Dark Quad Test
Researchers are beginning to realize that the standard three dark traits measured by the Dark Triad Test (Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy) should be complemented by a fourth dark trait, namely Sadism.
To this end, researchers Paulhus, Jones, and associates developed a variant of the Dark Triad which includes this fourth trait, thus turning the Dark Triad into the Dark Quad.
What are your Dark Quad scores? For each of the following questions, indicate your level of agreement below.
Question 1 of 28
Flattery is a good way to get people on your side.
| Disagree | Agree |
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The IDRlabs Dark Quad Test was developed by IDRlabs based on a growing body of scientific, peer-reviewed research which suggests that the Dark Triad test should be expanded through a fourth trait, thus becoming the Dark Quad (or Dark Quartet; Dark Tetrad). IDRlabs is not affiliated with any of the researchers mentioned in the references list below.
The IDRlabs Dark Quad Test was compiled based on the following sources: Paulhus, D. L., Buckels, E. E., Trapnell, P. D., & Jones, D. N. (2020). Screening for dark personalities: The Short Dark Tetrad (SD4). European Journal of Psychological Assessment. Dowgwillo & Pincus: Differentiating Dark Triad Traits Within and Across Interpersonal Circumplex Surfaces (Assessment 2016) 1073191116643161. Furham, Richard & Paulhus: The Dark Triad of Personality: A 10 Year Review (Social and Personality Psychology Compass Volume 7, Issue 3, 2013) pp. 199-216. Jonason, Kaufman, Webster & Geher: What Lies Beneath the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen: Varied Relations with the Big Five (Individual Differences Research 2013, Vol 11. No. 2) pp. 81-90.
People high in sadistic traits take pleasure in controlling others and exerting power over them. The inclusion of sadism in the Dark Quad test represents the proposed innovation to the Dark Triad test, thus taking the total number of dark traits from three to four.
The Dark Quad Test is related to, but should not be confused with, the Dark Core, Dark Triad, Dirty Dozen, Psychopathy Spectrum, Narcissistim NPI, or Psychopath Checklist Tests. The authors of this free online Dark Quad (or Dark Quartet or Dark Tetrad) Quiz are certified in the use of numerous psychometric instruments and work professionally with psychological measures and personality testing. Prior to using our free Dark Quad Test, please note that this test should not be confused with stricter, research-based tests as published in academic journals. The test provides information on the Dark Quad of personality for educational purposes only. Please also note that the test is provided "as-is", for free, and should not be construed as providing professional or certified advice of any kind. For more, please consult our Terms of Service.
Why Use This Test?
1. Free. This Dark Quad Test is available for free and will allow you to obtain your scores related to how your Dark Quad of personality can be measured, as studied by researchers Paulhus, Jones, and associates.
2. Cutting edge. This assessment is a recently proposed, researcher-backed, and peer-reviewed methodology on the proposed innovation of the Dark Triad Test. By including Sadism as the test’s fourth measure, we thereby expand the Dark Triad into the Dark Quad.
3. Statistical controls. Statistical analysis of the test is conducted to ensure maximum accuracy and validity of the test scores.
4. Made by professionals. The present test has been made with the input of people who work professionally with psychology and individual differences research.