Software for the PAD Temperament Scales
Overview
This unique software package can be used in a variety of practical applications. It provides scores on 11 temperament characteristics. Tests are computer administered and require about 15 minutes to complete. The software does all required scoring and provides organized output for rapid & easy profiling of those tested. "Readme" file accompanying the software supplies detailed definitions of all the temperament and personality traits measured. Most importantly, to help users understand obtained results, the software offers a short list of emotion labels (e.g., excited, bored, upset) that most closely approximate the emotional reactions of consumers to a particular stimulus.
Specifically, with reference to the PAD Temperament scores, the software generates scores for Trait Pleasure (P), Trait Arousability (A), and Trait Dominance (D) and for each of eight basic temperament types generated by combining high vs. low levels of these three dimensions. The 3 PAD scores plus 8 temperament type scores (11 in all) are presented in an organized form for each person tested. For example, the latter eight temperament type scores are rank ordered so that a quick scan of the eight scores easily identifies a respondent's most salient temperament traits (i.e., the qualities on which he/she scores highest and those on which he/she scores lowest). In addition, all scores are referenced by detailed definitions of the characteristics measured (in the Readme file) so that the scores can be brought into relief using these descriptions of the characteristics they represent.
A common problem in personality testing is that some respondents attempt to slant their answers to make good impressions and, as a result, test results become misleading. When respondents slant answers, scores on socially desirable traits become inflated or greater than they would have been in the absence of response slanting. The present software includes a built-in feature to help detect when such response slanting/faking occurs and warns the tester when results become "unacceptable."
Temperament Scales
The PAD Temperament Model that underlies this software package is explained in detail in the following link:
The PAD Temperament Model
Temperament characteristics tested include:
- Trait Pleasure-Displeasure (P): General measure of level of psychological adjustment vs. maladjustment
- Trait Arousability (A): General measure of emotionality; that is, strength of emotional response to positive and negative events and/or complex or fast-changing situations
- Trait Dominance-Submissiveness (D): General level of control a person experiences in dealing with situations and others vs. feelings of being controlled and influenced by circumstances and people
Extensive experimental work has demonstrated that the P, A, and D dimensions provide a general and useful description of temperament and personality. Combinations of these 3 basic dimensions of temperament form eight basic temperament types that are described in great detail in the "readme" file.
- Exuberant (extroverted, outgoing, happy, sociable)
- Bored (sad, lonely, socially withdrawn, physically inactive)
- Relaxed (comfortable, secure, confident, resilient to stress)
- Anxious (worried, nervous, insecure, tense, unhappy, illness prone)
- Dependent (attached to people, needy of others and their help, interpersonally positive and sociable)
- Disdainful (contemptuous of others, loner, withdrawn and calculating, sometimes anti-social)
- Docile (pleasant, unemotional, and submissive; likeable; conforming)
- Hostile (angry, emotional in negative ways, possibly violent)