This Study outlines an approach to the measurement of individual differences in personality. The approach was suggested by a gross observational comparison of mental hospital patients and college students. This comparison was refined by means of an original method of scaling and scoring the answers given to psychological inventories.
HISTORICAL REVIEWThe Investigation of Individual Differences Individual differences in various aspects of behavior were first noted by gross observational comparison of individuals. The observational comparisons were then refined by means of measurement techniques. The measurement techniques have involved the following assumptions:(a) that a linear continuum exists; (b) that tests or test-items can be allocated on the continuum, in graduated order, according to a defined principle; and (c) that the tests or test-items can be used to allocate individuals along the continuum.These assumptions are said to be justified, and the results obtained with the continuum are said to be psychologically significant, if:(a) the results differentiate between individuals in a manner similar to that of another criterion (e.g., the observational comparison) ; (b) two or more continua with different tests or test-items give similar results; (c) the tests or test-items show internal consistency; and if (d) the attribute or factor measured can be given psychological meaning.* Thesis, accepted as partial fulfillment of requirements for the Ph.D. degree, the University of Toronto.