Some Important Techniques Used in The Measurement of Personality

Some important techniques used in the measurement of personality

Observation:  This is a popular method. This helps to study the behavior pattern of an individual in actual life situations. The observation is done in two ways. In the first method the observer does not hide his presence. He occupies the part of the group under observation. In the second method the observer takes a position where his presence is least disturbing to the group. At the same time, he can observer in detail the behavior of the individual under observation. The observer can make use of tape-recorder, camera, telescope etc. To confirm the facts, the observer can repeat the observation in the same situations a number of times. Again, the subject may be observed by a number of observers and the results may be pooled together.

Situational Tests: In this technique a situation is artificially created and the individual is expected to perform acts related to personality traits under testing.

Questionnaire:  A questionnaire or a list of questions about personality traits is prepared and presented to the respondents. From the answers to these questions, the personality of a respondent is assessed.

Personality Inventory:  A personality inventory is specially designed to seek answers to various points about the person and his personality.

Rating Scale:  In this technique we try to have some specific idea about some of the personality traits of an individual from another person who know him very well. The three basic things involved in this technique are (a) the specific trait or traits to be rated, (b) the scale by which the degree of possession or absence of the trait has to be shown and (c) the appropriate judges from the rating.

Interview:  An interview is conducted to get direct information from the candidate about the personality. It gives an opportunity for mutual exchange of ideas and information between the candidate and the psychologist. Through this technique the psychologist tries to make sure of the personality traits or behaviour which he has to assess and then makes his plans accordingly. In interviews, not only the responses but also the tone, behaviour etc are taken into consideration to choose the required personality traits.

Projective Techniques: Projection means the observation of some specific thing in an object or action according to one’s personality and mental state. Many peculiarities of the personality of an individual are investigated by an analysis of this projection and a comparison of it with the projections effected by others.

            In multiple personality, the personality of an individual is subdivided into two or more contradictory personalities. In one personality he may be good-natured, happy and sociable while in another he may be unsociable, irritating and aggressive. The personality which remains for a long time is called the primary state. The personality which persists for a comparatively shorter period is called the secondary state. Commonly, the things related to the primary state are remembered in the secondary states, but secondary states are not recalled in the primary state.