The 16 Personality Factors: Factor Q1 – Openness

The next 16PF scale for discussion is the Factor "Q1" scale, which is Openness to Change (Open to Change vs. Traditional).  What exactly does this scale measure?

High scorers tend to like change instead of the old ways of doing things.  They enjoy experimenting and finding ways to improve operations.  If the current system seems dull or unsatisfactory, they will want to change it.  They report that they enjoy thinking about new and better ways of operating.  They like people who have different viewpoints, as they are interesting.  Routine and the familiar become boring for them, so they like to do new things.  They often believe any system can be improved.

In contrast, low scorers tend like the tried and true ways.  They rarely question the way things are done.  They prefer a familiar and predictable life, even if it’s not perfect.  When it comes to work, low scorers report they feel confident and secure when they perform acts that are routine and familiar.  They dislike people who are unusual or different.  In their view, it's better to reject potential new ways of operating rather than to change the status quo, particularly if the current system works okay.  Another way of saying this is, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Factor Q1 is related to the Myers-Briggs Sensing/Intuition scale.  High scorers on Q1 tend to come out as Intuitives on the Myers-Briggs.  This scale also contributes to the Independence global factor.

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