking atmosphere. Respondents may function during the test
in ways which render the scores on the test suspect. For example, one respondent may
have a tendency to provide socially desirable answers to items while another may answer
with random responses, another may wish to receive a pathological or undesirable profile,
and still another may perhaps wish to agree with any item placed in front of him or her (a
faulty response style known as acquiescence). One can see how this might occur if you
imagine yourself being screened for a job you really didn't want to begin with. Perhaps
you would provide extreme answers to test items simply to make yourself appear an
undesirable employee.

The 16 PF is designed to reflect certain response tendencies by incorporating three

response-style indices: Impression Management (IM), Acquiescence (ACQ), and
Infrequency (INF). The table below explains these measures as well as the meaning of the
range of scores.

Impression Management
(IM)
Low Score High Score
A 12-item index that
Less socially desirable responding measures the global construct More socially desirable responding
or less exaggeration of undesirable of social desirability (the wish or greater exaggeration of
qualities. Though it is difficult to to hide socially undesirable undesirable qualities. Though it is
select cutoff scores for every traits), specifically self- difficult to set cutoff scores for
situation, a score of 4 or below deception (self-denial of every situation, a score 19 or
would cast some doubt on the attributes one finds above would cast some doubt on
validity of the test for that psychologically threatening) the validity of the test for that
respondent. and other-deception respondent.
(misrepresentation of self to
others).

Low Score Acquiescence (ACQ) High Score

A balanced rate of endorsement of A tendency to agree to A high rate of "true" selection to

a set of items specifically designed
to measure acquiescence. A low
need for approval or acceptance.
A score on acquiescence (ACQ)
below 41 would place the
respondent in a statistically low
group. Interpretation of a low
personality items as self-
descriptive regardless of the
content of those items.
specific items for acquiescence. It
may indicate a high need for
approval or acceptance by the
respondent. A score on
acquiescence (ACQ) above 70 may
be viewed as suspicious.

8
score is difficult to recommend and
would depend on test-taking
situation.
Infrequency (INF)

A measure of nonpurposive
or random responding to High Score
Low Scores items on the inventory. In the
16PF the scale was developed A high rate of random responding.
There are no suspiciously low empirically by comparing Scores above 8 (the manual
scores, since low means low rate of response patterns against the recommends 7 as 95% accuracy
random responding and is, thus, a typical response patterns of rate) are above the 95th percentile
good thing. standardizing group of test and indicate high level of random
takers. The more responses responding.
to infrequent response
alternatives, the higher the
infrequency score.

1. What are the primary scales and/or global scales on the 16 PF that best predict
academic success at V.M.I.?

The following are the top three predictors of academic success in rank order:

• Dominance correlates positively with VMI GPA

• Reasoning correlates positively with VMI GPA
• Extraversion correlates negatively with VMI GPA

2. What primary and/or global scales predict early dropout from V.M.I.?

The following are the top three scales that predict early dropout from V.M.I.

• Dominance (the lower scores dropout at a higher rate)

• Self Control (the lower scores dropout at a higher rate)
• Anxiety (the higher scores dropout at a higher rate)

3. What are the major changes seen in the primary or global scales over time?

The following are the most stable changes seen over time:

• Cadets enter V.M.I. with high dominance scores, and these scores continue to rise
• Cadets enter V.M.I. with lower than normal self-control scores and these scores rise
significantly over time

9
 • Cadets enter V.M.I. with average tough-mindedness scores, and these scores
increase significantly over time
Extraversion (EX)
Introversion
Low Scorers tend to value time spent alone or
in solitary pursuits, being generally less
inclined to seek out interaction with others. The
introvert can have one or more of these
qualities: personal aloofness and a tendency to
make few close connections; caution, restraint
and a tendency to take life seriously; an
inclination to be shy or fearful about reaching
out to others; discomfort about revealing
personal information; and/or a preference for
working alone and functioning autonomously.
Anxiety (AX)
Low Anxiety
Low Scorers tend to be unperturbed by most
events and less easily upset than most people.
They can be: emotionally stable, facing life's
challenges with calm and stability; trusting of
others; unworried and self-assured; and/or
relaxed and placid. Extremely low scorers may
minimize the ways that life or personal
Extraversion
High Scorers tend to be people-oriented, to
seek interaction with others, and to value time
spent with others, in social pursuits. The
extravert can have one or more of these
qualities: warmth and a wish to feel close
connections with people; a lively, stimulating
social energy; comfort in the company of
others; bold gregariousness; and/or a tendency
to be forthright and self-disclosing. A high EX
score, however, doesn't guarantee the
relationship quality.
High Anxiety
High Scorers tend to be more easily upset by
events; they are more perturbed, both by
internal thoughts and feelings as well as by
external events. This may be characteristic or
may be due to current life stress. Anxious
people can experience one or more of the
following: feeling overwhelmed and unable to
10
limitations can pose stress or challenges, or
may be so comfortable that they are not
motivated to change.
Tough-Mindedness (TM)
Receptivity
Low Scorers tend to be open to feelings,
imagination, people, and new ideas. Their
approach may focus on: emotional and aesthetic
sensibilities; ideas and thoughts, especially
imaginative ones; caring connections with
people; or experimenting and trying new
approaches. They may overlook the need to be
practical, objective, or realistic in dealing with
the world.
Independence (IN)
Accommodation
Low Scorers tend to be agreeable and
accommodating to other people and external
influences rather than being self-determining.
They may be uncomfortable in situations that
call for independence or assertiveness. Low
scorers have varying degrees of deference,
cooperation, shyness, trust, and adherence to
the status quo. Their ability to accommodate
others' wishes often comes at their own
expense, and may frustrate others who desire
more active participation from them.
Self-Control (SC)
Lack of Restraint
Low Scorers are unrestrained and tend to have
fewer resources for controlling their behavior.
They may find it hard to place limits on their
own urges or to focus their attention. They may
be: spontaneous, carefree or impulsive; non-
conforming, or inattentive to rules and
regulations; so caught up in internal thoughts
that they don't focus on practicalities; or so
undisciplined and casual that they do not plan,
organize, or persevere. While perceived as
flexible, playful and casual, low scorers can
also be seen as unreliable, expedient, or
cope with day-to-day living; being suspicious
or doubting of others; worrying and self-
doubting; and/or feeling tense, driven, or
frustrated.
Tough-Mindedness
High Scorers tend to prefer logical, realistic
solutions. They may focus on: objectivity (as
opposed to sentimentality); practical, concrete
things rather than abstract ideas or theories;
keeping things on an impersonal level; and
valuing methods that are traditional and
proven. Extreme tough-mindedness may result
in resolute entrenchment and avoidance of new
or imaginative approaches.
Independence
High Scorers tend to take charge of situations
and to influence others rather than be
influenced. Their active stance on life can
include one or more of these elements:
dominance and an unwillingness to acquiesce;
social boldness and fearlessness; skepticism of
others, especially about being controlled; and
willingness to question and improve on the
status quo. High scorers can be seen as
disagreeable by others who feel challenged or
controlled. They may find it hard to
accommodate others when it is important to do
so.
Self-Control
High Scorers are conscientious and have
substantial resources for controlling their
behavior and meeting their responsibilities.
These resources may include one or more of
these qualities: being cautious, restrained, and
taking matters seriously; placing importance
on following rules and meeting expectations;
being practical, focused, and realistic; being
self-disciplined, goal-oriented, and organized.
While they tend to be seen as conscientious,
responsible, and reliable, high scorers can also
be seen as overly controlled -- that is, too
11
careless.
Warmth (A)
Low A: Reserved, impersonal, distant,
formal. They tend to be reserved and
cautious about involvement and
attachment. They tend to like solitude,
often focusing attention on intellectual,
mechanical, or artistic pursuits, where
they can be quite effective. Low scorers
can be uncomfortable in situations that
call for emotional closeness or extensive
interaction.
Reserved, impersonal, distant, cool,
reserved, impersonal, detached, formal,
aloof
Reasoning (B)
Low B: They are less able to solve verbal
and numerical problems of an academic
nature. This can indicate lower intellectual
ability, but it is also related to educational
level. Low scores can also result from a
range of problems affecting concentration
and motivation.
Concrete-thinking, lower general mental
capacity, less intelligent, unable to handle
abstract problems
Emotional Stability (C)
Low C: Reactive, easily upset,
temperamental. They tend to feel a lack
of control over life's challenges and to
react to life rather than making adaptive
or proactive choices. For some test takers,
reactivity can reflect current life stressors;
for others, it may characterize their way of
life.
Reactive, emotionally changeable,
affected by feelings, emotionally less
stable, easily upset
Dominance (E)
Low E: Deferential, modest,
submissive. They tend to accommodate
others' wishes, and are cooperative and
agreeable. They are likely to avoid
conflict by acquiescing to the wishes of
others, and they are willing to set aside
serious or moralistic or task-oriented.
High A: Warm, caring, soft-hearted, and generous.
They tend to have an intrinsic interest in people and they
often seek situations that call for closeness with other
people. Their friends describe them as sympathetic and
comforting. Extreme scorers may be seen as gullible, and
may be uncomfortable in situations where close
relationships are inaccessible.
Warm, outgoing, attentive to others, kindly, easygoing,
participating, likes people
High B: They are more able to solve verbal and numerical
problems of an academic nature. This is often indicative
of intellectual ability, but is also related to educational
level. This index should not replace full-length measures
of cognitive ability.
Abstract-thinking, more intelligent, bright, higher general
mental capacity, fast learner
High C: Calm, stable, mature, unruffled. They tend to
take life in stride and to cope with day-to-day life and its
challenges in a calm, balanced, adaptive way. They
tolerate frustration well, can delay gratification, and don't
let emotions obscure realities. Extreme scorers may tend
to avoid "negative" feelings or use strong defenses like
denial.
Emotionally stable, adaptive, mature, faces reality, calm
High E: Assertive, forceful, competitive. They tend to
be vocal in expressing their opinions and wishes. While
dominance can create a commanding, take-charge social
presence, at times it can be seen as overbearing, stubborn
or argumentative. For example, dominant people who are
also Warm (A) may be more thoughtful than reserved
12
their own wishes and feelings. Extreme
deference can disappoint those who wish
for a more forceful or participating
response from them.
Deferential, cooperative, avoids conflict,
submissive, humble, obedient, easily led,
docile, accommodating
Liveliness (F)
Low F: Serious, quiet, reflective,
cautious. Though they may not be the life
of the party or the most entertaining
person in a group, their quiet attentiveness
can make them reliable and mature. At the
extreme, they can inhibit their
spontaneity, sometimes to the point of
appearing constricted.
Serious, restrained, prudent, taciturn,
introspective, silent
Rule-Consciousness (G)
Low G: Expedient, non-conforming.
They may not worry about conventions,
obligations, or following rules and
regulations. This may be because they
lack internalized standards or simply
because they follow unconventional
values.
Expedient, nonconforming, disregards
rules, self-indulgent (Low Superego
Strength
Social Boldness (H)
Low H: Shy, socially timid, threat-
sensitive, easily embarrassed. They find
speaking in front of groups to be difficult,
and may feel intimidated when facing
stressful situations of an interpersonal
nature. However, they may be sensitive
listeners, who are more aware of risks in
situations.
Shy, threat-sensitive, timid, hesitant,
intimidated
(Threctia)
Low I: Tough, realistic, logical,
unsentimental. They focus more on how
things work than on aesthetics or refined
people.
Dominant, forceful, assertive, aggressive, competitive,
stubborn, bossy
High F: Carefree, enthusiastic, spontaneous, energetic.
They are high spirited and stimulating and drawn to lively
social situations. Extreme scores may reflect an impulsive
or unreliable quality. They may find it hard to rein in their
enthusiasm in situations that call for restraint or decorum.
Lively, animated, spontaneous, enthusiastic, happy-go-
lucky, cheerful, expressive, impulsive
High G: Rule-conscious, dutiful, scrupulous. They tend
to be proper and conscientious, and conform to
conventional cultural standards. At the extreme, they can
be perceived as inflexible, moralistic, or self-righteous.
Rule-conscious, dutiful, conscientious, conforming,
moralistic, staid, rule-bound (High Superego Strength
High H: Socially bold, outgoing, gregarious,
adventuresome. They tend to boldly initiate social
contacts, be fearless in the face of new or intimidating
social settings, and to be risk-takers seeking adventure.
Extreme scorers may be thick-skinned or attention
seeking.
Socially bold, venturesome, thick-skinned, uninhibited,
can take stress
(Parmia)
Sensitivity (I)
High I: Emotionally sensitive, intuitive, cultured,
sentimental. High scorers are attuned to sensitive
feelings, and thus are empathetic, sympathetic, and tender-
13
sensibilities, and may be so concerned
with utility and objectivity that they
exclude emotions from consideration.
Because they don't tend to allow
vulnerability, extreme low scorers may
have trouble in situations that demand
awareness of feelings.
Utilitarian, objective, unsentimental,
tough-minded, self-reliant, no-nonsense,
rough
Vigilance (L)
Low L: Trusting, unsuspecting,
forgiving, accepting. They tend to be
easy-going and expect fair treatment and
good intentions from others, and to have
trusting relationships. However,
extremely low scorers may be taken
advantage of because they do not give
enough thought to others' motivations.
Trusting, unsuspecting, accepting,
unconditional, easy
Abstractedness (M)
Low M: Grounded, practical, concrete.
They tend to focus on practical,
observable realities of their environment
and may be better at working on a specific
solution than at imagining possible
solutions. Extreme scorers may be so
concrete in their focus, unimaginative, or
literal that they "miss the forest for the
trees."
Grounded, practical, prosaic, solution-
oriented, steady, conventional
Privateness (N)
Low N: Forthright, self-revealing,
transparent. They tend to be open,
artless, and transparent. They are willing
to talk about themselves readily, even
about fairly personal matters. They tend to
"put all their cards on the table", and to be
genuine and unguarded. At the extreme,
they may be forthright in situations where
it might be more astute to be circumspect
or tactful.
Forthright, genuine, artless, open,
minded. They tend to be artistic and refined in their
interests and tastes. Extreme scorers may be so focused on
subjective aspects of situations that they overlook more
functional aspects.
Sensitive, aesthetic, sentimental, tender-minded, intuitive,
refined
High L: Vigilant, suspicious, distrustful, wary. They
tend to be attentive to others' motives and intentions and
sensitive to being misunderstood or taken advantage of.
They may be unable to relax their vigilance, and at the
extreme their mistrust may have an aspect of animosity.
Vigilant, suspicious, skeptical, wary, distrustful,
oppositional
High M: Abstracted, imaginative, idea-oriented,
contemplative. They are more oriented to abstract ideas
than to external facts and practicalities. Being focused on
thinking, imagination and fantasy, high scorers generate
many ideas and theories and are often creative. Extreme
scorers can be so absorbed in thought that they can be
absentminded and impractical.
Abstracted, imaginative, absent-minded, impractical,
absorbed in ideas
High N: Private, discreet, non-disclosing. They tend to
be guarded, and reluctant to disclose personal information,
and "play their hand close to their chest." They may be
tactful, diplomatic and calculating regarding others'
motives. At the extreme, they maintain their privacy at the
expense of developing few close relationships.
Private, discreet, non-disclosing, shrewd, polished,
worldly, astute, astute, diplomatic
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guileless, naive, unpretentious, involved
Apprehension (O)
Low O: Self-assured, unworried,
complacent. They tend to be self-
confident and untroubled by self-doubt.
While this may make them more resilient
in stressful situations, at the extreme, the
person's confidence may be unshaken,
even in situations that call for self-
evaluation and self-improvement. The
extreme low score may reflect an
avoidance of anything negative about the
self.
Self-assured, unworried, complacent,
secure, free of guilt, confident, self-
satisfied
Openness to Change (Q1)
Low Q1: Traditional, attached to
familiar, resistant to change. They tend
to stick to traditional ways of doing
things. They prefer what's predictable and
routine, and so they don't tend to
challenge the status quo. At the extreme,
they may not initiate or be open to
change, even when the situation calls for
it.
Traditional, attached to familiar,
conservative, respecting traditional ideas
Self-Reliance (Q2)
Low Q2: Group-oriented, affiliative.
They tend to prefer being around other
people, and enjoy social groups and
working in teams. At the extreme, they
may not be effective in situations where
they need to function independently or
where others are giving poor direction or
advice.
Group-oriented, affiliative, a joiner and
follower, dependent
Perfectionism (Q3)
High O: Apprehensive, self-doubting, guilt-prone.
They tend to worry about things and to feel anxious and
insecure. These feelings may be in response to current life
events or they may be characteristic. While worrying can
help the person anticipate dangers, be sensitive to others'
reactions, and anticipate consequences of actions, it can
also be painful and make a poor social impression on
others.
Apprehensive, self-doubting, worried, guilt-prone,
insecure, worrying, self-blaming
High Q1: Open-to change, experimenting,
freethinking. They tend to be open-minded and
innovative, and seek ways to improve the status quo. They
enjoy experimenting, and tend to think critically or
question authority. Extreme scorers may find it hard to
"leave well enough alone."
Open to change, experimenting, liberal, analytical,
critical, free-thinking, flexibility
High Q2: Self-reliant, solitary, individualistic. They
enjoy spending time alone and prefer to rely on their own
thinking and judgment. While self-reliant people are
autonomous in their thoughts and actions, extreme scorers
may be uncomfortable working collaboratively or neglect
interpersonal consequences of their actions.
Self-reliant, solitary, resourceful, individualistic, self-
sufficient
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Low Q3: Tolerates disorder,
unexacting, casual, lax. They tend to be
comfortable leaving things to chance,
tending to be spontaneous rather than
planful, organized, and structured.
Extreme scorers may seem flexible and
spontaneous, but they may also seem
unorganized, unprepared, or
undisciplined.
Tolerates disorder, unexacting, flexible,
undisciplined, lax, self-conflict,
impulsive, careless of social rules,
uncontrolled
Low Q4: Relaxed, placid, tranquil,
patient. They are laid back, easy-going,
and composed. They are not easily upset
or aroused, and frustrations rarely bother
them. At the extreme, their low level of
arousal can make them unmotivated. That
is, because they are comfortable, they may
be disinclined to change or push
themselves.
Relaxed, placid, tranquil, torpid, patient,
composed, low drive
Introversion
Reserved, Impersonal, Distant
Serious, Restrained, Careful
Shy, Threat-Sensitive, Timid
Private, Discreet, Non-Disclosing
Self-Reliant, Solitary, Individualistic
Low Anxiety
Emotionally Stable, Adaptive, Mature Emotional Stability (C)* Reactive, Emotionally Changeable
Trusting, Unsuspecting, Accepting
Self-Assured, Unworried, Complacent
High Q3: Perfectionistic, self-disciplined, goal-
oriented. They tend to be organized, plan ahead,
persevere, and work conscientiously. They are most
effective in organized and structured situations, and may
find it hard to deal with unpredictability. At the extreme,
they may be seen as inflexible or preoccupied with tasks.
Perfectionistic, organized, compulsive, self-disciplined,
socially precise, exacting will power, control, self-
sentimental
Tension (Q4)
High Q4: Tense, driven, high energy, impatient. They
tend to have a lot of drive, to be high strung, and to be
fidgety when made to wait. A certain amount of tension is
necessary to focus effectively and can motivate action.
However, extremely high tension can lead to impatience
and irritability. The source of tension should be explored
when scores are extremely high.
Tense, high energy, impatient, driven, frustrated, over-
wrought, has high drive, time-driven
Extraversion (EX)
Contributing Primary Extraversion
Scales
Warmth (A) Warm, Outgoing, Attentive to Others
Liveliness (F) Lively, Animated, Spontaneous
Social Boldness (H) Bold, Venturesome, Thick-Skinned
Privateness (N)* Forthright, Genuine, Artless
Self-Reliance (Q2)* Group-Oriented, Affiliative
Anxiety (AX)
Contributing Primary High Anxiety
Scales
Vigilance (L) Vigilant, Suspicious, Skeptical, Wary
Apprehension (O) Apprehensive, Self-Doubting, Worried
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 Relaxed, Placid, Patient Tension (Q4) Tense, High Energy, Impatient, Driven
Tough-Mindedness (TM)
Receptivity (Openness) Contributing Primary Tough-Mindedness
Scales
Warm, Outgoing, Attentive to Others Warmth (A)* Reserved, Impersonal, Distant
Sensitive, Aesthetic, Sentimental Sensitivity (I)* Utilitarian, Objective, Unsentimental
Abstracted, Imaginative, Idea-oriented Abstractedness(M)* Grounded, Practical, Solution-Oriented
Open to Change, Experimenting Openness to Change Traditional, Attached to Familiar
(Q1)*
Independence (IN)
Accommodation (Agreeableness) Contributing Primary Independence
Scales
Deferential, Cooperative, Avoids Conflict Dominance (E) Dominant, Forceful, Assertive
Shy, Threat-Sensitive, Timid Social Boldness (H) Bold, Venturesome, Thick-Skinned
Trusting, Unsuspecting, Accepting Vigilance (L) Vigilant, Suspicious, Skeptical, Wary
Traditional, Attached to Familiar Openness to Change (Q1) Open to Change, Experimenting
Self-Control (SC)
Lack of Restraint Contributing Primary Self-Control (Conscientiousness)
Scales
Lively, Animated, Spontaneous Liveliness (F)* Serious, Restrained, Careful
Expedient, Nonconforming Rule-Consciousness (G) Rule-Conscious, Dutiful
Abstracted, Imaginative, Idea-Oriented Abstractedness (M)* Grounded, Practical, Solution-Oriented
Tolerates Disorder, Unexacting, Flexible Perfectionism (Q3) Perfectionist, Organized, Self-Disciplined

17