3. Supernumery Personality Inventory /C0Egotism Scale (SPI)
(Paunonen, 2002).
Variable
The concept emerged as a separate factor in analyses of 344 personality items that eventuated in the SPI
(Paunonen, 2002). The emphasis is on exaggerated self-positivity. Individuals low on this dimension are said to
have a more accurate view of their attributes.
Description
The instrument comprises 15 statements to be rated on 5-point scales. Item content focuses on physical attrac-
tiveness, intelligence, and popularity. Anchors are strongly disagree (1) and strongly agree (5). The items are part
of the Supernumerary Personality Inventory (Paunonen, 2002).
Sample
The SPI factors were derived from two large samples of undergraduate students (Paunonen, 2002). One sam-
ple comprised 170 undergraduates (54% female) and the other comprised 226 undergraduates (65% female).
Reliability
Internal Consistency
Across four countries, Cronbach alpha coefficients were very similar, ranging from .77 to .80 ( Paunonen,
Haddock, Forsterling, & Keinonen, 2003 ).
Test/C0Retest
No test /C0retest reliability coefficients have been reported to-date.
Validity
Convergent/Concurrent
The scale was validated by showing a strong correlation with a 3-item self-report composite of self-perceived
attractiveness, intelligence, and popularity. Across four countries those correlations ranged from .40 to .61
(Paunonen et al., 2003 ). The items also have face validity for narcissistic expression.
Divergent/Discriminant
Correlations with the Big Five personality traits were found to be minimal to modest (Paunonen, 2002). In one
sample, they ranged between 2.22 (N) and .38 (O). In another sample, they ranged between 2.14 (N) and .31 (E).
A non-significant correlation emerged with the Egoism Scale (de Vries & van Kampen, 2012).
Construct/Factor Analytic
In second-order factor analyses, the scale loaded on the same meta-factor as other dark traits including manip-
ulation and seduction (Paunonen, 2002).
Criterion/Predictive
In a sample of 200 military cadets, the Egotism Scale predicted the best leaders, as rated by the other cadets
(Paunonen, Lo ¨nnqvist, Verkasalo, Leikas, & Nissinen, 2006 ).
Location
Paunonen, S.V. (2002). Design and construction of the Supernumerary Personality Inventory (Research Bulletin 763).
London, Ontario: University of Western Ontario.
Results and Comments
Conceptually and empirically, the Egotism scale focuses directly on self-enhancement, with little sense of
other-derogation. Unlike other measures in this category, the items emerged from factor analyses distinguishing
it from other personality variables. Although the item content appears similar, ratings are collected on Likert-
type scales rather than the forced-choice format of the NPI.577 DARK TRIAD MEASURES
V. VICES AND VIRTUES