research foundation for positive intelligence assessments - white paper
The whitepaper, authored by Shirzad Chamine and Melissa Barnhart, presents updated psychometric research on Positive Intelligence’s two core assessments: the Saboteur Assessment and the Positive Intelligence Quotient (PQ) Assessment. It outlines the theoretical basis of Positive Intelligence, describing Saboteurs as habitual mental patterns that generate prolonged negative emotions and impair performance. For the Saboteur Assessment, a large dataset (458,867 unique respondents) was reduced to a stratified random sample of 800 for factor analysis. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (unweighted least squares with oblique bifactor rotation) identified an initial 13‑factor solution, later consolidated into 10 reliable scales (Judge, Hyper‑Vigilant, Stickler, Pleaser, Victim, Achiever, Hyper‑Rational, Restless, Controller, Avoider) with Cronbach’s α ranging from .71 to .84. Age‑ and gender‑specific trends for each scale are reported in detailed tables. The PQ Assessment, based on 24 emotion items from 64,712 respondents, yielded a two‑factor structure (positive and negative emotion) explaining 75% and 24% of variance respectively, with internal consistency α=.80 (positive) and α=.90 (negative). PQ scores average 55.5 (SD 18.4) and are distributed across six population bands; scores increase with age but show minimal gender differences. The paper concludes with implications for mental fitness, a call to raise PQ above 75 for optimal performance, and notes ongoing research and future assessment refinements. Author credentials and a descriptive statistics appendix are also provided.
Topics
Saboteur Assessment: Sample, Items, and Scoring
Details the original 54‑item questionnaire, reduction to 49 items, Likert‑scale response format, and the massive dataset (458,867 unique participants) with a stratified random subsample of 800 used for psychometric analysis.
Exploratory Factor Analysis and Factor Structure of Saboteur Scales
Presents the EFA methodology (unweighted least squares, oblique bifactor rotation), the initial 13‑factor solution, consolidation into 10 scales, and the rotated factor pattern tables.
Reliability and Scale Refinement of the Saboteur Assessment
Reports Cronbach’s α for each of the 10 scales (0.71–0.84), notes items slated for re‑wording, and confirms acceptable internal consistency per Nunnally’s criteria.
Demographic Trends in Saboteur Scores
Shows age‑ and gender‑specific mean scores for each Saboteur scale in tabular form, highlighting modest declines with age for some scales and small gender differences.
PQ Assessment: Design, Sample, and Scoring Mechanics
Describes the 24‑item emotion questionnaire, 5‑point Likert response, sample of 64,712 respondents, and the calculation of the Positive Intelligence Quotient (PQ) as a mental fitness metric.
Factor Validity and Reliability of the PQ Assessment
Details the principal factor analysis yielding two factors (positive and negative emotion) explaining 75% and 24% variance, factor loadings, and internal consistency (α=.80 positive, α=.90 negative).
Population Distribution of PQ Scores and Age/Gender Effects
Provides PQ score bands with global population percentages, mean and SD, and demonstrates a steady increase in PQ with age while gender differences remain minimal.
Practical Implications: Mental Fitness Targets and Ongoing Research
Interprets findings for practitioners, recommending PQ > 75 for optimal performance, and outlines plans for continuous assessment refinement based on program data.