Personality Testing

Personality Testing

Personalty Tests can be

objective or projective

Objective Personality Tests

• multiple-choice or T/F

• based on factor analysis (trait clusters)

• standardized ("graded" the same way for everyone)

• empirically derived (questions are based on response patterns)

• tested for validity & reliability

Specific Objective Tests

• MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) - “abnormal” personality tendencies

• MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Inventory) -Feeling/Thinking, Perceiving/Judging, Introvert/Extravert, Intuiting/Sensing

• NEO-PI (Neuroticism Extraversion Openness Personality Inventory) - Big 5

Projective Tests

• "answers" come entirely from the test taker

• based on what test-taker projects onto ambiguous images

Specific

Projective Tests

• Rorschach inkblot test - subjects' perceptions of inkblots are recorded and then analyzed

• TAT (Thematic Apperception Test)

TAT, cont'd.

• subjects tell stories about a series of ambiguous pictures

• meant to tap into a subject's unconscious to reveal repressed motives & needs and problem-solving abilities

TAT Test Sample:

I am going to show you a picture, and your task will be to make up a story about the picture. In your story, be sure to tell what has led up to the event shown in the picture, describe what is happening at the moment, what the characters are feeling and thinking, and then give the outcome. Tell a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end.

Open Ended

Make up a story about the picture. In your story, be sure to tell what has led up to the event shown in the picture, describe what is happening at the moment, what the characters are feeling and thinking, and then give the outcome. Tell a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end.