Date of Award

1982

Publication Type

Doctoral Thesis

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Department

Psychology

Keywords

Psychology, Social.

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

A review of a number of traditional conceptions of Introversion-Extraversion from Jung's and Murray's dynamic formulations to the physiologically based models of Eysenck and Gray indicated a need for a multi-dimensional approach to clarify the construct's complex nature. A recently proposed 3-dimensional model appeared to provide an empirically promising set of constructs for further investigation. In particular, this framework suggested the existence of a fourth bipolar trait called Classicism vs Romanticism which had previously been inconsistently incorporated within the Introversion-Extraversion domain. The primary focus of the present study was to rationally construct a 20-item scale to measure the Classicism vs Romanticism dimension based on definitions obtained from a broad range of psychological and literary references. A supporting causal framework was provided by Pavlov's typology of human temperament and recent research on the differential functioning of the brain hemispheres. Analysis of scores from 388 subjects on a preliminary 60-item scale permitted the selection of the 20 best items to form a final Classicism vs Romanticism scale with encouraging psychometric properties. A rotated item factor analysis revealed that the final scale provides a measure of classicism as an emotionally controlled, orderly approach to life and of romanticism as a sensual, unconventional approach to life. The external criterion validity of this scale was examined in the context of scores obtained from the subject sample on two other inventories, the PRF and the EPI, and on three scales previously constructed to measure the components of the 3-dimensional model. Correlational and factor analytical support was obtained for 22 of 25 convergent and discriminant validity hypotheses reflecting Classicism vs Romanticism's expected relationships with the substantive scales of these questionnaires. In particular Romantic Intraception emerged as a personality factor distinct from Extraversion, Achievement, Dependency, Anxiety and Hostility. The analyses also provided partial support for the structure of the 3-dimensional model, although the difficulty of measuring the operation of physiological mechanisms via self-report inventories suggests that further exploration is necessary. It was concluded that a multi-dimensional approach to the analysis of Introversion-Extraversion has important implications for the accurate representation of this portion of the personality domain. Classicism vs Romanticism emerged as a relevant and viable construct and a number of recommendations for future research to enhance generalizability and establish construct validity were made.Dept. of Psychology. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1982 .M566. Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 43-03, Section: B, page: 0914. Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1982.

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