About the 16 Primary Personality Factors

(Adapted from the Administrator's manual for the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire, 1986)

Low score direction High score direction

Cool, reserved, impersonal, detached, formal, aloof

People who score low (sten of 1 to 3) tend to be stiff, cool, skeptical, and aloof. They like things rather than people, working alone, and avoiding compromising viewpoints. They are likely to be precise and "rigid" in their ways of doing things and in their personal standards. In many occupations these are desirable traits. They may tend, at times, to be critical, obstructive, or hard.

vs.

Factor A
Warm, outgoing, kindly, easygoing, participating, likes people

People who score high (sten of 8 to 10) tend to be good-natured, easygoing, emotionally expressive, ready to cooperate, attentive to people, softhearted, kindly, adaptable. They like occupations dealing with people and socially impressive situations, and they readily form active groups. They are generous in personal relations, less afraid of criticism, and better able to remember names of people.

Affected by feelings, emotionally less stable, easily annoyed

The person who scores low (1 to 3) tends to be low in frustration tolerance for unsatisfactory conditions, changeable and plastic, evading necessary reality demands, neurotically fatigued, fretful, easily annoyed and emotional, active in dissatisfaction, having neurotic symptoms (phobias, sleep disturbances, psychosomatic complaints, etc.)

vs.

Factor C
Emotionally stable, mature, faces reality, calm

The person who scores high (8 to 10) tends to be emotionally mature, stable, realistic about life, unruffled, possessing ego strength, better able to maintain solid group morale.

Submissive, humble, mild, easily led, accommodating

Individuals scoring low (1 to 3) tend to give way to others, to be docile, and to conform. They are often dependent, confessing, anxious for obsessional correctness.

vs.

Factor E
Dominant, assertive, aggressive, stubborn, competitive, bossy

Individuals scoring high (8 to 10) are assertive, self-assured, and independent-minded. They tend to be austere, a law unto themselves, hostile or extrapunative, authoritarian (managing others), and disregarding of authority.

Sober, restrained, prudent, taciturn, serious

Low scorers tend to be restrained, reticent, and introspective. They are sometimes dour, pessimistic, unduly deliberate, and considered smug and primly correct by observers. They tend to be sober, dependable people.

vs.

Factor F
Enthusiastic, spontaneous, heedless, expressive, cheerful

High scorers tend to be cheerful, active, talkative, frank, expressive and carefree. They are frequently chosen as elected leaders. They may be impulsive and mercurial.

Expedient, disregards rules, self-indulgent

People who score low tend to be unsteady in purpose. They are often casual and lacking in effort for group undertakings and cultural demands. Their freedom from group influence may lead to antisocial acts, but at times makes them more effective, while their refusal to be bound by rules causes them to have less somatic upset from stress.
vs.

Factor G
Conscientious, conforming, moralistic, staid, rule-bound

People who score high tend to be exacting in character , dominated by sense of duty, persevering, responsible, planful, "fill the unforgiving minute." They are usually conscientious and moralistic, and they prefer hard-working people to witty companions.

Shy, threat-sensitive, timid, hesitant, intimidated

Individuals who score low on this trait tend to be shy, withdrawing, cautious, retiring, "wallflowers." They usually have inferiority feelings and tend to be slow and impeded in speech and in expressing themselves. They dislike occupations with personal contacts, prefer one or two close friends to large groups, and are not given to keeping in contact with all that is going on around them.
vs.

Factor H
Bold, venturesome, uninhibited, can take stress

Individuals who score high are sociable, bold, ready to try new things, spontaneous, and abundant in emotional response. Their "thick-skinnedness" enables them to face wear and tear in dealing with people and grueling fatigue. However, they can be careless of detail, ignore danger signals, and consume much time talking. They tend to be "pushy" and actively interested in the opposite sex.

Tough-minded, self-reliant, no-nonsense, rough, realistic

People who score low tend to be tough, realistic, "down to earth," independent, responsible, but skeptical of subjective, cultural elaborations. They are sometimes unmoved, hard, cynical, and smug. They tend to keep a group operating on a practical and realistic "no-nonsense" basis.
vs.

Factor I
Tender-minded, sensitive, overprotected, intuitive, refined

People who score high tend to be emotionally sensitive, day-dreaming, artistically fastidious, and fanciful. They are sometimes demanding of attention and help, impatient, dependent, temperamental, and not very realistic. They dislike crude people and rough occupations. In a group, they often tend to slow up a group performance and to upset group morale by undue fussiness.

Trusting, accepting conditions, easy to get on with

The person who scores low tends to be free of jealous tendencies, adaptable, cheerful, uncompetitive, concerned about others, a good team worker. They are open and tolerant and usually willing to take a chance with people.

vs.

Factor L
Suspicious, hard to fool, distrustful, skeptical

People who score high tend to be mistrusting and doubtful. They are often involved in their own egos and are self-opinionated and interested in internal, mental life. Usually they are deliberate in their actions, unconcerned about other people, and poor team members.

Practical, concerned with "down to earth" issues, steady

Low scorers tend to be anxious to do the right things, attentive to practical matters, and subject to the dictation of what is obviously possible. They are concerned over detail, able to keep their heads in emergencies, but are sometimes unimaginative. In short, they are responsible to the outer, rather than the inner, world.
vs.

Factor M
Imaginative, absent-minded, absorbed in thought, impractical

High scorers tend to be unconventional, unconcerned over everyday matters, self-motivated, imaginatively creative, concerned with "essentials," often absorbed in thought, and oblivious of particular people and physical realities. Their inner-directed interests sometimes lead to unrealistic situations accompanied by expressive outbursts. Their individuality can cause them to be rejected in group activities.

Forthright, unpretentious, open, genuine, artless

Individuals who score low have a lot of natural warmth and a genuine liking for people. They are uncomplicated, sentimental, and unvarnished in their approach to people.
vs.

Factor N
Shrewd, polished, socially aware, diplomatic, calculating

Individuals who score high tend to be polished, experienced, and shrewd. Their approach to people and problems is usually perceptive, hard-headed, and efficient - an unsentimental approach to situations, an approach akin to cynicism.

Self-assured, secure, feels free of guilt, untroubled, self-satisfied

Persons with low scores tend to be unruffled and to have unshakable nerve. They have a mature, unanxious confidence in themselves and their capacity to deal with things. They can, however, be secure to the point of being insensitive to the feedback of others.
vs.

Factor O
Apprehensive, self-blaming, guilt-prone, insecure, worrying

Persons with high scores have a strong sense of obligation and high expectations of themselves. They tend to worry and feel anxious and guilt-stricken over difficulties. Often they do not feel accepted in groups or free to participate.

Conservative, respecting traditional ideas

Low scorers are confident in what they have been taught to believe, and accept the "tried and true," even when something else might be better. They are cautious and compromising in regard to new ideas. Thus, they tend to oppose and postpone change, are inclined to go along with tradition, are more conservative in religion and politics, and tend not to be interested in analytical "intellectual" thought.

vs.

Factor Q1
Experimenting, liberal, critical, open to change

High scorers tend to be interested in intellectual matters and to have doubts on fundamental issues. They are skeptical and inquiring regarding ideas, either old or new. Usually they are more well informed, less inclined to moralize, more inclined to experiment in life generally, and more tolerant of inconvenience and change.

Group-oriented, a "joiner" and sound follower, listens to others

Individuals who score low prefer to work and make decisions with other people and like and depend on social approval and admiration. They may tend to go along with the group and may be lacking in individual resolution. They are not necessarily gregarious by choice; rather they might need group support.

Factor Q2

vs.
Self-sufficient, resourceful, prefers own decisions

Individuals who score high are temperamentally independent, accustomed to going their own way, making decisions and taking action on their own. They discount public opinion, but are not necessarily dominant in their relations with others (see factor E); in fact, they could be hesitant to ask others for help. They do not dislike people, but simply do not need their agreement or support.

Undisciplined self-conflict, lax, careless of social rules

People who score low will not be bothered with will control and have little regard for social demands. They are impetuous and not overly considerate, careful, or painstaking. They may feel maladjusted, and many maladjustments (especially the affective, but not the paranoid) show Q3-.

Factor Q3

vs.
Following self-image, socially precise, compulsive

People who are high tend to have strong control of their emotions and general behavior, are inclined to be socially aware and careful, and evidence what is commonly termed "self-respect" and high regard for social reputation. They sometimes tend, however, to be perfectionistic and obstinate. Effective leaders, and some paranoids, are high on Q3.

Relaxed, tranquil, composed, has low drive, unfrustrated

Individuals who score low tend to be sedate, relaxed, composed, and satisfied (not frustrated). In some situations, their oversatisfaction can lead to laziness and low performance, in the sense that low motivation produces little trial and error.

Factor Q4

vs.
Tense, frustrated, overwrought, has high drive

Individuals who score high tend to be tense, restless, fretful, impatient, and hard driving. They are often fatigued, but unable to remain inactive. Their frustration represents an excess of stimulated, but undischarged, drive. Extremely high tension level may disrupt school and work performance.

Low score direction		High score direction
Cool, reserved, impersonal, detached, formal, aloof People who score low (sten of 1 to 3) tend to be stiff, cool, skeptical, and aloof. They like things rather than people, working alone, and avoiding compromising viewpoints. They are likely to be precise and "rigid" in their ways of doing things and in their personal standards. In many occupations these are desirable traits. They may tend, at times, to be critical, obstructive, or hard.	vs. Factor A	Warm, outgoing, kindly, easygoing, participating, likes people People who score high (sten of 8 to 10) tend to be good-natured, easygoing, emotionally expressive, ready to cooperate, attentive to people, softhearted, kindly, adaptable. They like occupations dealing with people and socially impressive situations, and they readily form active groups. They are generous in personal relations, less afraid of criticism, and better able to remember names of people.
Affected by feelings, emotionally less stable, easily annoyed The person who scores low (1 to 3) tends to be low in frustration tolerance for unsatisfactory conditions, changeable and plastic, evading necessary reality demands, neurotically fatigued, fretful, easily annoyed and emotional, active in dissatisfaction, having neurotic symptoms (phobias, sleep disturbances, psychosomatic complaints, etc.)	vs. Factor C	Emotionally stable, mature, faces reality, calm The person who scores high (8 to 10) tends to be emotionally mature, stable, realistic about life, unruffled, possessing ego strength, better able to maintain solid group morale.
Submissive, humble, mild, easily led, accommodating Individuals scoring low (1 to 3) tend to give way to others, to be docile, and to conform. They are often dependent, confessing, anxious for obsessional correctness.	vs. Factor E	Dominant, assertive, aggressive, stubborn, competitive, bossy Individuals scoring high (8 to 10) are assertive, self-assured, and independent-minded. They tend to be austere, a law unto themselves, hostile or extrapunative, authoritarian (managing others), and disregarding of authority.
Sober, restrained, prudent, taciturn, serious Low scorers tend to be restrained, reticent, and introspective. They are sometimes dour, pessimistic, unduly deliberate, and considered smug and primly correct by observers. They tend to be sober, dependable people.	vs. Factor F	Enthusiastic, spontaneous, heedless, expressive, cheerful High scorers tend to be cheerful, active, talkative, frank, expressive and carefree. They are frequently chosen as elected leaders. They may be impulsive and mercurial.
Expedient, disregards rules, self-indulgent People who score low tend to be unsteady in purpose. They are often casual and lacking in effort for group undertakings and cultural demands. Their freedom from group influence may lead to antisocial acts, but at times makes them more effective, while their refusal to be bound by rules causes them to have less somatic upset from stress.	vs. Factor G	Conscientious, conforming, moralistic, staid, rule-bound People who score high tend to be exacting in character , dominated by sense of duty, persevering, responsible, planful, "fill the unforgiving minute." They are usually conscientious and moralistic, and they prefer hard-working people to witty companions.
Shy, threat-sensitive, timid, hesitant, intimidated Individuals who score low on this trait tend to be shy, withdrawing, cautious, retiring, "wallflowers." They usually have inferiority feelings and tend to be slow and impeded in speech and in expressing themselves. They dislike occupations with personal contacts, prefer one or two close friends to large groups, and are not given to keeping in contact with all that is going on around them.	vs. Factor H	Bold, venturesome, uninhibited, can take stress Individuals who score high are sociable, bold, ready to try new things, spontaneous, and abundant in emotional response. Their "thick-skinnedness" enables them to face wear and tear in dealing with people and grueling fatigue. However, they can be careless of detail, ignore danger signals, and consume much time talking. They tend to be "pushy" and actively interested in the opposite sex.
Tough-minded, self-reliant, no-nonsense, rough, realistic People who score low tend to be tough, realistic, "down to earth," independent, responsible, but skeptical of subjective, cultural elaborations. They are sometimes unmoved, hard, cynical, and smug. They tend to keep a group operating on a practical and realistic "no-nonsense" basis.	vs. Factor I	Tender-minded, sensitive, overprotected, intuitive, refined People who score high tend to be emotionally sensitive, day-dreaming, artistically fastidious, and fanciful. They are sometimes demanding of attention and help, impatient, dependent, temperamental, and not very realistic. They dislike crude people and rough occupations. In a group, they often tend to slow up a group performance and to upset group morale by undue fussiness.
Trusting, accepting conditions, easy to get on with The person who scores low tends to be free of jealous tendencies, adaptable, cheerful, uncompetitive, concerned about others, a good team worker. They are open and tolerant and usually willing to take a chance with people.	vs. Factor L	Suspicious, hard to fool, distrustful, skeptical People who score high tend to be mistrusting and doubtful. They are often involved in their own egos and are self-opinionated and interested in internal, mental life. Usually they are deliberate in their actions, unconcerned about other people, and poor team members.
Practical, concerned with "down to earth" issues, steady Low scorers tend to be anxious to do the right things, attentive to practical matters, and subject to the dictation of what is obviously possible. They are concerned over detail, able to keep their heads in emergencies, but are sometimes unimaginative. In short, they are responsible to the outer, rather than the inner, world.	vs. Factor M	Imaginative, absent-minded, absorbed in thought, impractical High scorers tend to be unconventional, unconcerned over everyday matters, self-motivated, imaginatively creative, concerned with "essentials," often absorbed in thought, and oblivious of particular people and physical realities. Their inner-directed interests sometimes lead to unrealistic situations accompanied by expressive outbursts. Their individuality can cause them to be rejected in group activities.
Forthright, unpretentious, open, genuine, artless Individuals who score low have a lot of natural warmth and a genuine liking for people. They are uncomplicated, sentimental, and unvarnished in their approach to people.	vs. Factor N	Shrewd, polished, socially aware, diplomatic, calculating Individuals who score high tend to be polished, experienced, and shrewd. Their approach to people and problems is usually perceptive, hard-headed, and efficient - an unsentimental approach to situations, an approach akin to cynicism.
Self-assured, secure, feels free of guilt, untroubled, self-satisfied Persons with low scores tend to be unruffled and to have unshakable nerve. They have a mature, unanxious confidence in themselves and their capacity to deal with things. They can, however, be secure to the point of being insensitive to the feedback of others.	vs. Factor O	Apprehensive, self-blaming, guilt-prone, insecure, worrying Persons with high scores have a strong sense of obligation and high expectations of themselves. They tend to worry and feel anxious and guilt-stricken over difficulties. Often they do not feel accepted in groups or free to participate.
Conservative, respecting traditional ideas Low scorers are confident in what they have been taught to believe, and accept the "tried and true," even when something else might be better. They are cautious and compromising in regard to new ideas. Thus, they tend to oppose and postpone change, are inclined to go along with tradition, are more conservative in religion and politics, and tend not to be interested in analytical "intellectual" thought.	vs. Factor Q1	Experimenting, liberal, critical, open to change High scorers tend to be interested in intellectual matters and to have doubts on fundamental issues. They are skeptical and inquiring regarding ideas, either old or new. Usually they are more well informed, less inclined to moralize, more inclined to experiment in life generally, and more tolerant of inconvenience and change.
Group-oriented, a "joiner" and sound follower, listens to others Individuals who score low prefer to work and make decisions with other people and like and depend on social approval and admiration. They may tend to go along with the group and may be lacking in individual resolution. They are not necessarily gregarious by choice; rather they might need group support.	Factor Q2 vs.	Self-sufficient, resourceful, prefers own decisions Individuals who score high are temperamentally independent, accustomed to going their own way, making decisions and taking action on their own. They discount public opinion, but are not necessarily dominant in their relations with others (see factor E); in fact, they could be hesitant to ask others for help. They do not dislike people, but simply do not need their agreement or support.
Undisciplined self-conflict, lax, careless of social rules People who score low will not be bothered with will control and have little regard for social demands. They are impetuous and not overly considerate, careful, or painstaking. They may feel maladjusted, and many maladjustments (especially the affective, but not the paranoid) show Q3-.	Factor Q3 vs.	Following self-image, socially precise, compulsive People who are high tend to have strong control of their emotions and general behavior, are inclined to be socially aware and careful, and evidence what is commonly termed "self-respect" and high regard for social reputation. They sometimes tend, however, to be perfectionistic and obstinate. Effective leaders, and some paranoids, are high on Q3.
Relaxed, tranquil, composed, has low drive, unfrustrated Individuals who score low tend to be sedate, relaxed, composed, and satisfied (not frustrated). In some situations, their oversatisfaction can lead to laziness and low performance, in the sense that low motivation produces little trial and error.	Factor Q4 vs.	Tense, frustrated, overwrought, has high drive Individuals who score high tend to be tense, restless, fretful, impatient, and hard driving. They are often fatigued, but unable to remain inactive. Their frustration represents an excess of stimulated, but undischarged, drive. Extremely high tension level may disrupt school and work performance.