Objective Personality Tests: Benefits, Drawbacks & Understanding

There are several types of objective personality tests. The most popular and most widely used in the world is known as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, second edition (MMPI-2). Objective personality tests offer mental health professionals a way to better understand their clients and possibly look into any mental illness or disorder.

Length

• A disadvantage of objective personality tests can be the sheer length. Unlike tests that give a simple insight into someone's personality, an objective personality test such as the MMPI-2 is used to determine predictions and outcomes of treatments for patients. The MMPI-2 has 567 items, making it the longest commonly used personality inventory.

Cost and Time

• An advantage of objective personality tests is that they are relatively cost effective. They only use paper and can be scored by hand or using a machine. OPTs can also be completed on the patient's schedule; this contrasts with projective tests, which must be administered by a professional through use of equipment. OPTs can be taken home with the client and returned later.

Objectivity

• Objective personality tests are, obviously, objective. Questions and answers are usually in a true-or-false format. This makes scoring and evaluating the data simple and removes possible bias of the scorer. Although this is a great advantage, scorers must be vigilant in correct scoring procedures as incorrect scoring can lead to misdiagnoses.

Untruths

• With objective personality tests, there is always the possibility that the test taker is not telling the complete truth. The MMPI-2 has gone to great lengths to check for lies using a validity scale, but others, such as the Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory, can be subject to untruths.