Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research (ASSEHR), volume 304

4th ASEAN Conference on Psychology, Counselling, and Humanities (ACPCH 2018)

Validation of Dark Triad Personality Scale

Nida Hasanati Istiqomah

University of Muhammadiyah Malang University of Muhammadiyah Malang
Nida3105@[Link] Istiqomah @[Link]

Abstract. The Dark Triad Personality scale consists of three measured dimensions; Machiavellianism, Narcissism and
Psychopathy. This research was done by doing test adaptation. The reason is for the scarcity of measuring instruments
about personality, many measuring instruments about personality but which reveal about the bad personality of
employees which will ultimately affect employee performance not yet found in Indonesia. The Dark Triad Personality
scale can be used in several aspects, such as (1) indicating traits of individual who have tendency to characterize
pathologies behaviour that can harm themselves and others, (2) revealing counterproductive behaviour to employees.
The purpose of this study is to reveal the psychometric characteristics of Dark Triad Personality scale, the development
and testing of the validity by using factor analysis, and the reliability of measuring instruments. The research subjects
were 380 employees of both private and government agencies. The results have shown that there are 16 valid items with
a loading factor is more than 0.50 reliability 0.846. Machiavellianism Reliability = 0.778 Narcissism = 0.73 and
Psychopathy = 0.823.

Keywords: Validation, dark triad personality scale.

Introduction they will usually do adaptation first by adjusting the tests

to be matched with various factors that are owned by the
An important part of the organization and industry is population subject to tests, one of which is culture. Based
the owner of capital, capital or capital and employees. on the explanation above, it can be identified that causes
Employees become an important part of the company problems in using psychological measurement tools from
because they become the driving force of the company. lies on the presence of different cultures with different
Industry and organization actors have a tendency for test results, which are behavioural samples so that the
productive work behaviour and counter-productive work test characteristics obtained in the form of validity and
behaviour. Moreover, Sackett & DeVore (in Anderson reliability of measuring instruments will be diverse.
[Link] 2005) state that productive work behaviour is good Departing from these thoughts, the authors need to adapt
work behaviour, an important role in industrial and in Indonesian and known the validity and reliability of
organizational life in success. Counter-productive work the scale before being used in assessing employee work
behaviour is manners done intentionally and contrarily to behaviour.
the interests of the organization. So as to find out the This current research is aimed to reveal the
three traits trends that contain bad behaviour and provide characteristics of development and to test the validity and
a direct influence on interpersonal behaviour, the reliability of the Short Dark Triad (SD3) measuring
measuring instrument is needed in conducting instrument by using confirmatory factor analysis.
assessments. This study provides benefits in the field of industrial
Furthermore, efforts to meet the needs of the test that psychology and psychology measurement, such as (1)
can be used for assessing employee performance one of the bases in carrying out evaluation programs
behaviour is to adapt the existing measurement tools, which can improve employee performance (2) From the
namely Short Dark Triad (SD3). This measuring preparation and development of the Short Dark Triad
instrument consists of three traits, there are (SD3) scale a test that meets the principles measurement
Machiavellianism, Narcissism and Psychopathy. This in the industrial field (3) diagnosis aspect in individual
measuring instrument can be used to find out the bad or classical.
personality of employees which will ultimately affect
employee performance. In previous studies (O’Boyle Jr., Literature Review
Forsyth, Banks & Mc Daniel, 2012), it is explained that
there is a relation between narcissism and unsatisfactory Short Dark Triad Personality (SD3)
upsurge in final assignment, unhealthy leadership and Dark Triad Personality is three traits in individuals
negative work results. who have a tendency to characterize pathological
The use of tests is adapted from abroad for behaviour that can harm themselves and others. Dark
psychologists collides with different cultures, so as to Triad Personality consists of Machiavellianism,

Copyright © 2019, the Authors. Published by Atlantis Press. 395

This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license ([Link]
 Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research (ASSEHR), volume 304

Narcissism and Psychopathy. Spain [Link] (2013) state that the criteria is seen from the extent to which the
Dark Triad Personality is the boundary between normal measurement results with the measurement tool in
personality and clinical level pathology and it is question are equal or similar to the results of other
considered as a differentiator from the Big Five measurements used where the criteria can be in the
Personality. present time or future time. If this criterion is now or in
the near future can be utilized, it is called concurrent
Prior Research validity. Then, if the new criteria can be used later, it is
The development of Short Dark Triad (SD3) called as predictive validity.
measuring instrument is carried out by Daniel N. Jones
and Delroy L. Paulthus. The development of this Factor analysis
measuring instrument is based on the theory of Factor analysis is a procedure for identifying items or
Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. The variables based on their similarity. The similarity is
development of the first measuring instrument for shown by high correlation. Items that have a high
machiavellianism consists of 13 items, narcissism correlation will form a crowd of factors (Widiarso,
consists of 13 items, and psychopathy consists of 15 2009).
items. After experiencing a series of studies, the item is In factor analysis, it allows researchers to 1) test the
reduced to 27 items. accuracy of the model (goodness of fit test) factors
Previous research on Dark Triad Personality carried formed from items of measuring instrument 2) test the
out by (O'Boyle Jr, Forsyth, Bangks & Mc Daniel, 2012) equality of measurement units between items, 3) test the
states that individuals who have high scores on reliability of items on each factor measured, 4) test for
narcissism trait has a high tendency of counterproductive invariant items in the population. Confirmatory factor
behaviour. analysis is used to evaluate the measurement model
which tests the validity and reliability of latent
The Short Dark Triad (SD3) dimension: constructs. Factor analysis is an extension of the
a) Machiavellianism. Machiavelli Personality Exploratory Factor analysis. Moreover, researchers must
consists of; (1) having confidence in the determine the number of factors and the relationship
effectiveness of tactics and manipulative in between factors with the latent construct based on the
dealing with others, (2) having a cynical view of theory.
human nature and (3) having the view in
seeking benefits transcends the principles of life Reliability
(O’Boyle et al, 2012). Suryabrata (2000) states that the reliability of
b) Narcissism. Narcissism is a trait that has a high measuring instruments shows the extent to which
self-image, a fantasy of control, a fantasy of measurement results with these tools can be trusted. The
fantasy success in admiration and a desire to reliability of the measuring instrument also shows that
love oneself more by others. the measurement error cannot be determined with
c) Psychopathy. Psychopathy is characterized by a certainty, but it is only estimated.
lack of concern and mechanisms of social Reliability is consistency can also be said to be the
regulation, impulsiveness and lack of guilt while extent to which the results of a measurement can be
endangering others. trusted (Azwar, 1997). Reliability coefficients based on
informal agreements are as high as possible, reliability
Validity and reliability coefficients according to Nunnaly (1978) and Kaplan in
The criteria for measuring psychology can be Saccuzo (1989) reliability coefficients 0.7 to 0.8 are
expressed as a good measuring tool, namely being able to considered good enough. The reliability obtained from
provide reliable information. The criteria consist of the measuring instrument The Short Dark Triad (SD3) is
validity and reliability (Azwar, 1997). 0.72.

Validity Adaptation test

Validity is the accuracy of tests in measuring Test adaptation is the adjustment of test material due
something that must be measured. Gronlund (1982) to cultural differences or in the same culture with
generally defines validity as the extent to which test different test characteristics. Adaptation tests include
results can be used for the intended purpose. Test validity cultural adaptation and test takers.
consists of content validity, construct validity, and Test adaptation steps: (1) Understand the
criteria-based validity (criteria-based validity consists of characteristics of the test which include theoretical
predictive validity and concurrent validity). The validity foundation, operational definition, standard
of the test content refers to the extent to which a set of administration, standard test format made with certain
questions are seen from their contents measures intended forms which have purpose, characteristics of test takers
to be measured. The construct validity questions, the which include age and education. (2) Translating or
measurement results with the reflecting instrument, the adapting the measuring instrument which includes
construction of the test theory that underlies the differences in language constructs or idioms, observing
preparation of the measuring instrument. The validity of local terms, and rationalizing each item. (3) Items that

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 Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research (ASSEHR), volume 304

have been translated are later reviewed. A review of Narcissism = 0.78 and Psychopathy = 0.73. Based on
items is conducted to determine whether or not the item these results, the Dark Triad personality scale can be said
is considered good and met the criteria for qualitative to be reliable between the original measuring instruments
assessment before being measured. (4) Psychometric data and those that have been adapted relatively close to the
in the form of statistical calculations regarding the test, same.
namely validity and reliability (Soekarti, 2003).
Methods Discussion

Dark Triad Personality was an individual trait who Based on the results of data analysis, from 27 items,
had a tendency to characterize pathological behaviour there are 9 of which whose factor loading values aree
that could harm themselves or others. The Dark Triad less than 0.50 (1,3,4,11,15,17,20,25,26). Unfortunately,
Personality consisted of Machiavellianism, Narcissism there are 18 remaining items that do not meet the
D3) is behavior or traid in aberrant individuals. The Dark goodnes of fit, namely CMIN chi square = 4.53 p = 0.00.
Triad personality scale was a measuring tool used to CMIN is a normal chi square the size is divided by the
determine weaknesses or deviant behaviour of degree of freedom. The model is supposed to be fit if it
employees. has a p value> 0.00. CMIN values received are, from 2
The research subjects participated were both private and if <1 then it can be said to be very fit. RMSEA =
and government agencies. The number of participants in value, 097, cannot be said to be fit because more than
this study were 380 employees. 0.80, William and O, Boyle 2011 the RMSEA value is
The measuring instrument was Short Dark Triad <0.06- <0.08. The values of CFI = 0.624 and GFI = 0.65
(SD3) developed by Jones D.N and Paulhus D.L which so that they do not meet the fit model in the
consisted of 27 items based on 3 factors. This measuring measurement. The recommended CFI and GFI values for
instrument had been tested for its validity and reliability. fit are 0.09. The next step is to ovarize between errors
Reliability test that had been done was obtained at 0.74. according to the index modification suggestion, namely
The reason for using this measurement tool was because (e3: e4; e23: e24; and e25: e27) because it is still not fit
there was no tool used in Indonesia. Then, this so a reduction is made on items that still have a loadimg
instrument was needed to know the deviant behaviour of factor, of 0.50 (item 2 and 18) and constain 1 on each
industry stakeholders. factor.
This test adaptation process still had some After fulfilling godnes of fit, RMSEA = 0.07 and less
weaknesses. The adaptation of this test was a preliminary than 0.80 CFI = 0.89 and GFI = 0.91 already meet the
study in testing the validity and reliability of measuring criteria. There are 16 items that meet the loading factor
instruments. Hence, in testing the validity and reliability above 0.50, namely (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 19,
of this scale, it was used until the test was adapted or 21, 22, 23, 24, 27). This item fulfils all domains of
translated. There had been no changes or revisions to the measurement. The reliability of the measuring instrument
items so that if this scale was used, then the items is = 0, 85.
received with revisions must be revised and the items In the Machiavellianism dimension, invalid items are
must be replaced and later be tested. Moreover, re- no (1, 2, 3, 4). On this item, it shows the individual's
analysis would be interpreted whether or not they can be courage to use reason creatively and deceptively while
directly used or must be revised. This procedure only Indonesian organizational culture has a culture of fear of
covered the validity and reliability, while the revisions acknowledging having done dirty practices actually also
and subsequent trials were carried out in future studies. do. Individuals are identified as having Machiavellianism
Quantitative item analysis was calculated by using tendencies usually also have Psychopathic tendencies
AMOS 24 software. Based on the results of the analysis, (Paulhus & Williams, 2002). In item No. 2 it can be
further analysis was carried out to see the characteristics revised because the loading factor is 0.453 and even be
of items that met the criteria. included in the test series.
Narcissism dimensions are 4 invalid items (11, 15,
Result 17, 18). This dimension reveals the tendency of
employees to be narcissistic, showing off where the
Based on the data analysis, from 27 items, 11 od culture in Indonesia has difficulty showing off what it
which with loading factor is less than 0.50 (1, 2, 3, 4, 11, has done. Paulhus & Williams (2002) state that narcism
15, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26). After fulfilling the goodness of is a behavioral aberration in which individuals who
fit, it is found that RMSEA = 0.077 less than 0.8 CFI = experience narcism deviations also have a tendency to
0.890 and GFI = 0.654 has met the criteria. There are 16 psychopathy. Narcism also correlates with IQ where
items that meet the loading factor above 0.50, namely (5, items in the narcism dimension fall not due to cultural
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 , 13, 14, 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27). This bias but high IQ in the research subject. In item No. 8 it
item fulfils all domains of measurement. The reliability can still be revised because the loading factor is 0.42. It
of the measuring instrument is 0.849. Machiavellianism can even be stated in a series of tests.
Reliability = 0.778 Narcissism = 0.73 and Psychopathy = Psychopathy Dimensions reveal that there are 3
0.823. In the third study conducted by Jones D.L, he has invalid items, item no (20, 25, 26). This dimension is
mentioned that reliability of Machiavellianism = 0.76 difficult to reveal because Psychopathy is sometimes not

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recognized by individuals. The loading factor in the very If possible, you can use 18 items by including items
small item 20 shows less match between items with number 2 and 8.
dimensions. In item No. 26 shows a negative loading
factor and this shows inconsistencies between items with References
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that meet the loading factor because it has filled all three-
dimensional measuring domain areas that meet the item.

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