Dictatorial Test

The Dictatorial Test is a research-informed self-report profile based on psychometric methodology and relevant psychological research. The sections below summarize the academic background and explain how each result pattern should be read.

Academic Background

Based on the research of Taciano L. Milfont at the University of Waikato, this profile summarizes the tested patterns as self-report facets rather than a diagnosis or formal assessment.

Moral Purification

Moral Purification is the willingness to punish, remove, shame, or restrict people whose views are treated as dangerous to public life. High scorers are more comfortable using consequences against harmful opponents or movements when open debate feels too risky. Low scorers are more likely to forgive past opinions, allow disagreement, and resist campaigns that enforce morality through punishment.

Civilizational Discipline

Civilizational Discipline is willingness to impose strict rules, present-day costs, and penalties in the name of long-term social order. High scorers accept coercive discipline when voluntary cooperation seems insufficient to protect stability or the greater good. Low scorers put more weight on dissent, autonomy, and the right to step outside shared plans even when unity would help.

Expert Command

Expert Command is the willingness to give binding authority to specialists, officials, or technocratic leaders during complex crises. High scorers are more comfortable letting experts reduce public input, move early, or overrule popular pressure when delay feels dangerous. Low scorers are more likely to insist that public accountability remains central even when the problem is technical or urgent.

Preemptive Security

Preemptive Security is comfort with state intervention before proof is complete. High scorers are more willing to restrict rights or empower authorities when warning signs, suspicion, or emergencies make delay feel dangerous. Low scorers require clearer evidence and legal safeguards before coercive action, even when pressure for prevention is intense.

Limitations

The Dictatorial Test is designed for self-understanding and comparison between result patterns. It should not be treated as a clinical, educational, or employment assessment.

References

• Vilanova, F., L. Milfont, T., Cantal, C., Koller, S. H., & Costa, Â. B. (2019). Evidence for Cultural Variability in Right-Wing Authoritarianism Factor Structure in a Politically Unstable Context. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 11(5), 658-666.
• Tetlock, P. E. (2003). Thinking the unthinkable: sacred values and taboo cognitions. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 7(7), 320-324.
• Melossi, D. & Tyler, T. R. (1991). Why (Which) People Obey (Which) Law?. Contemporary Sociology, 20(6), 914.
• Tyler, T. R. (2003). Procedural Justice, Legitimacy, and the Effective Rule of Law. Crime and Justice, 30, 283-357.