Edwards Personal Preference Schedule
Encyclopedia
Developed by psychologist and University of Washington professor, Allen L. Edwards, the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS) is a forced choice, objective, non-projective personality inventory
. Allen, who revolutionized psychology research with novel statistical techniques, derived the test from the theories of Henry Alexander Murray, which measures the rating of individuals in fifteen normal needs or motives. On the EPPS there are nine statements used for each scale. Social Desirability ratings have been done for each item, and the pairing of items attempts to match items of approximately equal social desirability. Fifteen pairs of items are repeated twice for the consistency scale.
(Edwards, 1959/1985)
The inventory consists of 225 pairs of statements in which items from each of the 15 scales are paired with items from the other 14 plus the other fifteen pairs of items for the optional consistency check. This leaves the total number of items (14x15) at 210. Edwards has used the last 15 items to offer the candidate the same item twice, using the results to calculate a consistency score. The result will be considered valid if the consistency checks for more than 9 out of 15 paired items. Within each pair, the subjects choose one statement as more characteristic of themselves, reducing the social desirability factor of the test. Due to the forced choice, the EPPS is an ipsative
test, the statements are made in relation to the strength of an individual's other needs. Hence, like personality, it is not absolute. Results of the test are reliable, although there are doubts about the consistency scale.
Other researchers have correlated the California Psychological Inventory
, the Adjective Check List
, the Thematic Apperception Test
, the Strong Vocational Interest Blank
, and the MMPI
with the EPPS. In these studies there are often statistically significant correlations among the scales of these tests and the EPPS, but the relationships are usually low-to-moderate and sometimes are difficult for the researcher to explain. Since the MMPI is still actively used today on a worldwide basis as a major brand test this comparison might be the most interesting to study.
. In 2002 the worldwide publishing rights have been returned by Harcourt to the Allen L. Edwards Living Trust. Internationally there is a translation in Dutch, which has been published in the Netherlands legally until 2002 (by Harcourt Test Publishers). There is also a translation into Japanese, published in 1970 by Nihon Bunka Kagakusha, Tokyo.
Currently copyrights are held by The Allen L Edwards Living Trust worldwide. For the European region the EPPS (including the Dutch version) is published by Test Dimensions.
Personality test
-Overview:There are many different types of personality tests. The most common type, the self-report inventory, involves the administration of many questions, or "items", to test-takers who respond by rating the degree to which each item reflects their behavior...
. Allen, who revolutionized psychology research with novel statistical techniques, derived the test from the theories of Henry Alexander Murray, which measures the rating of individuals in fifteen normal needs or motives. On the EPPS there are nine statements used for each scale. Social Desirability ratings have been done for each item, and the pairing of items attempts to match items of approximately equal social desirability. Fifteen pairs of items are repeated twice for the consistency scale.
- Achievement : A need to accomplish tasks well
- Deference: A need to conform to customs and defer to others
- Order: A need to plan well and be organized
- Exhibition: A need to be the center of attention in a group
- Autonomy: A need to be free of responsibilities and obligations
- Affiliation: A need to form strong friendships and attachments
- Intraception: A need to analyze behaviors and feelings of others
- Succorance: A need to receive support and attention from others
- Dominance: A need to be a leader and influence others
- Abasement: A need to accept blame for problems and confess errors to others
- Nurturance: A need to be of assistance to others
- Change: A need to seek new experiences and avoid routine
- Endurance: A need to follow through on tasks and complete assignments
- Heterosexuality: A need to be associated with and attractive to members of the opposite sex
- Aggression: A need to express one's opinion and be critical of others
(Edwards, 1959/1985)
The inventory consists of 225 pairs of statements in which items from each of the 15 scales are paired with items from the other 14 plus the other fifteen pairs of items for the optional consistency check. This leaves the total number of items (14x15) at 210. Edwards has used the last 15 items to offer the candidate the same item twice, using the results to calculate a consistency score. The result will be considered valid if the consistency checks for more than 9 out of 15 paired items. Within each pair, the subjects choose one statement as more characteristic of themselves, reducing the social desirability factor of the test. Due to the forced choice, the EPPS is an ipsative
Ipsative
Ipsative is a descriptor used in psychology to indicate a specific type of measure in which respondents compare two or more desirable options and pick the one that is most preferred . This is contrasted with measures that use Likert-type scales, in which respondents choose the score Ipsative is a...
test, the statements are made in relation to the strength of an individual's other needs. Hence, like personality, it is not absolute. Results of the test are reliable, although there are doubts about the consistency scale.
Validity
The manual reports studies comparing the EPPS with the Guilford Martin Personality Inventory and the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale.Other researchers have correlated the California Psychological Inventory
California Psychological Inventory
The California Psychological Inventory is a self-report inventory created by Harrison Gough and currently published by Consulting Psychologists Press. The test was first published in 1956, and the most recent revision was published in 1987. It was created in a similar manner to the Minnesota...
, the Adjective Check List
Adjective Check List
The Adjective Check List is an assessment used to identify common psychological traits. Developed by Harrison G. Gough and Alfred B. Heilbrun, Jr., the checklist contains 300 adjectives . Respondents select the adjectives that they believe describe themselves...
, the Thematic Apperception Test
Thematic Apperception Test
The Thematic Apperception Test, or TAT, is a projective psychological test. Historically, it has been among the most widely researched, taught, and used of such tests...
, the Strong Vocational Interest Blank
Strong Interest Inventory
The Strong Interest Inventory is an interest inventory used in career assessment. The goal of this test is to give insight into a person's interests, so that they may have less difficulty in deciding on an appropriate career choice for themselves. It is also frequently used for educational...
, and the MMPI
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory is one of the most frequently used personality tests in mental health. The test is used by trained professionals to assist in identifying personality structure and psychopathology....
with the EPPS. In these studies there are often statistically significant correlations among the scales of these tests and the EPPS, but the relationships are usually low-to-moderate and sometimes are difficult for the researcher to explain. Since the MMPI is still actively used today on a worldwide basis as a major brand test this comparison might be the most interesting to study.
Suggested Uses
The EPPS has been designed primarily for personal counselling, but has found its way into recruitment as well. The EPPS is very suitable for these purposes..Copyrights
The EPPS has been published for a long period of time through The Psychological Corporation, now known as Harcourt AssessmentHarcourt Assessment
Harcourt Assessment was a company that published and distributed educational and psychological assessment tools and therapy resources and provided educational assessment and data management services for national, state, district and local assessments...
. In 2002 the worldwide publishing rights have been returned by Harcourt to the Allen L. Edwards Living Trust. Internationally there is a translation in Dutch, which has been published in the Netherlands legally until 2002 (by Harcourt Test Publishers). There is also a translation into Japanese, published in 1970 by Nihon Bunka Kagakusha, Tokyo.
Currently copyrights are held by The Allen L Edwards Living Trust worldwide. For the European region the EPPS (including the Dutch version) is published by Test Dimensions.