Ratings of Downey Will-Temperament traits

Abstract

The Downey Will-Temperament Test was given to two groups of college students, one of 24 men in one fraternity, and the other of 30 women in one sorority. Several weeks later each subject was asked to rate himself or herself and his or her two roommates with respect to the twelve Downey traits, which were carefully explained on the basis of Downey's work. Profiles were then constructed which were presented later in groups to each subject for him to select those representing himself and one of his two roommates. Only three subjects succeeded in making these choices correctly, which is shown to be less than could be expected according to chance. None of the traits shows a significant correlation of test scores with ratings, but in seven traits the students' ratings agree to a considerable degree, and these ratings tend to be consistent. Although the results of the study are negative, they are considered to be significant for reasons that are stated in the article. Explanations of the traits and the rating form are included. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)