Personality tests, inventories & projective measures Chapter 12 Grivas, J., & Carter, L. (2009). Psychology for the VCE student Unit 1 & 2. 5 th ed. John Wiley & Sons, Qld

Brainstorm Why do Psychologists measure Personality?

Why measure personality? Psychologists measure personality for a variety of reasons. For example: Psychologists measure personality for a variety of reasons. For example: o Organisational Psychologists: suitability for a particular position in the workplace. o Educational Psychologists: determining whether a student is suitably placed in either a mainstream school or a special school, used with IQ tests. o Clinical Psychologists: assess personality to assist in the diagnosis of a mental illness and to monitor progress during treatment. o Researchers may use personality assessments for a research study on a topic of interest or for test development purposes In most cases, personality tests are used for diagnostic purposes. Psychologists use a range of measurement devices, from tests through to interviews and observations. In most cases, personality tests are used for diagnostic purposes. Psychologists use a range of measurement devices, from tests through to interviews and observations.

Personality tests A personality test is an assessment device used to evaluate or measure aspects of personality, such as factors (dimensions) and specific traits. A personality test is an assessment device used to evaluate or measure aspects of personality, such as factors (dimensions) and specific traits. There are two types of personality tests: There are two types of personality tests: o Objective tests/Personality inventories o Projective tests

Personality inventories A personality inventory is a self-report, ‘paper and pencil’ or online test A personality inventory is a self-report, ‘paper and pencil’ or online test Inventories measure personality types, traits and dimensions. Inventories measure personality types, traits and dimensions. Inventories are objective, as responses are not interpreted but assessed against the codes in the test manual. Inventories are objective, as responses are not interpreted but assessed against the codes in the test manual. By comparing the individual's response to average scores for a large, representative sample of previously tested individuals (that is, norms), a personality profile can be compiled. By comparing the individual's response to average scores for a large, representative sample of previously tested individuals (that is, norms), a personality profile can be compiled.

Strengths & limitations of objective tests Strengths  Quick to administer  Can be used with large groups in a short period of time  Objective, not based on test administers interpretation, therefore they have greater reliability  Can be computer-based, easy to compare against ‘average’ population  Can measure a single trait, type or dimension simultaneously Limitations  Self-report  People may manipulate their responses based on the personality they want to portray  Respondent can only give one of a range of responses  No opportunity to clarify or explain what they meant by their response  Susceptible to ‘cultural bias’

Projective tests Projective tests follow the Psychodynamic Perspective as it assumes that a person’s unconscious thoughts project onto a visual stimulus. Projective tests follow the Psychodynamic Perspective as it assumes that a person’s unconscious thoughts project onto a visual stimulus. Respondent’s answers are not restricted Respondent’s answers are not restricted Aspects of personality are revealed in the interpretation. Aspects of personality are revealed in the interpretation. Projective tests can provide much more detailed information than objective tests. Projective tests can provide much more detailed information than objective tests.

The Rorschach Test Developed by Herman Rorschach in 1921 to identify individuals with mental health problems. Developed by Herman Rorschach in 1921 to identify individuals with mental health problems. The Rorschach Inkblot test consists of 10 visual stimulus cards, some coloured and some black and white. The Rorschach Inkblot test consists of 10 visual stimulus cards, some coloured and some black and white. They are administered individually and test-takers are not given any clues regarding the type of response expected. They are administered individually and test-takers are not given any clues regarding the type of response expected.

The Rorschach Test Scoring the responses involves making subjective (personal) interpretations based on assessment criteria. Scoring the responses involves making subjective (personal) interpretations based on assessment criteria. The test administrator considers: The test administrator considers: What did the test-taker focus on? What did the test-taker focus on? What may have determined the response? What may have determined the response? What the test-taker's perception actually was? What the test-taker's perception actually was? How often, compared to norms, that response occurs? How often, compared to norms, that response occurs? To what extent the response matched the features of the inkblot? To what extent the response matched the features of the inkblot?

Ethics We are going to engage with material which assesses personality We are going to engage with material which assesses personality We are not going to make interpretations of individual’s responses We are not going to make interpretations of individual’s responses We are looking at test methodology We are looking at test methodology You have the right to withdraw at any time You have the right to withdraw at any time

Activity: Rorschach Testing We are going to create our own inkblot visual stimuli. We are going to create our own inkblot visual stimuli. You will need to: You will need to: Place a small amount of paint on your page about ¼ of the way down, on one side of the page. Place a small amount of paint on your page about ¼ of the way down, on one side of the page. With your eyes closed, use the paddle pop stick on your table to create a design. With your eyes closed, use the paddle pop stick on your table to create a design. Then fold your page in half. Then fold your page in half. Once opened, you have created your inkblot. Once opened, you have created your inkblot.

Activity: Rorschach Testing Keep in mind that your paint will still be wet. Keep in mind that your paint will still be wet. Leave your tests on your desk. Leave your tests on your desk. Swap tables, take a pen only Swap tables, take a pen only Move around the table and interpret the visual stimuli by writing the first thing that comes to mind when you see the image. Move around the table and interpret the visual stimuli by writing the first thing that comes to mind when you see the image. Record your response in the table provided Record your response in the table provided

Discussion of results Was there a common response to your inkblot stimuli? Was there a common response to your inkblot stimuli? Why do you think it was important to ask participants not to think about their responses to the stimuli? Why do you think it was important to ask participants not to think about their responses to the stimuli? What are some advantages of the Rorschach inkblot test? What are some advantages of the Rorschach inkblot test? What are some potential limitations of the Rorschach inkblot test? What are some potential limitations of the Rorschach inkblot test?

Strengths and limitations of projective tests Strengths  No right or wrong answer  Test-takers are less likely to be able manipulate responses  Responses are not restricted, they can provide as much information as they wish  Provides rich qualitative data about a person, in their own words  Results can be used by Psychologists to direct their therapy. Limitations  Responses are interpreted by test administrator, could be prone to inaccuracies  Different Psychologists may interpret responses differently to one another, low reliability  Projective tests may not actually be assessing underlying personality,  Assumes that there is an unconscious and that this determines the underlying themes of personality  Have to be administered individually, time consuming and expensive

Reflection If you were going to have your personality measured, which type of test would you prefer to be assessed by? If you were going to have your personality measured, which type of test would you prefer to be assessed by? Take into account the strengths and limitations of objective and projective tests. Take into account the strengths and limitations of objective and projective tests.