Personality psychology became an identifiable discipline in the social sciences in the 1930s when Allport (1937) published an article on the psychological interpretation of personality. The field of personality traditionally emphasised the study of the whole person, the dynamics of human motivation and the identification and measurement of individual differences (McAdams, 1997). Since the publication of Allport’s article, personality has been extensively researched and several theories exist that attempt to organise and explain the differences in human behaviour. Personality instruments are based on personality theories and aim to assist psychologists with the prediction of human behaviour. Psychologists use personality instruments as part of a selection battery to assist organisations with the screening and selection of individuals who have the potential to be successful within a specific work environment. The Basic Traits Inventory (BTI), a personality instrument that is based on the Five-Factor model, was developed in South Africa by Taylor and De Bruin (2006). The BTI is a valid and reliable personality instrument as indicated by results from research by Taylor (2004), Taylor and De Bruin (2006) and Taylor (2008) on its utility within the multicultural and multilingual environment of South Africa. Taylor (2008) nevertheless identified some problematic items when she analysed the construct, item, and response bias of the BTI across cultures for three language groups – Afrikaans, English and indigenous African languages – and consequently indicated the need for further research in this regard. The current study therefore explores the possible bias of the items of the BTI, and uses a sample large enough to analyse each of the eleven of the official languages of South Africa separately. The study focuses on the impact of the eleven official languages of South Africa on assessment of the Big Five personality factors with the BTI. The actual sample consisted of 105 342 respondents, resulting in the sub-samples per official language group being larger than 1 000. Each of the eleven official South African language groups could therefore be analysed separately, which has not been possible in previous studies. Analysis of the responses of the total sample to the BTI items generally yielded high reliability in terms of Cronbach alpha coefficients (α) and the Person Separation Index (PSI). The results were reported as follows: Extraversion (α=.86; PSI=.85); Neuroticism (α=.89; PSI=.86); Conscientiousness (α=.93; PSI=.88); Openness to experience (α=.90; PSI=.84); Agreeableness (α=.94; PSI=.86); and Social desirability (α=.72; PSI=.70). MANOVA results indicated statistically significant differences between the mean values of each of the BTI factors for the different language groups. Rasch analysis methods were used to further analyse the differences in terms of item responses for each of the eleven official language groups in South Africa. Respondents generally interpret and endorse the items of a personality instrument according to their intrinsic personality characteristics and their interpretation of the words used in the items of the personality instrument. In order to assess the respondents’ understanding of the administration language, English, two English proficiency tests were administered together with the BTI. The combined English proficiency scores were used to differentiate between respondents who understood English very well (top 25% – high English proficiency group) and those who struggled to understand English terminology (bottom 25% – low English proficiency group). Rasch analysis techniques were used to analyse the data for the whole sample as well as for the high and low English proficiency groups. Some items showed statistically significant differences for the language groups, indicating item bias in the BTI. Contrary to expectation, a larger number of biased items were indicated for the higher English proficiency group than for the total group or for the low English proficiency group. Due to the number of biased items for the high English proficiency group, it was concluded that the differences between the eleven official language groups may be a result of the differences in the intrinsic personality characteristics of the respondents, rather than measurement errors or item bias of the BTI instrument. Further research in this regard was recommended. The current study confirms that home language and English proficiency, as indicators of the level of understanding of the language in which the personality instrument was administered, undeniably influence the individual’s response pattern. Far fewer items indicated bias than those identified in Taylor’s (2008) study, where a smaller sample was used and language groups were combined. Despite some BTI items showing bias, the conclusion was reached that this personality instrument can be used with confidence to assess personality traits in persons speaking any of the eleven official South African languages. / Industrial & Organisational Psychology / D. Comm. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Personality psychology became an identifiable discipline in the social sciences in the 1930s when Allport (1937) published an article on the psychological interpretation of personality. The field of personality traditionally emphasised the study of the whole person, the dynamics of human motivation and the identification and measurement of individual differences (McAdams, 1997). Since the publication of Allport’s article, personality has been extensively researched and several theories exist that attempt to organise and explain the differences in human behaviour. Personality instruments are based on personality theories and aim to assist psychologists with the prediction of human behaviour. Psychologists use personality instruments as part of a selection battery to assist organisations with the screening and selection of individuals who have the potential to be successful within a specific work environment. The Basic Traits Inventory (BTI), a personality instrument that is based on the Five-Factor model, was developed in South Africa by Taylor and De Bruin (2006). The BTI is a valid and reliable personality instrument as indicated by results from research by Taylor (2004), Taylor and De Bruin (2006) and Taylor (2008) on its utility within the multicultural and multilingual environment of South Africa. Taylor (2008) nevertheless identified some problematic items when she analysed the construct, item, and response bias of the BTI across cultures for three language groups – Afrikaans, English and indigenous African languages – and consequently indicated the need for further research in this regard. The current study therefore explores the possible bias of the items of the BTI, and uses a sample large enough to analyse each of the eleven of the official languages of South Africa separately. The study focuses on the impact of the eleven official languages of South Africa on assessment of the Big Five personality factors with the BTI. The actual sample consisted of 105 342 respondents, resulting in the sub-samples per official language group being larger than 1 000. Each of the eleven official South African language groups could therefore be analysed separately, which has not been possible in previous studies. Analysis of the responses of the total sample to the BTI items generally yielded high reliability in terms of Cronbach alpha coefficients (α) and the Person Separation Index (PSI). The results were reported as follows: Extraversion (α=.86; PSI=.85); Neuroticism (α=.89; PSI=.86); Conscientiousness (α=.93; PSI=.88); Openness to experience (α=.90; PSI=.84); Agreeableness (α=.94; PSI=.86); and Social desirability (α=.72; PSI=.70). MANOVA results indicated statistically significant differences between the mean values of each of the BTI factors for the different language groups. Rasch analysis methods were used to further analyse the differences in terms of item responses for each of the eleven official language groups in South Africa. Respondents generally interpret and endorse the items of a personality instrument according to their intrinsic personality characteristics and their interpretation of the words used in the items of the personality instrument. In order to assess the respondents’ understanding of the administration language, English, two English proficiency tests were administered together with the BTI. The combined English proficiency scores were used to differentiate between respondents who understood English very well (top 25% – high English proficiency group) and those who struggled to understand English terminology (bottom 25% – low English proficiency group). Rasch analysis techniques were used to analyse the data for the whole sample as well as for the high and low English proficiency groups. Some items showed statistically significant differences for the language groups, indicating item bias in the BTI. Contrary to expectation, a larger number of biased items were indicated for the higher English proficiency group than for the total group or for the low English proficiency group. Due to the number of biased items for the high English proficiency group, it was concluded that the differences between the eleven official language groups may be a result of the differences in the intrinsic personality characteristics of the respondents, rather than measurement errors or item bias of the BTI instrument. Further research in this regard was recommended. The current study confirms that home language and English proficiency, as indicators of the level of understanding of the language in which the personality instrument was administered, undeniably influence the individual’s response pattern. Far fewer items indicated bias than those identified in Taylor’s (2008) study, where a smaller sample was used and language groups were combined. Despite some BTI items showing bias, the conclusion was reached that this personality instrument can be used with confidence to assess personality traits in persons speaking any of the eleven official South African languages. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / D. Comm. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--University of South Africa,2002

A Venda version of the South African Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire Fifth edition(16PF5) was develop using forward and back translation methods. This version was administered to a sample of 85 Venda speaking subjects. Subjects ranged in age from 18 to 30 years old. Item analysis was done and a qualitative analysis of the reasons why items were not successful was done for each scale. Reasons identified included translation errors, problems in understanding the vocabulary and idiomatic language used, the use of the negative form and possible differences in the manifestation of constructs. Given the large number of items to be excluded, only general trends were indicated as to avoid over interpretation. These trends need to be considered when changing or replacing items. The results of this study can be regarded as a first step in developing a Venda version of the 16PF5. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

A survey of the field revealed a need for a Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI). The two major objectives were to understand the concept of selfactualization and the use of the POI as a measuring instrument. The POI correlation coefficients were used as input data for the computer program, Linear Structural Relations (LISREL), to perform a Confirmatory Factor Analysis. A sample of 495 individuals was used in this research. This sample consisted of both male and female second-year Industrial Psychology students from various race groups. The research concluded that the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) indicated a poor fit between the empirical model and the empirical reality. This determined that the POI's factor structure could not confirm the theoretical model of selfactualization. It is acknowledged that more research needs to be conducted, taking due consideration of bias variables and cultural diversity. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Com. (Industrial Psychology)

A survey of literature has revealed that there is a need for a reliability and validity study of the Personal Orientation Inventory in South Africa. The two major objectives of this research where therefore to determine firstly, the test-retest reliability of the Personal Orientation Inventory and secondly, to establish the construct validity, in other words, how well the Personal Orientation Inventory correlates with other measures purporting to measure similar traits. The total sample of 317 individuals used in this research, consisted of both male and female school leavers such as students and national servicemen, ranging in age from 17 to 22 years. The results of this introductory study regarding reliability and validity of the Personal Orientation Inventory in South Africa demonstrated clear support for similar research done overseas and showed to be compatible with the humanistic psychology movement's original concept of self-actualization. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.A. (Industrial Psychology)

The focus of this study is the Sixteen Personality Factor Quenstionnaire, South Africam 1992 version (16 PF, SA92). This personality questionnaire was derived from the 16 PF which was developed in the United States and was adapted for South African conditions in 1992. The aim of this study is to determine whether the scores of the 16 PF, SA92 are cross-culturally valid and comparable in South Africa. The sample consisted of White and African (male and female) applicants who applied for positions in a South African state department. To achieve the aims outlined in the introductory chapter, construct comparability and item comparability research was conducted. Descriptive statistics were also calculated to indicate the performance of the various sub-samples (White, African, male and female). The results indicated that the population variable as opposed to the gender variable had the greatest influence on the scores obtained. Problems existed with the construct and item comparability of the 16 PF, SA92 when the different population groups were compared. Mean differences were also found on the majority of factors of the 16 PF, SA92 when the scores of the different population groups were compared. The implications of using 16 PF, SA92 were outlined and several assessment options were presented for users of the 16 PF, SA92. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Admin. (Industrial Psychology)

A Venda version of the South African Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire Fifth edition(16PF5) was develop using forward and back translation methods. This version was administered to a sample of 85 Venda speaking subjects. Subjects ranged in age from 18 to 30 years old. Item analysis was done and a qualitative analysis of the reasons why items were not successful was done for each scale. Reasons identified included translation errors, problems in understanding the vocabulary and idiomatic language used, the use of the negative form and possible differences in the manifestation of constructs. Given the large number of items to be excluded, only general trends were indicated as to avoid over interpretation. These trends need to be considered when changing or replacing items. The results of this study can be regarded as a first step in developing a Venda version of the 16PF5. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

A survey of literature has revealed that there is a need for a reliability and validity study of the Personal Orientation Inventory in South Africa. The two major objectives of this research where therefore to determine firstly, the test-retest reliability of the Personal Orientation Inventory and secondly, to establish the construct validity, in other words, how well the Personal Orientation Inventory correlates with other measures purporting to measure similar traits. The total sample of 317 individuals used in this research, consisted of both male and female school leavers such as students and national servicemen, ranging in age from 17 to 22 years. The results of this introductory study regarding reliability and validity of the Personal Orientation Inventory in South Africa demonstrated clear support for similar research done overseas and showed to be compatible with the humanistic psychology movement's original concept of self-actualization. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.A. (Industrial Psychology)

A survey of the field revealed a need for a Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI). The two major objectives were to understand the concept of selfactualization and the use of the POI as a measuring instrument. The POI correlation coefficients were used as input data for the computer program, Linear Structural Relations (LISREL), to perform a Confirmatory Factor Analysis. A sample of 495 individuals was used in this research. This sample consisted of both male and female second-year Industrial Psychology students from various race groups. The research concluded that the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) indicated a poor fit between the empirical model and the empirical reality. This determined that the POI's factor structure could not confirm the theoretical model of selfactualization. It is acknowledged that more research needs to be conducted, taking due consideration of bias variables and cultural diversity. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Com. (Industrial Psychology)