16 PF Report 24223058
16 PF Report 24223058
Test reports
By
Submitted to
Delhi NCR-201003
March 2025
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Introduction
shaping human behavior, emotions, and interactions. It encompasses a broad range of traits
Psychologists have long sought to define and measure personality, leading to various
theoretical perspectives and assessment tools. One of the most influential contributions in this
field comes from Raymond Cattell, who defined personality as "that which permits a
prediction of what a person will do in a given situation" (Cattell, 1950). His definition
Cattell was deeply inspired by the scientific advancements of his time, drawing from these
altruism, or leadership skills could be predicted from fundamental personality traits, much
like water is a weighted combination of hydrogen and oxygen. His approach was rooted in
the belief that personality could be broken down into essential components, much like the
His pioneering work in trait theory led to the development of the 16 Personality Factor
Questionnaire (16PF), a tool designed to assess the underlying traits that define human
Cattell identified 16 primary personality factors that serve as the building blocks of individual
Theories of Personality
16 Personality Factor (16PF) Questionnaire was originated by Raymond Cattell using his
vast empirical work in the field of personality psychology. 16PF uses the theoretical rationale
of Trait Theory which is specifically based on Cattell's Factor Analytic Approach for
1. Trait Theory and Factor Analysis Cattell thought that personality can be most effectively
understood in terms of stable traits, i.e., fairly consistent patterns of thinking, feeling, and
- He began with Allport and Odbert's (1936) list of about 4,500 personality-descriptive words
- By means of factor analysis, he reduced them to 171 traits and subsequently more precisely
to 16 primary personality factors, and these were used to create the 16PF Questionnaire.
- Surface Traits: Behavior that can be observed and occurs in clusters (e.g., being sociable,
talkative).
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- Source Traits: Internal, more basic factors underlying surface behavior (e.g., warmth,
- These 16 primary source traits are the core of personality and interact to influence an
individual's behavior.
Cattell subsequently organized these 16 factors into five more general dimensions, and in a
Test Background
comprehensive assessment of normal adult personality. Cattell, born in 1905, was greatly
the 20th century and sought to apply scientific methods to the study of human personality.
His work was rooted in trait theory, which suggests that personality is composed of distinct,
measurable traits.
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One of the most significant influences on Cattell’s work was factor analysis, a statistical
clusters of correlated behaviors or traits, which Cattell used to refine previous personality
trait lists. His initial efforts included reducing Gordon Allport’s list of 4,000 personality traits
down to 171 traits by eliminating redundancy. Through factor analysis, he further condensed
these into 16 primary personality factors, forming the foundation of the 16PF questionnaire.
The first edition of the 16PF was published in 1949 and has undergone four major revisions,
with the latest version, the fifth edition, published in 1993. The test consists of 185 multiple-
choice questions, using a three-point response format, and is designed for individuals aged 16
years and older. The 16PF is widely used in various psychological settings, including clinical,
The 16PF Personality questionnaire is reported to have moderate to good reliability ratings
based on a sample of 10,261 individuals. The Internal consistency reliabilities are reported to
be on average 0.76 for the primary scales and a range of 0.68 to 0.87 for all 16 scales. The
test-reliabilities over a 2 week period showed scores of 0.69-0.87 for all scales and a 2-month
interval showed scores ranging from 0.56-0.79. As reported in the 16PF Fifth Edition
Studies conducted have supported construct validity (Statistics Solutions, 2024). The 16PF
uses a standardized scoring system called "stems," which stands for "standard ten." Stems
have a mean of 5.5 and a standard deviation of 2. This means that the average score on any
given factor is 5.5, and scores typically fall between 3.5 and 7.5. Scores below 4 are
considered low, while scores above 7 are considered high. (Yuan, 2023).
Material Required
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For the conduction of this questionnaire, we require The Sixteen Personality Factor
Questionnaire (16PF) Form C, The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) Manual,
4 The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) response sheet, The Sixteen
Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) profile sheet, The Sixteen Personality Factor
Preliminary set-up
The 16PF Form C was administered in the participant's room at about 9:00 PM. The
situation was carefully chosen to minimize noise and distraction in order to provide an
appropriate atmosphere to participate with full concentration. The session was conducted at
the study table, which would ensure that the participant faced a suitable, structured space
Before the test, rapport was built, and the purpose of the questionnaire was clearly explained
to the participant. All preliminary doubts or apprehensions she had about the process were
cleared. Further, efforts were made to ensure the participant's physical comfort, confirming
that she was neither hungry nor thirsty before the assessment. After confirmation of
readiness, the session continued with the administration of the 16PF Form C following
Procedure
The participant was asked to sit in a comfortable room, and rapport was formed. The
researcher then briefly made the participant understand what the test intends to measure and
how to go about it. The researcher told the participant that it was a pen-and-paper
questionnaire (can be administered on a computer also), and the participant was needed to
read the questions carefully and answer according to what they thought .The researcher also
mentioned that there are no right or wrong answers and the test is not timed. Informed
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consent from the participant was taken before the administration of the test was started,
where the participant was made sure that the findings would be kept confidential as well as
would not be used anywhere else. The researcher encouraged the participant to be honest and
alert.
The 16 PF questionnaire consists of 105 items containing questions about the 16 personality
factors that are being studied. The questions are quite straight forward which are formulated
in a way where the individual’s interests, opinions, and thoughts are reflected. The questions
follow a 3-likert scale as (1) yes, (2) uncertain, and (3) no. It also has questions which are
analytical in nature and tests if the participant is carefully marking and not blindly attempting
the test.
a. kitten
b. dog
c. boy
Demographic details
Test Construction
identified and measured. His research aimed to discover the basic elements of personality,
much like scientists identified elements in the periodic table. His goal was to create an
Cattell and his colleagues employed a three-pronged approach to collecting personality data:
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● L-Data (Life Record Data): Observing naturally occurring behaviors (e.g., academic
● Q-Data (Questionnaire Data): Self-report surveys where individuals described their own
personalities.
Using factor analysis, Cattell identified 16 primary traits, which he termed source traits.
These traits formed the basis of the 16PF questionnaire. The 16 primary factors were later
grouped into five broader global factors (which resemble the Big Five personality traits),
Administration
Before the participant arrived, the testing room was prepared to ensure a distraction-free
environment. The setting was quiet, well-lit, and free from external interruptions to facilitate
optimal concentration. The participant was provided with all necessary materials, including
the questionnaire and answer sheet, placed in an orderly manner. A pencil and eraser were
provided for convenience, as the test required responses to be recorded on an answer sheet.
A brief conversation was held with the participant to establish rapport and ease any possible
test anxiety. The nature of the test was explained, emphasizing that it was not a measure of
intelligence or ability but rather an exploration of personality traits. The client was reassured
that there were no "right" or "wrong" answers and that the best approach was to respond
Before beginning the test, clear and concise instructions were provided to the client. They
were informed that the 16PF Questionnaire consists of a series of 185 statements, each with
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three possible response options. It was emphasized that their task was to choose the response
that best described them. The structure of the answer format was explained, where "a"
represented one extreme of a trait, "c" represented the opposite extreme, and the middle
response, often represented by a question mark, was available if neither of the other options
applied. However, the client was advised to use the middle response sparingly and to select
It was also highlighted that the test was not timed. While they were encouraged to complete
the questionnaire within 35–50 minutes, they were reassured that they could take as much
time as needed. Additionally, they were instructed to answer each question in order without
skipping any to maintain the validity of the results. In case of any doubts about a question,
they were encouraged to go with their first instinct rather than overanalysing their responses.
Once the test began, the client worked independently without external influence.
Throughout the session, they were observed to ensure they followed the instructions
correctly.
After the client completed the questionnaire, the answer sheet was reviewed to ensure that
all questions had been answered and that no items were left blank. If any missing responses
Once the test was officially completed, the client was thanked for their participation and
reassured that their responses would be treated with confidentiality. A brief discussion was
16PF is one of the most widely used and respected tools in personality assessment. Its
development was driven by the need for a comprehensive, scientifically grounded instrument
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to measure the multifaceted nature of human personality. The need for assessment using the
● Unlike other personality tests that focus on broad traits , the 16PF delves into specific,
primary factors (e.g., warmth, reasoning, emotional stability) that provide deeper insights
2. Practical Applications
● The 16PF is widely used in clinical settings for diagnosing personality disorders,
building, and career counseling. Its ability to predict job performance and workplace behavior
● In educational settings, the 16PF helps in career guidance, identifying learning styles, and
statistical method that identifies underlying dimensions of personality. This scientific rigor
ensures that the 16PF is a reliable and valid measure of personality traits.
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● The test's construction was based on extensive research and data collection, making it one
● The 16PF recognizes the uniqueness of individuals and provides a detailed profile of their
strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for growth. This makes it an invaluable tool for
● By identifying specific personality traits, 16PF helps individuals understand their behavior
patterns, improve interpersonal relationships, and make informed decisions about their
● Before the development of the 16PF, many personality assessments were either too
simplistic or lacked empirical support. Cattell's 16PF filled this gap by providing a
personality.
● Its ability to measure both normal and abnormal personality traits makes it unique and
7. Enhancing Decision-Making
The 16PF provides actionable insights that help professionals make informed decisions. For
example:
● Employers can use it to identify candidates who are a good fit for specific roles.
Scoring
The scoring process for the 16PF begins with checking the responses to ensure that only one
box is marked for each question and that no items are left unanswered. If there are any
correct them. If this is not possible, the score for the affected scale can be estimated. To
estimate the score, first sum the values for the correctly answered items, then multiply this
total by the total number of items in the scale (typically 10–14). Next, divide this result by the
number of items answered and round the final value to the nearest whole number. It is
important to note that this estimation method does not apply to Factor B, which is scored by
To score Factor A, add the values in the marked boxes located within the purple band
designated for Factor A. The total should be written in the box indicated by the arrow on the
scoring key’s left-hand side. This straightforward process ensures that the raw score for
The remaining factors are scored similarly but with some variations. For Factor B, the
values are added vertically downward. The raw scores for Factors A, F, G, L, M, Q1, Q2, and
Q4 are recorded in the appropriate boxes on the left-hand side of the scoring key. Meanwhile,
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the raw scores for Factors C, E, H, I, N, O, Q3, and IM are entered into the corresponding
boxes on the right-hand side of the scoring key. Once all raw scores have been calculated and
recorded, they are ready to be converted into sten scores, which provide the final
Precautions
9. The questions were repeated or rephrased as needed without leading the participant to a
particular answer.
10. Cultural and contextual factors were considered while interpreting the responses to avoid
misjudgement.
Clinical Application
with various applications, such as diagnosis, treatment planning, and psychological research.
response to psychotherapy.
stress responses.
Used in child custody cases to assess parental personality traits. Helps forensic
stress.
This also contributes to researches on personality structures and the mental health
associations.
It will be helpful to understand the life satisfaction and emotional well-being and how
treatment compliance.
anxiety.
tools that give clinicians, counselors, and researchers a better sense of personality
Methodology
Client Profile
Name: S.N.
Age: 22 years
Sex: Female
Ethnicity: Indian
Occupation: Student
Result Table
Scoring Sheet
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Interpretation
Factor A determines, whether the person is reserved or outgoing. The present teste has
received a Sten score of 2 which is Low. She has a very reserved relationship with others, and
Factor B Determines, whether the person is less intelligent or more intelligent. The present
teste has received a sten score of 4 which is average. She is neither weak in her scholastic
mental ability nor high also (neither less intelligent nor more intelligent). She is not weak in
her concrete intelligence; her abstract thinking is also not frail. She is able to achieve fairly in
her academics.
Factor C determines, whether the person is affected by feelings or emotionally stable. The
present teste has received a sten score of 3 which is low. This indicates that she has a low
level of resilience and persistence in implementing solutions. She also feels reactive when
things go wrong.
Factor E determines, whether the person is humble or assertive. The present teste has
received a sten score of 2 which is low. This indicates that she is submissive also humble
Factor F determines, whether the person is sober or happy go lucky. The present teste has
received a sten score of 2 which is low. This indicates that she has a low level of energy and
spontaneity in approach. She seems to be serious, thoughtful and cautious while making
decisions. She is mostly quiet, and tends to speak only in necessary situations. She might
Factor G determines, whether the person is expedient or conscientious. The present teste has
received a sten score of 5 which is average. She is neither expedient nor conscientious, she is
neither disregards rules nor persistent, moralistic and staid, she neither has a weak superego
Factor H determines, whether the person is shy or venturesome. The present teste has
received a sten score of 6 which is average. She is neither shy nor venturesome, she is neither
Factor I determines, whether the person is thought-minded or tender- minded. The present
teste has received a sten score of 4 which is average. She is neither thought-minded nor
tended-minded. She is neither self-reliant and realistic nor sensitive, clinging and
overprotective.
Factor L determines, whether the person is trusting or suspicious. The present teste has
received a sten score of 3 which is low. It indicates she is easy going and adaptable, naturally
trusting and sees good in others and she is not suspicious also she accepts different
conditions.
Factor M determines, whether the person is practical or imaginative. The present teste has
received a sten score of 4 which is average. This indicates that she is somewhat practical also
somewhat imaginative. She has a average level of carefulness, conventional and sometimes
she is regulated by external realities. Also, she is wrapped up in inner urgencies but in a
average level.
Factor N determines, whether the person is forthright or shrewd. The present teste has
received a sten score of 4 which is average. This indicates that she is neither forthright nor
astute. She is neither unpretentious and socially clumsy nor polished and socially aware.
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Factor O determines, whether the person is self-assured or apprehensive. The present teste
has received a sten score of 4 which is average. It indicates that she has a balanced level of
confidence and security. She generally does not worry too much. She is self-assured and free
from excessive guilt. She might trust in her abilities, but she does not come across as overly
confident or careless.
teste has received a sten score of 3 which is low. It indicated that she is conservative,
Factor Q2 determines, whether the person is group dependent or self-sufficient. The present
teste has received a sten score of 7 which is average. This indicates that she is 28 moderately
present teste has received a sten score of 4 which is average. She is neither undisciplined sel
conflict nor controlled. She has a average level of care about social rules, exacting will
Factor Q4 determines, whether the person is relaxed or tense. The present teste has received
a sten score of 2 which is low. This indicates that she is calm, patient, and unhurried, rarely
feeling pressured or stressed, she handles situations with ease she sometimes appears slow-
moving or lacking motivation. Her relaxed nature helps her stay unbothered, but it may also
Conclusion
The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) was administered on the subject Ms.
S.N., and she attained Average scores on Reasoning (B), Rule Consciousness (G), Social
Boldness (H), Sensitivity (I), Abstractedness (M), Privateness (N), Apprehension (O), Self-
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Reliance (Q2), Perfectionism (Q3) and Low scores on Warmth (A), Emotional Stability (C),
Dominance (E), Liveliness (F), Vigilance (L), Openness to change (Q1), Tension (Q4)
categories.
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References
• Cattell, H. E. P., & Mead, A. D. (2008). The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire
• Cattell, R. B., Eber, H. W., & Tatsuoka, M. M. (1970). Handbook for the Sixteen
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definition-and-examples/
https://unique2brilliance.com/personality-development/factors-affecting-personality-
developmen t/
http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/fehringer.html
• http://rccochin.ignou.ac.in/Ignou-RC-
Cochin/userfiles/file/4_16%20PF%20Testing%20final.pd
• Karson, S., & O'Dell, J. W. (1976). A guide to the clinical use of the 16PF. Institute
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https://www.geektonight.com/theories-of-personality/
• doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-7874-4_823