Unambiguity
Definition:
The level of self-knowledge, and how well the candidate recognizes themselves in the personality traits of the IPA Analysis.
The 12 personality traits of the IPA Analysis have an added thirteenth factor called UNAMBIGUITY. This factor is measured by the sum of contradictions on each personality trait. Contradictions are defined as the smallest of two gross figures at each end of the bars in the graphics of the test. A contradiction is understood as a sign of deviation from the more dominant trend in the candidate’s answers on some of the statements that define the given trait.
This sum of contradictions in the database of IPA Analyses makes up a thirteenth scale, that has an underlying normal distribution, just like the other scales (traits). The scale on the Unambiguity factor has both a median, as well as an upper and lower quartile.
Detailed description on Unambiguity
The connection between the amount of contradictions and the Unambiguity factor is understood like this: the FEWER contradictions in the candidate’s answer, the HIGHER the Unambiguity. In the graphics of the test results this is shown like this: the fewer contradictions in the answers, the further to the right of the median the score is registered.
Similarly: the FEWER contradictions in the answers from a candidate, the LESSER/LOWER is the Unambiguity. In the graphics of the test result this is shown like this: the more contradictions, the further to the left of the median the score is registered.
Notice that the scale of Unambiguity is reversed, meaning that a numerically low score expresses a high level of unambiguity, and a numerically high score expresses a low level of unambiguity.
Characteristics of high unambiguity
A person who has a HIGH Unambiguity will have a strong self-knowledge and is able to see themselves clearly reflected in the factors of the IPA Analysis.
This is also a person who remains the same despite the changes of their surroundings. They stick to their principles and have a generally stable behavior in relation to the traits of the IPA Analysis.
In a broader perspective, there is a connection between a candidate’s position on the Unambiguity factor and the level of self-insight. The bigger/higher a candidate’s Unambiguity is, the greater the level of self-insight.
Often, a person with a high Unambiguity is experienced by others as having a very clear, stable, and readable behavior. It is someone whose personality stays mostly fixed and who is seen as a person with a good level of inner harmony and balance.
Characteristics of a low level of unambiguity
A person who has a LOW Unambiguity has – in the context of the IPA Analysis – a more vague and indistinct image of themselves when it comes to the factors that are measured in the IPA Analysis.
This might be someone who is currently in a process of change, and someone whose inner and outer circumstances are shifting.
Furthermore, the surroundings might find it difficult to read this person. It is someone who can seem indiscernible and sometimes unpredictable.
Conclusion on unambiguity
If the many contradictions are evenly distributed across the 12 traits of the IPA Analysis, it may be a sign that the candidate sees themselves differently, depending on the context. For example, they will see themselves as someone specific at their work place, and someone completely different when they are home.
Regardless, it is important the consultant who uses the IPA Analysis notices the traits where the answers are contradictory.
A person with a MEDIUM Unambiguity, meaning somewhere between the quartiles, must be interpreted in relation to the actual distribution of contradictions. Often, the case will be that the person has several contradictions on two to three traits, but only very few contradictions on the remaining traits.
This person’s test result regarding Unambiguity must then be interpreted in relation to those few traits that carry the most contradictions.