The 16 P-F is an objective personality test developed by Dr. Raymond Cattell. Using factor analysis, Cattell categorized 170 adjectives that described human behavior into sixteen dimensions or factors. These 16 source traits were then used to form his personality questionnaire.

Factor Analysis – Cattell divided his data up into three categories for the factor analysis:

• L-data (information regarding the individual’s life history according to school and work records)
• Q-data (responses to questionnaires and individuals given to either the individual or his/her acquaintances)
• T-data (information from test taken)

Example: “Source traits are basic, underlying structures of personality” that cause individuals to react a certain way (Ross, 1992, p. 105).

 Global Factors measured include:

• Extroversion
• Anxiety
• Tough-Mindedness
• Independence
• Self-Control

 Scale – The response style is measured on 3 scales:

• Impression Management
• Infrequency
• Acquiescence

 16 P-F Traits

The table below identifies the 16 traits the instrument measures (Russell & Karol, 1994).