The Impact of Cognitive Complexity on Frequency-Based Measurement Big Five Measures

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Kyle E. Chapman (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Advisor

Mark C. Bowler

Abstract: Recent research on the factor structure of the Five-Factor Model has called into question the assumption that the five factors are universal across all individuals. Whereas individuals demonstrating average levels of cognitive complexity exhibit the common five factor pattern both Bowler Bowler and Phillips (2009) and Bowler Bowler and Cope (in press) noted that individuals with higher levels of cognitive complexity exhibit more than five factors and individuals with lower levels of cognitive complexity exhibit less than five. The present study sought to examine the impact of cognitive complexity on a five-factor measure that utilized a frequency-based response format developed by Edwards and Woehr (2007). Overall results concurred with previous findings with cognitive complexity influencing the number of factors evidenced. Specifically individuals with low average and high levels of cognitive complexity exhibited five- six- and seven-factor models of personality respectively. Implications of the appropriateness of frequency-based personality measurement are discussed. 

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Date: 2012

Keywords

Psychology, Personality psychology, Cognitive complexity, five factor model, personality

Subjects

Personality and cognition

Personality assessment

Big Five model--Evaluation

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