Off the Wohl

What does it mean when a factor(s) is on the norm?

One of the most often repeated inquiries our colleagues at The Oliver Group deal with from our friends and clients is the interpretation of factors "on the line." Because the mathematical phenomenon is not uncommon it is highly likely that all of us in the PI World will deal with the interpretative challenges on a recurring basis. Here is an approach to think about this issue.

First, let's recall that Arnold Daniels from the beginning intended our approach to the PI measurements and images to be taken on the basis of the "whole pattern," not simply individual factor scores. In actual practice the pattern of an individual's factor scores is just as important, if not more important, than the actual scores on the individual's factors. We determine the descriptive characteristics of the different patterns derived from the Predictive Index by examining the "difference scores" between each pair of factors. We refer to these as "Factor Combinations." Therefore, in keeping with the first principle of interpretation, we should view the mathematical relationship or combination of each of the factors with the other factors rather than simply single factor interpretation.

A second idea which I have found helpful is to remember that when using a standard deviation method of measurement, the meaning or interpretation of factor scores is based on the notion of "direction of measurement," which is what we refer to when we say "higher or lower than average" factor scores. While the idea of higher and lower has absolutely no implication of inherent "good or bad," it provides a frame of reference which is essential for interpretation. The higher or lower factor scores are relative to a mean. This mean is the "consistent and habitual" visual, verbal, and vocal expressions of behavior and the potential and individual differences characteristic of the person. Descriptive potential and predictability then is a function of the magnitude of the factor score as either higher or lower than average.

Factor scores that are "on the line" or "only average" in the magnitude of expression are less distinctly expressed and become more challenging to discern because of the loss of perceptual and language ability to differentiate the behavioral cues and then to describe them accurately. We can remove the interpretative problem of understanding and describing the performance potential associated with individual factors on the line when we look at the whole pattern and interpret the relationships of all other factors that can be measured and differentiated along with the factor on the line.

In the following example we can test our approach. For a Self Pattern with the A Factor on the line, the B and C Factors low and the D Factor high we could draw very little interpretative understanding from the Factor A alone as it is not mathematically differentiated from an average level of that Factor. When, however, we incorporate the Factor A on the line with the D Factor high we can interpret the relationship as "High D, Lower A" and draw an interpretative understanding that places an emphasis on the qualities and potential associated with that Factor Combination rather than relying on a single factor interpretation of "A on the line."

Michael holds graduate degrees from both the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville. He is an Associate Member of the American Psychological Association Divisions for Personality and Social Psychology and Counseling Psychology. During his 20 years with The Oliver Group, Michael has been involved with every aspect of client service and consultant development. As a result, he is particularly skillful in working with clients to create a human development strategy based on a wide-range of tools including The Predictive Index. He has been actively involved in more than 50 senior management searches. Michael primarily focuses on individual coaching and education to help top business leaders overcome barriers to executing their strategy.