Question

Personality Test:

Many pop-psychology personality tests are found in popular magazines and also on the Internet. Search for and take two or three online personality tests, and critique each answering the following questions:

1) What were the tests designed to measure?

2) What criticisms do you have of the test items?

3) What kind of personality description(s) were offered after completion of the test? Were the descriptions precise and specific or were they general?

4) What are the dangers and benefits of such online tests?

Answer 1

1. I took two assessments online, both of which claimed to measure aspects of personality. One was based on the MBTI Model, a type approach to personality while the other was based on the Big 5 Model, a trait approach to personality.

2. My main criticisms with respect to the test was that the test had not been standardised. It has not been tested for reliability or validity. I also felt that the items were quite susceptible to fake responses.

3. The descriptions offered were not stated in a detailed manner, rather they were listed briefly. I felt that they were quite general and they were displayed to everyone, regardless of whether the individual scores high or low in the test.

4. I feel that the dangers outweigh the benefits of such tests because although they’re easily accessible and can provide some information about an individual’s personality, the results are not scientifically correct. In this case, if important judgements or decisions relating to one’s career, interpersonal relationships etc are made, it can be highly problematic.