Second-Order Factor Structure of Cattell's 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire

Abstract

Using a large sample of 3000 normal men and women ( M age = 26 yr.), the primary factor scores on Cattell's 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire were subjected to factor analysis. The purposes of this investigation were (1) to provide a precise definition of 16 PF second-order factor structure, (2) to shed additional light on the nature of two second-order factors that have been previously identified but described as “unstable” and “poorly reproduced,” and (3) to determine the degree of factorial similarity between matrices of men and women. The resulting solutions were substantially congruent with previous studies and showed high similarity between men and women, but no support was provided for the two additional second-order factors.