Multiple independent implicit personality processes: a challenge to dual process theory

Abstract

This study applied the Process Dissociation Procedure (Bornstein, 2002) to test independence between personality processes represented by different implicit measurement techniques. In contrast to the commonly adopted literal view of dual processes in personality theory, the study predicted that two implicit measures (CRT-A and IAT-A) and one explicit measure (NEO-AH) of aggressive disposition would dissociate with each other in their 1) intercorrelations, 2) predictions of behavioral criteria of aggressiveness, and 3) potential moderation by situational cues. These hypotheses were generally, though not completely, supported. Most importantly, the two implicit measures dissociated in their lack of correlation and differential prediction of behavioral criteria, unaffected by changes in situational cues. As predicted, the CRT-A and the NEO-AH dissociated in their intercorrelations, predictions, and moderation by incentives. The IAT-A and the NEO-AH dissociated in their lack of intercorrelation and their differential moderation by changes in incentive conditions. As predicted, only the explicit measure was moderated by changes in incentive conditions. Unexpectedly, IAT-A and the NEO-AH were statistically indistinguishable in their prediction of behavioral criteria of aggression. The findings provided strong support for the hypotheses predicting multiple independent implicit personality processes.