validity and reliability of personality tests

One of the most widely used personality inventories is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), first published in 1943, with 504 true/false questions, and updated to the MMPI-2 in 1989, with 567 questions. Most personality inventories employ these types of response scales.

For example, someone applying for a job will likely try to present themselves in a positive light, perhaps as an even better candidate than they actually are.įigure 8.19 If you’ve ever taken a survey, you are probably familiar with Likert-type scale questions. There is also an increased likelihood of test takers being inclined to answer in ways that are intentionally or unintentionally more socially desirable, exaggerated, biased, or misleading. Self-report inventories are generally easy to administer and cost effective. They often are called Likert scales after their developer, Rensis Likert (1932) (Figure 8.19). They typically use multiple-choice items or numbered scales, which represent a range from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).

Self-report inventories are a kind of objective test used to assess personality. This section explores the best known among the many different types of personality tests. Personality tests are also used in criminal cases and custody battles, and to assess psychological disorders. Personality testing is often used for this purpose-to screen applicants for employment and job training. Of these three, who would make the best police officer? What qualities and personality factors make someone a good police officer? What makes someone a bad or dangerous police officer?Ī police officer’s job is very high in stress, and law enforcement agencies want to make sure they hire the right people. She is trustworthy, but sometimes she has difficulty making quick decisions. He works hard, but is impulsive and drinks too much on the weekends. Mikhail is loud and boisterous, a leader. He is a kind person, but lacks motivation. Roberto is quiet and shy, lacks self-confidence, and usually follows others.

Roberto, Mikhail, and Nat are college friends and all want to be police officers.

Validity and reliability of personality tests