Classes of data are often distinguished according to whether the person produces them, as is the case with self-report data or according to the type of test that produces them, for example, ability or personality tests. In a new classification system, data about personality are first divided according to whether they originate outside of the personality system (external source data) or inside it (personal report data). Personal report data are divided into life, world, self, and process report data. Data are further subdivided by the mental processes that produce each type (convergent thinking, divergent thinking, etc.) and then are connected to the measurement procedures that elicit the specific type. The new classification regularizes terminology and encourages new ways to think about data.
