Item response tree (IRTree) models are a flexible framework to control self-reported trait measurements for response styles. To this end, IRTree models decompose the responses to rating items into sub-decisions, which are assumed to be made on the basis of either the trait being measured or a response style, whereby the effects of such person…

The primary aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the scores on a version for children of the Carver and White Behavioral Inhibition and Activation scales (the BIS-BAS scales). This involved administering the BIS-BAS scales, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, the Junior Eysenck Personality Questionnaire…

The reliability and item homogeneity of personality scales are in part dependent on the content domain being sampled, and this characteristic reliability cannot be explained by item ambiguity or scale length. It is suggested that clarity of self concept is also a determinant. (Author/JKS)

Reliability and validity data are presented for three orthogonal measures of temperament: trait-pleasure, trait-arousal, and trait-dominance. Reliability coefficients for the three scales were .91, .60, and .84, respectively. Intercorrelations among the three scales were insignificant and low. (Author/JKS)

Bipolar adjective rating scales were constructed to evaluate selected needs from Murray's theory of personality. Internal consistency estimates of the bipolar adjective measures compared favorably to those of the Personality Research Form scales. Results suggest that certain personality traits are more amenable to valid measurement by bipolar…

Responses of 522 middle-class parents to Torrance's Ideal Child Checklist were factor analyzed. Four dimensions were found to underly the 66 items that originally comprised the scale: Factor I, Confident, Aggressive, Well Adjusted; Factor II, Socially Virtuous; Factor III, Negativistic, Critical; and Factor IV, Creative-Intuitive. These dimensions…

Intraindividual variability in positive and negative affect was assessed by the positive affect (Contentment, Joy, Vigor, Love, and Excitement) and negative affect (Depression, Hostility, Anxiety, Agitation, and Social Anxiety) subscales of the state version of the Comprehensive Personality and Affect Scales (COPAS) during a 3-week period. Using…

A generalization of the G index of agreement is presented, allowing for its application in multiple ratings. The generalized coefficient is intended for use in the psychiatric clinic. An illustrative example is provided, using hypothetical data. (Author)

Illustrates a multivariate approach to item analysis. Previous formulation is extended by investigating techniques simultaneously taking into account scale variance with the goal of reducing the average correlation between scales. Study examines problems in determining optimum values for combinations of item parameters selected for personality…

Reliability and validity data are reported for a questionnaire measure of individual differences in dominance-submissiveness. The 48-item questionnaire, which was balanced for response bias, had high internal consistency and correlated highly with other available measure of dominance. (Author/JKS)

A method to improve personality inventory validity by presenting positively keyed items from a single trait in descending order of endorsement and encouraging subjects to respond in terms of the resulting Guttman scale is presented. Experimental results show increases in reliability and validity. (Author/JKS)

Coefficient alpha reliability estimates and interscale correlations were obtained for five locus of control scales administered to 267 undergraduates: the Rotter Internal-External Scale; the 18-item version of the Reid and Ware scale; the Levenson scale; the Nowicki-Strickland adult internal/external scale; and the Duttweiler Internal Control…

Various person reliability coefficients, including within- and between-occasion consistency measures, were investigated using the test and retest responses of 123 undergraduates on the Basic Personality Inventory (BPI). Results indicate person reliability may be a multidimensional concept, and that certain item consistency measures are confounded…