The Predictive Validity of the Sixteen Personality Factors Questionnaire Relative to Three Independent Criterion Measures of Military Performance

Abstract

This study examined the validity of the Sixteen Personality Factors Questionnaire (16PFQ) as a predictor of the success of female military officers. Subjects were 84 volunteers for officers' training, 18-19 years old. Of the 84 who participated in a three-day assessment-center-type selection program, 34 were admitted to officers' school. Three independent criteria were measured: (a) officers' ratings (n ≅ 80), (b) peer nominations (n = 84), and final course grades (n = 34). The results showed that Factors E, H. L, M, N, Q,, Q2, and Q 3 of the 16PFQ were correlated significantly with at least one of the criteria. Although the findings generally supported the interpretation of many of the 16PF scales, as rendered by Cattell, Eber, and Tatsuoka (1970), the outcomes suggested an alternative inter pretation of Factor M.