Personality Assessment Tools

Personality Assessment Instruments

Crystal K. Garcia

PSYCH/504-Theories of Personality

May 15, 2011

Elisa Doebler-Irvine

Personality Assessment Instruments

Many types of personality assessment instruments are used by clinics, schools, and even some employers. Perspective tests like the Rorschach test and questionnaire tests like the Sixteen Personality factor tests are just a couple of examples of the various tests available. This paper will examine both of these tests and their validity, comprehensiveness, and applicability.

Rorschach Tests

According to Cervone and Pervin (2010) perspective tests like the Rorchach test, which was developed by Hermann Rorschach a Swiss psychiatrist, were thought to be useful to psychologists to obtain a picture of psychodynamics otherwise concealed. When developing the tests, Rorschach created cards by placing inkblots on paper and rubbing the paper together so two distinct ink designs appear on each half of the paper. Rorschach took these cards around to hospitals and showed them to various psychiatric patients receiving various responses. Based on these responses, 10 cards were selected to be used in the Rorschach test.

The individual assessed by the Rorschach test is asked to look at the image and explain what he or she sees. The responses given by the individual are recorded and used by the evaluator to assess whether the individual has good psychological function or has poor psychological function that contains unrealistic fantasies or strange behavior.

Validity of Rorschach Tests

According to Cervone and Pervin (2010) the validity of perspective tests such as the Rorschach test are not easy to articulate. Tests...