A factor analysis of the California test of personality–secondary level

Abstract

Sought to determine the construct validity of the California Test of Personality--Secondary Level to ascertain whether 12 components (factors) of personality as theorized by test authors are separate and meaningful (N = 1,800). Since personality assessment instruments are essential tools for those who study human behavior it is recognized that the usefulness of these instruments is related directly to their validity. The findings of this study indicate that the 180 items of the CTP are represented better as a 9-factor construct. Thirty-one percent of test items load significantly on 2 or more factors, and 10% of the test items do not contribute in a meaningful way to any one component (factor).