Psychological Testing, Essay Example

Perceptions of personality testing

This is an evaluation method whereby various items are placed on questionnaires to detect a person’s character traits. Often the responses are applied in determining the personality of that individual; based on the outcome of the test. For example, two theories are used to test personalitycharacteristics. One is the Classical Test Theory (CTT) and the other is the item response theory (IRT) (Saccuzzo& Kaplan, 2009).

The classical tests theory is applied as an observed scoring system. In this phase ofthe testing critics argue that extreme d biases could occur couple with subjective judgments. In my point of view culture plays a major role in personality acquisition. Subsequently the person executing this observes testing could score the individual based on his/her limitedunderstanding of their culture(Hogan, Ashton  & Gough, 2006).

My perspective regarding these theories is that none of them could accurately predict a person’s personality.  Psychology is a study of the mind. So far no one can accurately interpret the functions of mind while articulating activities pertaining to the brain. For example, the five factor personality test allows assessment in just five areas of the person’s personality(Cattell & Mead, 2007).

The unique interpretation of this evaluationthat resonates with me relate, specifically, to the items in the tests. For me these tests are limited in the exploring major personality traits evident in a person’s character. Precisely, the five point personality assesses openness to experience;conscientiousness:extraversion and agreeableness(DeYoung, Quilty&Peterson,   2007).

There are many features of the human personality, which are not reflected in the five major elements mentioned its theory. As such, tests evaluations are limited to these elements of behavior espoused in the supporting assumptions.

References

Saccuzzo, P., & Kaplan, R. (2009). Psychological Testing: Principles, Applications, and Issues (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Cattell, H.¸ &Mead, A. (2007). The 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF).London: Sage.

DeYoung, C. Quilty, L. C., & Peterson, J. (2007).Between facets and domain: 10 aspects of the Big Five. J. Pers. Soc. Psychol. 93, 880–896.

Hogan, R. Ashton, M. C.& Gough, H. C. (2006). The International Personality Item Pool and the future of public-domain personality measures. Journal of Research in Personality, 40, 84-96.