Theories and Tests of Personality

The circumstances under which using the test would be indicated

The MBTI chooses for preferences and it does not illustrate the accuracy of the choosing capabilities of the person. The queries enable the clarity of a type or like to be identified, but not whether the type is correct or not or the level of intelligence of the person. In this aspect, it varies from attitude-based personality assessment tests. Type choices are on opposing poles: a common idea regarding MBTI is that the participant basically chooses one type over the other, not a combination of preferences.

The reliability and validity of the instrument

The reliability and validity of the MBTI has been analyzed as being under par, with participants who perform the examination more than once often being designated various preferences. Based on the studies done on the validity of the MBTI, the largest portion of individuals who fell into the similar classification on the second examination is only below 50%. In addition, a great range of 40% – 80% of those examined landed into various preferences upon re-examination weeks or days after, and most individual’s preferences were also identified to differ based on the time of the day (Pervin, 2001).

The factors that users such test should consider

The outcomes of the MBTI personality assessment have to be agreed to be kept in private between the person and the examiner and, therefore should not be revealed without approval from the participant. Also, since the MBTI is a test of types, not knowledge, and because there are no correct or incorrect preferences, the potential participants must bear in mind that the MBTI cannot be classified as an accurate personality assessment tool for the objectives of employee recruitment and hiring.

Opinion of the usefulness of the test

The author agrees on the fact that MBTI does not have the authentic results to enable its reputation as a quality and reliable personality assessment test to grow. Nevertheless, MBTI is able to effectively forecast the attitudes and traits of every person, including the details of every preference going beyond ordinary behaviors to specified aspects of likes and preferences. The author believes that this information, no matter how simple or ordinary it may seem, can still be helpful in the analysis of every individual’s behavior.

Synthesis

The previous sections identify the assessment methods of personality i.e. Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Aside form this assessment, the discussion also shown that the different personality theories each have their own focus of discussion. Freud and Erikson concentrate on the formation of the ego that helps an individual interact with the environment. However, Erikson is more comprehensive in his discussion. Whereas Freud focuses more on the unconscious structure of the personality, Erikson’s theory encompasses the normal and conscious development of an individual from birth until old age.

He is able to postulate on the different aspects of human life like society and culture that can help shape an individual’s personality. Furthermore, Skinner and Bandura emphasize the learning process of an organism. They both believe that the human mind is capable of accepting stimuli from the environment, interpreting them based on inherent capacities, and then manifesting certain actions or behaviors in response to the stimuli. The learning theories are realistic in nature. The human mind is indeed a powerful force within a person. It helps the person to understand the social world through personal and inborn energy. Skinner’s and Bandura’s focus on the environment and individual is also very helpful. An individual cannot deny his involvement with the society and thus should be able to understand whatever issue it poses on him through an ability innate in him since birth. Finally, Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs is a practical approach to explaining human behavior.

It encompasses several realities of human life such as the serious need for food, water and clothing, the need to form relationships with others and be accepted, be safe from harm, and be whatever he wants to be. Maslow is able to capture the basic essence of human existence so people can relate to his theory.

Conclusions

Personality is a complex system that encompasses all the internal and external influences in a person’s existence that makes him unique. A person is naturally imbued with the capacity to understand, learn, make choices, satisfy his needs, and realize his full potential. However, as he grows up he is faced with the fact that he is not alone and should interact with the society. Thus, his natural capacity is put to a test. This interaction paves the way for accommodation, modification and enhancement of his inherent personal factors.