CLARIFYING PERSONALITY MEASUREMENT IN IO: Comparing a Funnel Format and Likert-Type Approach in Predicting Employability

Abstract

Research shows that personality traits are generally predictive of job performance (Barrick et al., 2001), although relationships are often weak and/or inconsistent. One explanation is that traditional approaches assume unidimensionality, and do not allow for adaptability. This study was conducted to clarify current approaches to personality measurement. Specifically, participants (N = 400) were randomly assigned to either a traditional 5-point Likert type scale, or a novel funnel format approach. In each response format participants who chose the middle-category were asked to explain why. Results showed different response patterns across eight personality traits. The implications for clarifying personality measurement are explored.