Abstract
It is shown that Cattell's research strategy can be reduced to accepting the model of factor analysis: Cattell formalized the concept of trait, denning it as a factor and identified personality with a configuration of factors which can be obtained inductively from the empirical data. The main issue of the discussion lies therefore in cognitive consequences of factor analysis, whose merits and restrictions determine the value of Cattell's system. In particular, it is discussed why Cattell did not succeed with complete verification of his main hypothesis of the so-called indifference of media.
Cattell's approach may be interpreted as an interesting attempt at the construction of a certain language in which expressions are formed according to rules determined by the choice of a particular program of factor analysis. Thus, one may say that Cattell constructed a semantics of personality theory. The discussion deals also with various aspects and consequences of this linguistic interpretation. In particular, the possibilities of application of the models of mathematical linguistics to psychology are analyzed.
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Received August, 1971
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Nowakowska, M. The limitations of the factor-analytical approach to psychology with special application to Cattell's research strategy. Theor Decis 4, 109–139 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00145149
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00145149