Personality Psychology

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how the field of personality psychology aims to develop insights about an individual based on the examination of psychological and mental processes. The resulting determination of personality relies significantly on the use of standardized tests which are used to identify personality characteristics as well as to develop the significance of these individual insights with the rest of the population. In particular, the paper looks at how the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) typologies are based on the personality typologies developed in the 1920s by Carl Gustav Jung, father of analytical psychology, and how, though there is some debate regarding the utility and effectiveness of the MBTI and similar assessment tools, they remain fundamental to human resource and psychiatric practice.

Outline:
Introduction
History and Development
Testing and Instrumentation
Uses and Applications
Controversies and Criticisms
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Theoretical criticisms of the MBTI can be associated with criticisms of Jung's lack of scientific evidence for his study of cognitive functions. Since this is the foundation of the MBTI, and most of Myers-Briggs subsequent conceptualizations parallel Jungian psychology, the test has been criticized as the culmination of unscientific personality testing. Another popular criticism to the test is its perceived vagueness and the interchangeability between types given identical behavior. There is also critique that the test does not allow for discrepancies in actual and stated response or issue like that presented by the Forer effect which essentially invalidates the results of the test because of its vulnerability to manipulation (Nardi, 2001). "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Myers, Isabel Briggs with Myers, Peter B. (1995). Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Type. California: Davies-Black Publishing
• Nardi, Dario (2001). Multiple Intelligences and Personality Type : Tools and Strategies for Developing Human Potential. New York: Telos Publications
• Schuwirth, Lambert and Cantillon, Peter (2004). What the educators are saying. BMJ; 328: 1244

More papers on Personality Psychology:

• Research Paper # 91188 : "Personality Psychology"
• Essay # 87546 : "Personality Theories"
• Research Paper # 92364 : "Evolutionary Psychology"

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