Development and validation of the Overall Personality Assessment Scale (OPERAS).

BACKGROUND The aim of the present research was to develop a short measure for the five-factor model personality traits, which allows scores free of social desirability and acquiescence effects to be obtained. METHOD Scales were created using recently developed methods to control response bias effects in a sample of 3,838 participants from a wide age range. The scales were answered in person or on-line. RESULTS Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis showed the expected five factor structure. Furthermore, the scales showed good psychometric properties in that they had good reliability, temporal stability and convergence with the widely used Big-Five measures. CONCLUSIONS The test developed in the paper presents acceptable psychometric properties, and it is suitable for individuals up from 13 years old. Because the method used to control response bias means that scales' scoring is based upon factorial scores instead of raw scores, we have also developed an internet public application that can be used to obtain these scores.