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Is the Dark Triad Better Studied Using a Variable- or a Person-Centered Approach? An Exploratory Investigation

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  • Chester Chun Seng Kam
  • Mingming Zhou

Abstract

Despite Allport’s early call to study personality as a coordinated system of traits within individual rather than separate traits, researchers often assume personality variables are largely distinct, independent characteristics. In the current research, we examined the usual assumption that Dark Triad traits (narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism) are best studied using a variable-centered (dimensional), rather than a person-centered (taxonic), approach. Results showed that a variable-centered approach is appropriate in understanding the Dark Triad, and yet individuals scoring high on one Dark Triad dimension also tend to score high on other dimensions. Based on these results, we concluded that it is appropriate to study individual differences in the Dark Triad (inferences based on persons) by capturing the common variance among the three traits using a variable-centered approach, rather than treating these traits as independent or uncoordinated characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Chester Chun Seng Kam & Mingming Zhou, 2016. "Is the Dark Triad Better Studied Using a Variable- or a Person-Centered Approach? An Exploratory Investigation," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(8), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0161628
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161628
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gunnthorsdottir, Anna & McCabe, Kevin & Smith, Vernon, 2002. "Using the Machiavellianism instrument to predict trustworthiness in a bargaining game," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 23(1), pages 49-66, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lorena Maneiro & María Patricia Navas & Mitch Van Geel & Olalla Cutrín & Paul Vedder, 2020. "Dark Triad Traits and Risky Behaviours: Identifying Risk Profiles from a Person-Centred Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-14, August.

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