scholarly journals The (mis)measurement of the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen: Exploitation at the core of the scale

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petri J Kajonius ◽  
Björn N Persson ◽  
Patricia Rosenberg ◽  
Danilo Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Item Response ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Dark Triad ◽  
Test Theory ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Distribution Analysis ◽  
The Core ◽  
Dirty Dozen

Background: The dark side of human character has been conceptualized in the Dark Triad Model: Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. These three dark traits are often measured using single long instruments for each one of the traits. Nevertheless, there is a necessity of short and valid personality measures in psychological research. As an independent research group, we replicated the factor structure, convergent validity and item response for one of the most recent and widely used short measures to operationalize these malevolent traits, namely, Jonason’s Dark Triad Dirty Dozen. We aimed to expand the understanding of what the Dirty Dozen really captures because the mixed results on construct validity in previous research. Method: We used the largest sample to date to respond to the Dirty Dozen (N = 3,698). We firstly investigated the Dirty Dozen’s factor structure using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Secondly, using sub-sample (n = 500) and correlation analyses, we investigated the Dirty Dozen dark traits convergent validity to Machiavellianism measured by the Mach-IV, psychopathy measured by Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire Revised, narcissisms using the Narcissism Personality Inventory, and both neuroticism and extraversion from the Eysenck’s questionnaire. Finally, besides these Classic Test Theory analyses, we analyzed the responses for each Dirty Dozen item using Item Response Theory (IRT). Results: The results confirmed previous findings of a bi-factor model fit: one latent core dark trait, plus the three dark traits. An additional exploratory distribution analysis showed that all three Dirty Dozen traits had a striking bi-modal distribution, which might indicate unconcealed social undesirability with the items. The three Dirty Dozen traits did converge to, although not strongly, with the contiguous single Dark Triad scales (r between .41-.49). The probabilities of filling out steps on the Dirty Dozen narcissism-items were much higher than on the Dirty Dozen items for Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Overall, the Dirty Dozen instrument delivered the most predictive value with persons with average and high Dark Triad traits (Theta > -0.5). Moreover, the Dirty Dozen scale was better conceptualized as measured of a combined Machiavellianism-psychopathy factor, not narcissism, that can be replaced with item 4: ‘I tend to exploit others towards my own end’. Conclusion: The Dirty Dozen showed a consistent factor structure, a relatively convergent validity similar to that found in earlier studies. Narcissism measured using the Dirty Dozen, however, did not contribute with information to the core constitution of the Dirty Dozen construct. More importantly, the results imply a Single Item Dirty Dark Triad (SIDDT) measure of a manipulative and anti-social core as the content of the Dirty Dozen scale.

scholarly journals The (mis)measurement of the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen: Exploitation at the core of the scale

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petri J Kajonius ◽  
Björn N Persson ◽  
Patricia Rosenberg ◽  
Danilo Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Item Response ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Dark Triad ◽  
Test Theory ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Distribution Analysis ◽  
The Core ◽  
Dirty Dozen

Background: The dark side of human character has been conceptualized in the Dark Triad Model: Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. These three dark traits are often measured using single long instruments for each one of the traits. Nevertheless, there is a necessity of short and valid personality measures in psychological research. As an independent research group, we replicated the factor structure, convergent validity and item response for one of the most recent and widely used short measures to operationalize these malevolent traits, namely, Jonason’s Dark Triad Dirty Dozen. We aimed to expand the understanding of what the Dirty Dozen really captures because the mixed results on construct validity in previous research. Method: We used the largest sample to date to respond to the Dirty Dozen (N = 3,698). We firstly investigated the Dirty Dozen’s factor structure using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Secondly, using sub-sample (n = 500) and correlation analyses, we investigated the Dirty Dozen dark traits convergent validity to Machiavellianism measured by the Mach-IV, psychopathy measured by Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire Revised, narcissisms using the Narcissism Personality Inventory, and both neuroticism and extraversion from the Eysenck’s questionnaire. Finally, besides these Classic Test Theory analyses, we analyzed the responses for each Dirty Dozen item using Item Response Theory (IRT). Results: The results confirmed previous findings of a bi-factor model fit: one latent core dark trait, plus the three dark traits. An additional exploratory distribution analysis showed that all three Dirty Dozen traits had a striking bi-modal distribution, which might indicate unconcealed social undesirability with the items. The three Dirty Dozen traits did converge to, although not strongly, with the contiguous single Dark Triad scales (r between .41-.49). The probabilities of filling out steps on the Dirty Dozen narcissism-items were much higher than on the Dirty Dozen items for Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Overall, the Dirty Dozen instrument delivered the most predictive value with persons with average and high Dark Triad traits (Theta > -0.5). Moreover, the Dirty Dozen scale was better conceptualized as measured of a combined Machiavellianism-psychopathy factor, not narcissism, that can be replaced with item 4: ‘I tend to exploit others towards my own end’. Conclusion: The Dirty Dozen showed a consistent factor structure, a relatively convergent validity similar to that found in earlier studies. Narcissism measured using the Dirty Dozen, however, did not contribute with information to the core constitution of the Dirty Dozen construct. More importantly, the results imply a Single Item Dirty Dark Triad (SIDDT) measure of a manipulative and anti-social core as the content of the Dirty Dozen scale.

scholarly journals The (mis)measurement of the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen: exploitation at the core of the scale

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e1748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petri J. Kajonius ◽  
Björn N. Persson ◽  
Patricia Rosenberg ◽  
Danilo Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Item Response ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Dark Triad ◽  
Test Theory ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Distribution Analysis ◽  
The Core ◽  
Dirty Dozen

Background.The dark side of human character has been conceptualized in the Dark Triad Model: Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. These three dark traits are often measured using single long instruments for each one of the traits. Nevertheless, there is a necessity of short and valid personality measures in psychological research. As an independent research group, we replicated the factor structure, convergent validity and item response for one of the most recent and widely used short measures to operationalize these malevolent traits, namely, Jonason’s Dark Triad Dirty Dozen. We aimed to expand the understanding of what the Dirty Dozen really captures because the mixed results on construct validity in previous research.Method. We used the largest sample to date to respond to the Dirty Dozen (N= 3,698). We firstly investigated the factor structure using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and an exploratory distribution analysis of the items in the Dirty Dozen. Secondly, using a sub-sample (n= 500) and correlation analyses, we investigated the Dirty Dozen dark traits convergent validity to Machiavellianism measured by the Mach-IV, psychopathy measured by Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire Revised, narcissism using the Narcissism Personality Inventory, and both neuroticism and extraversion from the Eysenck’s questionnaire. Finally, besides these Classic Test Theory analyses, we analyzed the responses for each Dirty Dozen item using Item Response Theory (IRT).Results.The results confirmed previous findings of a bi-factor model fit: one latent core dark trait and three dark traits. All three Dirty Dozen traits had a striking bi-modal distribution, which might indicate unconcealed social undesirability with the items. The three Dirty Dozen traits did converge too, although not strongly, with the contiguous single Dark Triad scales (rbetween .41 and .49). The probabilities of filling out steps on the Dirty Dozen narcissism-items were much higher than on the Dirty Dozen items for Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Overall, the Dirty Dozen instrument delivered the most predictive value with persons with average and high Dark Triad traits (theta> −0.5). Moreover, the Dirty Dozen scale was better conceptualized as a combined Machiavellianism-psychopathy factor, not narcissism, and is well captured with item 4: ‘I tend to exploit others towards my own end.’Conclusion.The Dirty Dozen showed a consistent factor structure, a relatively convergent validity similar to that found in earlier studies. Narcissism measured using the Dirty Dozen, however, did not contribute with information to the core of the Dirty Dozen construct. More importantly, the results imply that the core of the Dirty Dozen scale, a manipulative and anti-social trait, can be measured by a Single Item Dirty Dark Dyad (SIDDD).

scholarly journals Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Croatian Short Version of the Empathy Quotient

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-110
Author(s):  
Anja Wertag ◽  
◽  
Ivana Hanzec ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Emotional Reactivity ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Cognitive Empathy ◽  
Dark Triad ◽  
Reactivity Index ◽  
Short Version ◽  
Empathy Quotient

The Empathy Quotient (EQ, Baron-Cohen & Wheelwright, 2004) measures empathy as an ability to identify what someone else is thinking and feeling, and to respond to their thoughts and feelings with an appropriate emotion. Although the questionnaire was developed in order to be sensitive to empathy deficits as a part of psychopathology, it is often used in other areas of psychological research as well. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the factor structure and psychometric properties of the short version of the translated Empathy Quotient (EQ-28) that has psychometric superiority over the original version (Lawrence et al., 2004). Data was collected on-line on a convenient sample (N = 115; 81 female and 34 male) with a mean age of 31.30 (SD = 7.49), within a larger study. The results of the principal component analysis showed a clear three-factor solution consistent with the structure proposed by Lawrence et al. (2004). Cronbach’s alpha coefficients indicated high internal consistency of the Cognitive Empathy and the Emotional Reactivity subscales, unlike the Social Skills subscale. The correlations of the EQ-28 subscales and the relevant subscales of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Davis, 1983) provided information about the convergent validity of the Cognitive Empathy and the Emotional Reactivity subscales, while the correlations with measures of altruism (measured by HEXACOPI-R, Lee & Ashton, 2004) and the Dark Triad (Jones & Paulhus, 2014) showed the theoretically expected relationships between the given constructs. On the basis of the results of this preliminary study it can be concluded that the Croatian version of the EQ-28 has satisfactory metric characteristics and represents a good measure of cognitive and affective empathy, but these results should be replicated on a larger and more gender balanced sample. Keywords: Empathy Quotient, psychometric properties, Croatian version

Further Examination of the Factor Integrity of the Sport Anxiety Scale

2005 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry Prapavessis ◽  
Ralph Maddison ◽  
Richard Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
Item Response ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Anxiety Scale ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Measure Concentration ◽  
Improve Model ◽  
Conceptual Clarity ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Rugby Players

The purpose of the present study was to provide further evidence for the factor structure and composition of the Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS; Smith, Smoll, & Schutz, 1990) using a sample of competitive male rugby players (N = 570). Three models were tested using both confirmatory factor analytic and polyto-mous item-response theory procedures: Smith et al’s original model; Dunn et al.’s (2000) alternative model in which Items 14 and 20 were originally designed to measure Concentration Disruption load on the Worry factor (Model A); and Model B (the removal of Item 1). Results showed that Models A and B provided similar fits to the data. Overall these findings argue for the utilization of Model B to improve model fit and maintain conceptual clarity. Our findings suggest that the factor structure and composition of the SAS needs further examination and possible refinement before researchers can feel more confident about the effectiveness of the instrument’s psychometric properties.

scholarly journals Diseño y análisis psicométrico de un instrumento para detectar presencia de ciberbullying en un contexto escolar

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abel Baquero ◽  
Bertha L. Avendaño
Keyword(s):  
Item Response ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Classical Test Theory ◽  
School Context ◽  
Middle Layer ◽  
Test Theory ◽  
Psychometric Analysis ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Adequate Internal Consistency

RESUMEN: El objetivo de la presente investigación fue diseñar un instrumento para detectar Ciberbullying en un contexto escolar y analizar sus propiedades psicométricas. Los participantes fueron 299 adolescentes (54,2% mujeres y 45,8% hombres) con edad promedio de 15 años, pertenecientes al estrato bajo (22,1%) y estrato medio (78%). Se llevó a cabo un estudio cuantitativo con un diseño no experimental de tipo instrumental y corte transversal. Bajo la teoría clásica de los test, se obtuvo una adecuada consistencia interna (Alfa de Cronbach α = .864) así como validez convergente con las otras medidas. Se llevó a cabo el análisis factorial exploratorio en el SPSS versión 21, el cual arrojó tres factores. Desde la teoría de respuesta al ítem, se encontró que el INFIT de los ítems osciló entre .73 y 1.23 y el OUTFIT entre 0.74 y 1.24. Con base en los resultados favorables del análisis psicométrico, se concluye que el instrumento puede ser usado para la detección del ciberbullying en un contexto escolar.Design and psychometric analysis of an instrument to detect the presence of cyberbullying in a school contextABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to design an instrument to detect cyberbullying in a school context and analyze its psychometric properties. Participants were 299 adolescents (54.2% female and 45.8% male) with a mean age of 15 years, belonging to the lower stratum (22.1%) and middle layer (78%). A quantitative study with a non-experimental design instrumental and the cross section was performed. Under the classical test theory, adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha α = .864) and convergent validity with other measures was obtained. Confirmatory factor analysis in SPSS version 21, which resulted in three factors was performed. From item response theory, INFIT found that the items ranged from 0.73 and 1.23 and between 0.74 and 1.24 OUTFIT. Based on the favorable results of psychometric analysis, we conclude that the instrument can be used for detection of cyberbullying in a school context.

scholarly journals Improving the Measurement of Children’s Mental Health Problems in Colombia with Item Response Theory

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-103
Author(s):  
Jorge Cuartas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Item Response Theory ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Item Response ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Child Behavior Checklist ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Test Theory ◽  
Response Theory ◽  
Mental Health Scale

The present study examines the psychometric properties of the mental health scale for children used in the 2015 Colombian Mental Health Survey. To do so, a nationally representative sample of 2,727 children is used Mage=8.99; range=7-11, with reports from their main caregivers regarding 26 mental health problem symptoms taken from the Reporting Questionnaire for Children (RQC), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and the Brief Screening and Diagnostic Questionnaire (CBTD). Classical test theory and factor analysis were conducted to analyze the classical location and information of each item, along with the dimensionality, reliability, and convergent validity of the scale. Item Response Theory (IRT) was used in order to estimate theoretically invariant item parameters for location and information. Findings reveal that the mental health scale for children has adequate psychometric properties for its use in Colombia. Furthermore, irt analyses reveals a set of items that maximize information and that may be used in future administrations when more efficiency is warranted.

The Dark Side of Politics: Participation and the Dark Triad

2020 ◽  
pp. 003232172091156
Author(s):  
Philip Chen ◽  
Scott Pruysers ◽  
Julie Blais
Keyword(s):  
Political Participation ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Five Factor Model ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Dark Triad ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Political Beliefs ◽  
Interest And Knowledge

Personality traits are one piece in the larger puzzle of political participation, but most studies focus on the Five-Factor Model of personality. We argue that the normative implications of the influence of personality on politics are increased when the personality traits being studied correlate with negative social behaviors. We investigate the role of the Dark Triad on political participation as mediated through political beliefs such as interest and knowledge. We find that Psychopathy and Narcissism are positively associated with political interest, but Narcissism is also negatively associated with political knowledge. In addition, both Psychopathy and Narcissism exert a direct, positive influence on participation. Our results imply that individuals exhibiting higher levels of Narcissism are not only less knowledgeable but also more interested in politics and more likely to participate when given the opportunity.

scholarly journals ¿Inestabilidad en el lado oscuro? estructura factorial, invarianza de medición y fiabilidad de la Dirty Dozen Dark Triad en población general de Lima

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 153
Author(s):  
Anthony Copez Lonzoy ◽  
Sergio Dominguez-Lara ◽  
César Merino-Soto
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Dark Triad ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Significant Deterioration ◽  
Measurement Models ◽  
Dirty Dozen ◽  
Palabras Clave ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Structure Measurement ◽  
Destructive Behaviors

Abstract: Instability on the dark side? Factorial structure, measurement invariance and reliability of the Dirty Dozen Dark Triad in the general population of Lima. The dark triad of the personality is a complex measure composed of three traits such as Machiavellianism, psychopathy and narcissism that are associated with destructive behaviors to the interests of others. The Dirty Dozen Dark Triad (DDDT) scale was used to evaluate the dark triad. The present study seeks to analyze the internal structure, measurement invariance and reliability of DDDT scores. 320 people were recruited (64.1% women), the average age was 24.4 and 89.7% were single. Four measurement models were identified by means of confirmatory factor analysis; the measurement invariance was also evaluated, which did not show a significant deterioration for the group according to gender. In addition, congeneric and tau-equivalent models were implemented and the accuracy of the scores for all the factors was > .70. This DDDT version provides useful evidence at the psychometric level to be implemented with a screening instrument in the psychological evaluation.Keywords: Dirty Dozen Dark Triad; validation; measurement invariance; personality.Resumen: Las triada oscura de la personalidad es una medida compleja compuesta de tres rasgos como maquiavelismo, psicopatía y narcisismo que están asociados a comportamientos destructivos a los intereses de los demás. Para evaluar la tríada oscura fue utilizada la escala Dirty Dozen Dark Triad (DDDT). El presente estudio busco analizar la estructura interna, invarianza de medida y la fiabilidad de las puntuaciones de la DDDT. Fueron reclutados 320 personas (64.1% mujeres), el promedio de edad fue 24.4 y el 89.7% fueron solteros. Se identificados cuatro modelos de medida mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio, también fue evaluada la invariancia de medida que no evidencio un deterioro significativo para el grupo según género. Además, fueron implementados modelos congenéricos y tau-equivalentes y la precisión de las puntuaciones para todos los factores fue >.70. Esta versión DDDT reporta evidencias útiles a nivel psicométrico para ser implementadas como instrumento de despistaje en la evaluación psicológica. Palabras clave: Dirty Dozen Dark Triad; validación; invarianza de medición; personalidad.

scholarly journals Factor structure and convergent validity of the Derriford Appearance Scale-24 using standard scoring versus treating ‘not applicable’ responses as missing data: a Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e018641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin L Merz ◽  
Linda Kwakkenbos ◽  
Marie-Eve Carrier ◽  
Shadi Gholizadeh ◽  
Sarah D Mills ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Missing Data ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Negative Evaluation ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Scoring Methods ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
The Uk

ObjectiveValid measures of appearance concern are needed in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a rare, disfiguring autoimmune disease. The Derriford Appearance Scale-24 (DAS-24) assesses appearance-related distress related to visible differences. There is uncertainty regarding its factor structure, possibly due to its scoring method.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingParticipants with SSc were recruited from 27 centres in Canada, the USA and the UK. Participants who self-identified as having visible differences were recruited from community and clinical settings in the UK.ParticipantsTwo samples were analysed (n=950 participants with SSc; n=1265 participants with visible differences).Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe DAS-24 factor structure was evaluated using two scoring methods. Convergent validity was evaluated with measures of social interaction anxiety, depression, fear of negative evaluation, social discomfort and dissatisfaction with appearance.ResultsWhen items marked by respondents as ‘not applicable’ were scored as 0, per standard DAS-24 scoring, a one-factor model fit poorly; when treated as missing data, the one-factor model fit well. Convergent validity analyses revealed strong correlations that were similar across scoring methods.ConclusionsTreating ‘not applicable’ responses as missing improved the measurement model, but did not substantively influence practical inferences that can be drawn from DAS-24 scores. Indications of item redundancy and poorly performing items suggest that the DAS-24 could be improved and potentially shortened.

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