Personality Quizzes: What Am I?

     Personality tests were all the rage in high school and college. I remember taking the 16 personality tests, Buzzfeed quizzes, and leadership tests during my free time. Although I was highly skeptical about their legitimacy, something about them comforted me. I felt like I was a part of a group. My introversion was a strength. My rigidity and sensitivity were something to uphold instead of a source of shame. My shyness isn’t a problem; I just have a different set of skills. 

    After taking a couple and questioning my existence, I realized how similar they all were. They asked the same questions, but it was difficult to differentiate which one mattered. I would like to know if I would get a different response if I took the same tests on other days. Is there scientific data supporting the idea that these tests will help determine your leadership skills? Fortunately, there is no limit to the number of times you can take a test, so I decided to take a test twice and see if I would get the same results. My hypothesis (yes, I’m one of those people) is that I will get a different result each time because my answer will differ depending on my mood. 

The first personality test I took was the Five Factor Test. This test measures personality based on five factors: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. All of these skills will determine what type of leader and worker you are. 

Interestingly, the first and second results were completely different. I’m unsure why, but my answers were way more extreme the first time I took this test. According to this test, my introversion was greatly exaggerated, and my nervousness was potent. My traits had a higher percentage the first time I took this test.

 

Source: Fiver Factor Test

    The second time, however, I was more settled. Maybe I felt better or had a great day, but I was easier on myself. I had a more open mind, which made the test more accurate. My score for “conscientiousness” increased, and my “neuroticism” percentage decreased. 

    After taking this test, I wondered if this applied to my other tests. Personality Type Indicator is similar to the five-indicator personality quiz because it has key factors. It splits up your personality into sections: mind, energy, nature, tactics, and identity. Each group has a letter, and each one coincides with your answers. For instance, if you are more extroverted than introverted, the first letter for your personality test will be an ‘E.’ Even though these tests seem different, they both have similar formats. They create groups or sections to determine your personality. I got INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judgement). Every time I took this test, I got the same personality type, but what about the numbers? Remember, I took these tests were taken only an hour from each other. 

Source: Personality Indicator

    These results intrigued me. What would happen if I retook the test? Will I get a different result or have the same result but with different percentages? It’s interesting to think about, and I wonder if it would differ if I took it every day. Emotions, mood, and stress can impact a result, and since how I feel about myself differs from day to day and hour to hour, it will affect my result. 

    Of all the personality tests I took, 16 Personalities was the strangest. For one, it was the same test as the previous one—the same questions, rules/factors, and results. The only difference is that there is a personification element. I did not need to retake this test but took it twice for transparency. Just like the previous tests, the percentages were different, but the test results were the same. 

Source: 16 Personality Test 

Although personality quizzes are fun and easy, the scientific community’s opinion about whether they give a genuine introspection about your personality varies. Simine Vazire, a personality researcher from the University of California, argues we should be skeptical and that “‘until we test them scientifically, we can’t tell the difference between that and pseudoscience like astrology’” (qtd. Angus Chen, 2018). Personality tests are a great way to pass the time and feel more secure about oneself, but basing your entire life around these indicators can be harmful. Jim Butcher, a psychologist from the University of Minnesota, mentioned that the problem with specific personality tests like the Meyers-Briggs or 16 Personalities is that they “were built on the creators’ subjective feelings about personality” (Chen, 2018). For instance, if the creator hates people who have a more logical mindset, they might make the test-taker feel ashamed about their traits. Instead of showing you an objective analysis of your personality traits, some personality tests are biased. 

    Personality tests are what you make of it. You should not trust some of them; they are an excellent way to build professional work development. It helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses and how to use them in your field. While the scientific community condones some personality quizzes (I’m looking at you, Meyers-Briggs), they are a great way to engage with students and peers. They help you build a sense of self, which will help you as an educator or a librarian. 

    So, next time you have the opportunity to take a personality test, go for it. They’re easy fun and might give you the confidence you need to succeed. They'll help you build your PLN network and get to know your peers and yourself.