Multifactor implicit measures to assess enterprising personality dimensions

Abstract

Background: Several implicit measures have been proposed to overcome limitations of self-reports. The present study aimed to develop a new implicit association test (MFT-IAT) to assess enterprising-related traits, exploring its reliability and validity evidence. Method: A total of 1,142 individuals (Mean age 42.36 years, SD = 13.17) from the general population were assessed. Participants were asked about sociodemographic data, employment status, and personality traits using the Battery for the Assessment of the Enterprising Personality (BEPE). They completed an MFT-IAT designed to assess the BEPE’s traits (achievement motivation, autonomy, innovativeness, self-effi cacy, locus of control, optimism, stress tolerance and risk taking). Reliability was estimated using Cronbach’s alpha. Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFAs) were performed to assess the internal structure of the MFT-IAT. Correlations and a Multiple Analysis of Variance were used to estimate validity evidence based on the relationship towith participants’ employment status. Results: EFAs provided validity evidence for all dimensions with high internal consistency (a = .92-.93). Correlations between implicit and explicit measures were non-signifi cant. Non- implicit measures yielded signifi cant differences between employment statuses. Discussion: This is a pioneering study in this fi eld and more research is needed to improve the feasibility and practicality of implicit measures in applied assessment settings.