Factor analyses of Big Five Markers with the Comrey Personality Scales and the Howarth Personality Tests

The relation of Big Five Marker variables to the Comrey Personality Scales (study 1) and the Howarth Personality Tests (study 2) was investigated. In study one a joint factor analysis of 284 participants (179 females) revealed that seven oblique factors accounted for 40% of the variance in the Big Five Markers and the Comrey Personality Scales. Extraversion, conscientiousness and neuroticism were assessed by roughly parallel scales in both tests. Three factors were de®ned uniquely by the Comrey Personality Scales (mental toughness, trust and empathy) and one factor was de®ned uniquely by the Big Five (openness). In study two a joint factor analysis of 197 participants (130 females) revealed that ®ve orthogonal factors accounted for 57% of the variance in the Big Five Markers, the Howarth Personality Questionnaire and the Howarth Additional Personality Factors Inventory. The higher order factor structure of Howarth's tests resembles the Big Five. Eleven of the 20 Howarth scales were very similar to the Big Five. Additionally, six Howarth scales appear to be blends of pairs of Big Five factors. Both studies provide considerable support for the Big Five as an adequate, although perhaps not exhaustive, taxonomy of personality traits. # 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.