Personality Testing

The course begins with an in-depth explanation of personality tests – the different categories and types of tests, the importance of psychological knowledge, and the use of Eysenck’s Personality Inventory (EPI). We’ll look at how the four classic temperaments have been used to develop both type and trait personality tests and the relation of the two-factor theory to both these temperaments and contemporary personality tests.

You’ll be introduced to the four-letter codes of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), how to interpret them, and how to use temperament function-attitudes to identify the dominant function-attitude of Myers Briggs 16 personality types. We’ll learn how psychological functions relate to learning styles and how Keirsey’s Temperament Sorter identifies four cognitive categories related to these.

We’ll explore the different scales used in personality type and trait tests and the five-factor model (FFM) of personality traits, including how Eysenck’s Personality Inventory relates to it. We’ll also study the mechanics of averaging personality test scores and practice how to interpret the results of a personality trait test for predicting success.

The course outlines how philosophy influenced personality testing, the scientific controversy in measuring character and personality, and major theorists’ ideas about personality testing. It also explains the distinct definitions of temperament, character and personality and how these apply to differences between character types and personality traits.

The course concludes by exploring some of the considerations someone starting a personality consulting practice should make and the practice models they may use, along with providing resources for additional research.

By studying this course, you will:

• Gain an understanding of the psychology and philosophy of personality
• Learn important statistical concepts
• Understand the methodologies used in personality type and trait tests
• Learn how to interpret personality tests
• Understand how a personality consulting practice may be developed

You could be considering developing a personality consulting practice, wishing to use personality testing for self-development or simply interested in knowing more about this field. However you’ve arrived at this course, it will provide you with the fundamental knowledge you need to understand the psychology of personality testing.