Personality tests

An overview of scientifically sound methods

Personality tests

Personality tests are a widely used tool in psychology to measure and understand individual differences in personality.

These tests are used in various fields, from clinical psychology to personnel and career counseling. They are also a valuable tool for learning more about oneself and better understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses.

There are many scientifically sound tests you can take online. Here are some of the most well-known and scientifically sound personality tests that you can take online for free or for a fee.

The Five-Factor Model (Big Five)

The Five-Factor Model, also known as the Big Five, is one of the most widely recognized methods for assessing personality. The five dimensions of the model are openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. These traits have been validated in numerous studies worldwide. Online versions of this test may be subject to a fee.

NEO-PI-R (NEO Personality Inventoryised)

NEO-PI-RThe NEO Personality Inventory-Revised is one of the best-known tests for measuring the Big Five personality traits. Developed by Costa and McCrae, it offers a detailed assessment of the five main dimensions and their respective facets.

• AdvantagesComprehensive validation and high reliability. Offers in-depth insights into personality.
• DisadvantagesRelatively long and detailed, which can lead to fatigue.

• Website: Psychology Tools NEO-PI-R

• Description: An in-depth test that provides detailed insights into the five main dimensions of personality as well as the specific facets of each dimension.



• Cost: Subject to a fee

Big Five Personality Test (OCEAN)

The Big Five Personality Test, also known as OCEAN (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism), is one of the best-researched and scientifically sound tests.

• WebsiteBig Five test on 123testhttps://www.123test.com/de/Persönlichkeitstest/
• DescriptionThis test measures the five main dimensions of personality and gives you a detailed insight into your personality.



• CostFree (extended reports available for a fee)

Sources:

• McCrae, R.R., & Costa, P.T. (1997). Personality trait structure as a human universal. American Psychologist.
• Costa, P. T., & McCrae, R. R. (1992). Normal personality assessment in clinical practice: The NEO Personality Inventory. Psychological Assessment.

Myers-Briggs Typenindikator (MBTI)

The MBTI is based on Carl Jung's theory of psychological types and categorizes people into 16 personality types, based on four dichotomous dimensions: Extraversion/Introversion, Intuition/Sensing, Thinking/Feeling and Judging/Perceiving.

• Website: 16 Personalities

  
  

  This test is interactive and easy to understand. It provides detailed profiles for each of the 16 personality types, including strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations.

  
  

  • CostFree (extended reports available for a fee)

    
    

    • Application: Frequently used in career counseling and team development.
    • AdvantagesUser-friendly and easy to understand. Helpful for self-awareness and interpersonal relationships.
    • DisadvantagesCriticized for lack of scientific validation and reliability compared to other personality tests.

    
    

    Sources:

    • Myers, IB, & McCaulley, M.H. (1985). Manual: A guide to the development and use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.

      
      

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)

The MMPI is a clinical personality test used to diagnose mental disorders. Online versions of this test are usually fee-based and require professional evaluation.

• ApplicationDiagnosis of mental disorders and personality assessment.
• AdvantagesHigh validity and reliability. Extensively researched and well-established.
• DisadvantagesVery comprehensive and complex. Requires professional training to interpret the results.
• WebsiteMMPI-2 Online Test
• Description: A comprehensive test that provides detailed insights into personality structure and possible psychological disorders.
• Cost: Subject to a fee

Sources:

• Butcher, JN, Dahlstrom, WG, Graham, JR, Tellegen, A., & Kaemmer, B. (1989). Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2).
  

16PF Personality Questionnaire

The 16PF, developed by Raymond Cattell, measures 16 primary personality factors as well as five global factors similar to the Big Five.

• Application: Vocational aptitude diagnostics, clinical psychology and research.
• Advantages: Differentiated insights into many personality aspects. Good validity and reliability.
• DisadvantagesComplexity and length of the test.



Website: 16personalities.com

Cost: Free version

Sources:

• Cattell, R.B., & Mead, A.D. (2008). The 16PF Questionnaire. In GJ Boyle, G. Matthews, & DH Saklofske (Eds.), The SAGE handbook of personality theory and assessment.
  

HEXACO Personality Inventory

The HEXACO model expands the Big Five personality traits by adding a sixth dimension: honesty and humility. It is increasingly used in personality research and applied psychology.

• Application: Research and practical applications in various fields such as organizational psychology.
• AdvantagesExpansion of the Big Five personality traits to include important dimensions of personality. Good psychometric properties.
• DisadvantagesLess well-known and used than the Big Five model.

• Website: HEXACO Test https://hexaco.org/hexaco-online



• DescriptionThis test measures six main dimensions of personality and gives you a detailed overview of your personal characteristics.

• CostFree (basic version)

Sources:

• Ashton, M. C., & Lee, K. (2007). Empirical, theoretical, and practical advantages of the HEXACO model of personality structure. Personality and Social Psychology Review.