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Source method biases as implicit personality theory at the domain and facet levels

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McCrae, Robert R., Mõttus, René, Hřebíčková, Martina, Realo, Anu and Allik, Jüri (2019) Source method biases as implicit personality theory at the domain and facet levels. Journal of Personality, 87 (4). pp. 813-826. doi:10.1111/jopy.12435

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12435

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Abstract

Objective

We tested predictions about the structure and magnitude of method biases in single‐source personality trait assessments. We expected a large number of distinct biases that would parallel the observed structure of traits, at both facet and item levels.

Method

We analyzed multimethod ratings on the Estonian NEO Personality Inventory‐3 in a sample of 3,214 adults. By subtracting informant ratings from self‐reports, we eliminated true score variance and analyzed the size and structure of the residual method biases. We replicated analyses using data (N = 709) from the Czech Revised NEO Personality Inventory.

Results

The magnitude of method biases was consistent with predictions by McCrae (2018, Psychological Assessment). Factor analyses at the facet level showed a clear replication of the normative Five‐Factor Model structure in both samples. Item factor analyses within domains showed that facet‐level method biases mimicked the facet structure of the instrument.

Conclusions

Method biases apparently reflect implicit personality theory (IPT)—beliefs about how traits and trait indicators covary. We discuss the (collective) accuracy and possible origins of IPT. Because method biases limit the accuracy of single‐source assessments, we recommend assessments that combine information from two or more informants.

Item Type:

Journal Article

Subjects:

B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Q Science > QA Mathematics

Divisions:

Faculty of Science > Psychology

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):

Personality tests -- Methodology, Factor analysis

Journal or Publication Title:

Journal of Personality

Publisher:

Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.

ISSN:

0022-3506

Official Date:

August 2019

Dates:

Date	Event
August 2019	Published
23 September 2018	Available
2 September 2018	Accepted

Date of first compliant deposit:

3 September 2018

Volume:

Number:

Page Range:

pp. 813-826

DOI:

10.1111/jopy.12435

Status:

Peer Reviewed

Publication Status:

Published

Publisher Statement:

"This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: McCrae RR, Mõttus R, Hřebíčková M, Realo A, Allik J. Source method biases as implicit personality theory at the domain and facet levels. J Pers. 2018;00:1–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12435 which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12435. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions."

Access rights to Published version:

Restricted or Subscription Access

RIOXX Funder/Project Grant:

Project/Grant ID	RIOXX Funder Name	Funder ID
RVO: 68081740	Akademie věd České Republiky	http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100004240
17-14387S	Grantová Agentura České Republiky	http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001824
406/01/1507	Grantová Agentura České Republiky	http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001824
IUT2-13	Eesti. Haridus- ja Teadusministeerium	http://viaf.org/viaf/135236715