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Cognipsy

Spectrum Personality Survey

Spectrum Personality Survey measures personality traits of individuals that depict ways in which people differ in how they think, feel and behave. Based on the most well researched and scholastically approved models and personality taxonomies, Spectrum brings the academic rigour of the Big Five model to the differentiating power of MIRT. Based on comprehensive studies on big five and extra personality traits, SPS measures personality traits, drives (motivation) as well as adaptive styles.

SPS 130 Factbook

Reports and Outputs

Complete Personality Profile

16 Personality scales

10 Drive scales

4 Adaptive style scales

Norm Referenced Scoring

Context Agnostic Insights

Sample Report

Competency Indicator Profile

24 Competency Indicators

Great 8 competencies estimates

Consistency Index for each competency

Criterion Referenced Scoring

Workplace Insights

Sample Report

Why use Spectrum Personality Survey?

Holistic and Integrated Framework
Powerful Insights for Individual Development
Strong Predictions for the Workplace
Holistic and Integrated Framework

All SPS instruments are based on the same framework of personality and extra personality constructs. These link together to paint a holistic and complete picture of an individuals personality. These include personality scales, drive (motivation) scales and adaptive styles all of which provide a simple visual snapshot of an individual's self concept at a specific point of time. The framework is informed by the most up to date study of personality psychology, wellness, adjustment and motivation.

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Powerful Insights for Individual Development

Spectrum is designed to offer deep and integrated insights that truly reflect the complex needs of complex inner and social lives. At the workplace these insights correspond to truly crucial questions. E.g. 'what should I do when I worry too much' or 'when do I worry the most'. Taking situations into account is also paramount. Typically trait instruments do not provide such promising explanations about behaviour because they are atheoretical.



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Strong Predictions for the Workplace

SPS reports are designed to provide measures that are most useful in ascertaining future performance and having developmental conversations at work from a practical standpoint. Competency indicators can be used along with job analysis to carry out better behavioural interviews as well as make high impact selection decisions between available candidates. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spectrum Personality Survey?

Spectrum Personality Survey was created to measure personality constructs most practically useful in conversations and ascertaining impact of personality on key life outcomes. SPS constructs have been designed and defined in ways that help individuals understand both adaptive as well as maladaptive parts of their personality i.e. it helps individuals become better at adjusting, coping and adapting to life challenges. 


SPS measures various personality, drive and adaptive style scales all of which help us understand dispositional psychological strategies that create a unique advantage for us in social settings.

Is a certification necessary?

Yes, both SPS 130 and SPS Max require qualification on a curated curriculum focusing on measurement theory, personality psychology and useful practical insights on the use of the instruments in different contexts. 

What is the Complete Personality Profile?

SPS complete competency profile offers detailed view of personality traits, drives (motivations) and adaptive styles (coping strategies) of individuals. 

4 response indices are also provided. Please note that the report is meant for practitioners while resources for clients are available as well.

What is the Competency Indicator Profile??

The Competency Indicator Profile is a predictive report. Based on Cognipsy's research on workplace performance and competencies, this profile uses SPS130 responses to indicate proficiency at 24 workplace competencies. These competencies include Great 8 framework as well. Each of these competencies comes with a confidence index that measures probable error due to response distortion. 

Can I use SPS for coaching?

Absolutely. SPS 130 and SPS Max were both created for building awareness in people. Both of them leverage the same construct framework. For more granular and workplace related insights you may use SPS Max specifically. 

Can I use SPS for selection?

Yes, you may use Competency Indicatory output for workplace selection settings. While the predictions in this report are powerful, a good job analysis is needed to explore the performance needs for the role in question before use of any profile.


The standard Complete Personality Profile is also a strong predictor of workplace performance but demands more expertise to contextualize for different roles. Do keep in mind this output was designed for developmental purposes. Its best use in the selection process might be in informing selection interviews. 

Is SPS scientifically validated instrument?

SPS 130 has been scientifically validated. We have done dozens of studies that prove their reliability and validity. You can find this evidence in the resources available to all trained users. Few of the highlights from our studies are provided below in numbers.

Internal Consistency 0.72 (0.81 - 0.68) Predictive Validity (performance) 0.48 corrected 
 Test-retest Reliability 0.78 (0.88 - 0.64)
 Concurrent Validity (happiness, EI) 0.32, 0.26
 Alternate-form Reliability 0.86 (0.95 - 0.88)
 Criterion Validity (leadership effectiveness) 0.36 corrected