The Bernreuter Personality Inventory: a review of research.

Abstract

This review of 147 articles throws into relief the following results from the use of the inventory: It measures with reasonable reliability group trends. It cannot differentiate perfectly normal from abnormal individuals. When used with non-psychotics, unfavorable scores are indicative of maladjustment, but favorable scores do not necessarily indicate good adjustment and in some cases indicate maladjustment. In student personnel work the inventory selects those desiring advise on personal matters, cheaters, those who are independent, those who tend to withdraw, and those who tend to be leaders. It is not helpful in selecting efficient clerical workers. Occupational group differences are not entirely clear-cut. Family resemblances and social group differences are in agreement with logical expectations. The happily married are more stable and extroverted than the unhappy. Scores have little relationship to physiological measures except thyroid conditions. No significant relationship is found between chronological age, intelligence, or school achievement. "Mood, self-interest, test sophistication and the desire for social approval have less effect on test scores than is generally thought."

Chapter IV: Educational Measurements

“…In the mid-1930's, how ever, Landis, Zubin, and Katz (107) showed that patients in mental hos pitals did not necessarily give the pathological answers that would be expected, and Kelly, Miles, and Terman (98) presented data showing the extent to which one could influence his own scores on a test of personality. Other critical studies were made by Corey (33), Jarvie and Johns (92), Mosier (126), and Super (157). The comprehensive report by Ellis (53) summarized previous validity studies.…”

Applications of Personality and Character Measurement

“…They break down parental membership in widely-known organizations and organization types as a basis for studying children's attitudes, getting results consonant with cultural expectations of the attitudes of adult organizations. 76 Vol. XIV, No.…”

Chapter IX: Educational Psychology

“…Schettler (78) listed topical summaries of 308 items on personality traits. The recurring problem of what the personality tests measure was discussed by Bernreuter (12), who recommended that reference be made to Buros's Mental Measurements Yearbook, while Super (87) reviewed the research on the Bernreuter Personality Inventory. Brogden (15) ran a factor analysis of forty character tests and discovered Spearman's G and W, honesty, persistence, self-control, and acceptance of the moral code.…”