The personality differentiation by intelligence hypothesis: A measurement invariance investigation

Stability in the measurement of personality is crucial to its construct and predictive validity. The personality differentiation by intelligence hypothesis suggests that intelligence may be a threat to the measurement of personality. This study builds on existing literature by applying multigroup confirmatory factor analytic measurement invariance techniques to the item-level responses of a commonly used personality inventory. In contrast to recently published findings, our results suggest that the measurement of personality is not equivalent across intelligence levels. Though these results have important implications for the use of personality in research and practice, we maintain that personality measures are still important predictors of key criteria. We discuss future research directions, and hope that the current study highlights the need to increase the sophistication of currently available measurement techniques, and will bring continued examination of the personality differentiation by intelligence hypothesis.

► We provide an empirical test of the personality differentiation by intelligence hypothesis (PDIH).
► Previous studies examining the PDIH have provided mixed support.
► Using advanced measurement invariance techniques, we provide evidence supporting the PDIH.
► Results suggest the measurement of personality may vary across intelligence levels.
► Results have important implications for the use of personality in research and practice.