Multidimensional personality assessment is a measurement approach that aims to assess a wide array of traits and subfactors using empirically driven models of personality. In trait theory, multidimensionality refers to measurements assessing multiple layers of dimensional personality constructs (higher and lower order). Statistical methods used to extract multidimensional trait domains are often applied to personality measures in order to develop a finer grained picture of trait constructs. Factors are composed of primary scales underlying higher order constructs. These primary factors load onto larger superfactors or broad traits.
Multidimensional personality instruments typically rely on the use of empirically derived factors explaining traits or constructs. These measures aim to assess the underlying personality traits using several higher order and lower order trait factors or facets. Advanced statistical methods such as Item Response Theory.
