The Convergence of the California Q-set and the California Psychological Inventory: Gender as a Critical Variable

Abstract

Clinician-report California Q-set and self-report California Psychological Inventory data were compared to explore convergence and divergence between these two modes of personality assessment. Based on responses from a sample of 215 approximately 50-year-old men and women, the self-report California Psychological Inventory data were converted to California Q-set item values using previously determined redundancy analysis formulae. These data were then correlated with composite clinicians' ratings, using the same California Q-set items. Substantial convergence was found for both genders on four of six derived components—Empowerment, Intellectuality, Nonconformity, and Outgoingness. Two additional components—Psychological Health and Bodily Concern—showed convergence for women only. We argue analysis of item content and scores must be done for each gender separately.