The Cattell Inventory is a psychological test developed by Raymond Cattell in the 1940s. This inventory is used to measure personality traits, attitudes, and behaviors. The Cattell Inventory is composed of 250 items, which are divided into two main categories: surface traits and source traits. Surface traits are those that are easily observable and can be quickly assessed, such as sociability and dominance. Source traits are those that are more internal, such as self-confidence and impulsiveness.
The Cattell Inventory is most often administered in a face-to-face interview. During the interview, the test administrator reads each item aloud and the respondent provides a response. Responses are rated on a 5-point scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Scores are then calculated and can be used to evaluate a person’s personality traits.
The Cattell Inventory is a useful tool for research, clinical, and educational settings. It has been used to study the effects of personality on educational outcomes, such as academic performance and college selection. It has also been used to assess mental health, such as levels of anxiety and depression. Additionally, the Cattell Inventory can be used to assess the effects of interventions, such as therapy or coaching, on personality traits.
Overall, the Cattell Inventory is a reliable and valid tool for measuring personality traits. While it is not as widely used as other personality tests, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, it is a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and educators.
References
Barrick, M. R., Mount, M. K., & Judge, T. A. (2001). Personality and performance at the beginning of the new millennium: What do we know and where do we go next? International Journal of Selection and Assessment, 9(1-2), 9-30.
Cattell, R. B. (1943). The Description and Measurement of Personality. London: University of London Press.
Gosling, S. D., Rentfrow, P. J., & Swann, W. B. (2003). A very brief measure of the Big-Five personality domains. Journal of Research in Personality, 37(6), 504-528.
Joseph, D. L., & Newman, D. A. (2010). Emotional intelligence: An integrative meta-analysis and cascading model. Journal of Applied Psychology, 95(1), 54-78.