The 16PF® – The 16 Personality Factors: Factor G – Rule Consciousness

The next 16PF scale for discussion is the Factor "G" scale, which is Rule Consciousness.  What exactly does this scale measure?

Generally, this scale measures how much cultural standards of right and wrong are internalized and used to control one's behavior.  People with high scores tend to see themselves as strict followers of manners, rules, and principles.  Some compare this with Freud’s concept of superego, which controls the impulses of the id.  Those who are Rule Conscious tend to accept the importance of obeying rules, and see themselves as conscientious and persevering.  Others might see high scorers as dogmatic, inflexible, self-righteous, or staid.  In contrast, low scorers can either have a poorly developed sense of right and wrong, or have non-conformist or unconventional beliefs.

High scorers often report they carefully consider what's proper and right when making a decision.  They feel having good manners, strict adherence to moral standards, and respect for rules is more important than being able to do whatever one wants.

On the other side, low scorers often believe most rules can be broken, particularly when there are good reasons.  They can get annoyed when forced to follow rules that make no sense to them, or when their freedom to act as they please is curtailed.  These people often have a strong need for autonomy, play, and flexibility, and can struggle a great deal when forced to conform to strict rules or regulations.

As with all the 16PF scales, major insights come from the interactions among the 16 scales, and not from each scale in isolation.