The development of an experimental conscientiousness measurement instrument within the SAPI project

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In psychology literature Conscientiousness forms part of a model that describes personality. Conscientiousness is defined by characteristics such as hard-working, determined, dutiful and perseverance. Conscientiousness is also a strong indicator of work performance and is often used for psychometric assessments during selection. However, in South Africa psychometric assessment, and especially personality testing, has been scrutinized to ensure that it is fair and unbiased in a multicultural society.This study focused on the development of a Conscientiousness questionnaire based on a South African model of conscientiousness, which forms one factor of the South African Personality Inventory (SAPI) nine cluster model. The study aimed to investigate whether this conscientiousness questionnaire measures conscientiousness in South Africa. The study formed part of the second phase of the SAPI project (quantitative phase). An experimental conscientiousness instrument consisting of 255 items was administered to a sample of South African Police Service (SAPS) police reservists (N = 1051).Following various analysis 88 of the 255 items were removed. The facets also increased to 26. Cronbach alpha coefficient scores showed acceptable levels of reliability for 21 of the 26 facets. Factor analysis indicated that one factor should be retained. 19 facets loaded on this factor. The findings thus confirm the underlying dimensionality of the conscientiousness cluster. However, the findings also indicate that some facets may have to be re-defined.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University