Hopping on the internet and taking a personality test has become a common trend. Chances are, you or your friends have taken one of these tests. Or maybe your boss might have hired you based on one. However, have you ever wondered where these tests come from or how they’re made?
So, how are personality tests made?
Developing an authentic, validated personality test is nowhere near as easy as the simple quizzes available everywhere. The process involves rigorous brainstorming for a proper framework, writing well-defined items, statistical data collection, prototyping, and so much more!
In this blog, we will explore more about how personality tests are made. Additionally, we will share insights into their frameworks and what separates a good personality test from the others. So, let’s get started!
Understanding The Framework Of Personality Tests
To understand how personality tests are made, we need to step back and start by exploring their frameworks. The framework reflects the foundational theory upon which a personality test is based.
Needless to say, these theories should be grounded in accurate scientific findings. This leads to a well-defined framework that people can understand easily. For a better understanding, let’s look at the different theories for personality tests.
1. Trait-Based Theory
Trait theory makes up the most common framework for personality tests. This theory relies upon the belief that personality characteristics or traits can be classified and measured. The traits are placed on a spectrum and not isolated in individuals.
So, in such personality tests, traits like openness or conscientiousness are measured. A common example is the Big Five personality test, which uses the Five-Factor Model.
2. Type-Based Theory
Type theory is just as widely used in current personality tests. This framework will categorize individuals into specific personality types. Basically, personalities are grouped, which is then used to label people.
Moreover, these personality types never co-exist in an individual. This means you can be one of the many personality types in a specific test. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test utilizes the widely known Jungian theory to categorize individuals in such a way.
3. Psychodynamic Theory
The psychodynamic theory isn’t as common, however, it laid the foundation for personality tests. This theory focuses on one’s unconscious mind, believing that everyone has some type of neurosis.
Projective tests, such as the Rorschach Inkblot Test, typically use this framework. It targets the deeper, concealed emotions and desires.
Step-By-Step: How Are Personality Tests Made?
Now that you know bits and pieces of a personality test’s framework, let’s dive right into the main topic. How are personality tests made?
1. Define The Purpose
The first step is usually defining what you want from the test. Think of which traits to measure and how many. If not personality traits, then focus on the personality types.
More importantly, consider where the test will be used. Is it for recruitment and organizational development? Or, perhaps it is for clinical use. Make sure to consider your target audience.
2. Select a Framework
Next, a framework should be selected. The psychological theories or models must align with what’s expected from the test.
3. Write The Items
With the desired framework in mind, the next step is item writing. Simply put, this means writing the questions or statements for evaluation. The items can be multiple-choice questions, open-ended, or have a Likert scale.
Typically, as many questions as possible are written down. Then, the final ones are narrowed down. This allows you to explore with high diversity and reliability.
4. Testing
A pilot test should be carried out before moving forward. The initial feedback should consist of ratings about the questions and the answer options. Developers often use simpler online testing for quick user feedback or internal assessments.
5. Statistical Analysis
The data collected from the feedback group should be used for statistical analysis. Here, you have to look for underlying patterns among the items. This helps to understand whether multiple items are assessing the same trait. Thus, helping you finalize the questions from the wide options you created.
Moreover, another crucial part in this step is ensuring internal consistency. This means checking how repetitive and coherent the results will be for a similar set of answers. This guarantees a high test reliability.
You will find many software programs to conduct statistical analysis tests. They are efficient for reliability testing. Overall, they will help analyze and refine test items using proper data.
6. Revising
Based on the statistical analysis, make changes to the test. Rewrite the questions if needed. Also, make sure to edit any unclear wordings.
7. Validate And Norming
To validate the test is to ensure its accuracy. This is where you have to check whether the test truly measures its core psychological concepts. You have to do so by comparing its results with the results of well-established personality tests. This provides an accuracy benchmark for your test.
Next is norming, where you set the average or normal value for each trait or score. This will help you interpret individual scores in context. Moreover, you will understand whether the result is sets the test-taker apart from a general group.
8. Finalize And Deploy
The personality test is almost ready. Before deploying, you need to decide on its platform and scoring algorithm. Choose whether you want the test to be an online tool or a part of an integrated platform.
Moreover, be precise about the scoring algorithm that will process the answers. This is very crucial for providing accurate results.
Lastly, you will also want to provide an interpretation guide. This is to help the test-takers get clear results from your test. Once all that is taken care of, the test is ready to be deployed.
Tools And Technologies Used For Developing Personality Tests
A good personality test is always supported by tools. Some rely on modern technologies, whereas others utilize tried and tested ones. Let’s explore these powerful tools that make personality tests work.
Design And Data Collection Platforms
These are tools that allow you to create and manage data collection forms. So, developers can meet their audience’s needs according to the latest trends and patterns.
There are professional-grade platforms available like Qualtrics. However, some developers even utilize Google Forms and Microsoft Forms for quick prototypes.
AI and Machine Learning
The use of AI is everywhere these days. For modern personality tests, AI improves efficiency and accuracy in both test creation and result interpretation. Moreover, AI algorithms can help integrate prediction and personalization features.
Machine learning algorithms are used in discovering patterns in test-taker data. Also, it proves to be useful in identifying sub-groups during high-volume tests.
Delivery Platforms
Finally, there should be a reliable platform to deliver the test at scale. The key is to maintain accessibility and security regardless of what platform you choose. This can be through custom web portals or mobile apps.
Alternatively, some prefer API integrations for HR software and CRM systems. As for use in education or corporate training, you can integrate the test with Learning Management systems.
What Makes A Personality Test Good?
Not all personality tests can flourish, and there are valid reasons for it. While it’s easy to make entertaining personality tests, meaningful and trustworthy tests aren’t nearly as easy to develop.
Here is what separates a good personality test from the easily available, superficial ones.
Psychometric Standards
A well-defined personality test must meet rigorous psychometric standards. This means it has to ensure both high validity and reliability. Check for Construct validity and Test-retest validity.
Additionally, ensuring test fairness and equity is of utmost importance. Avoid any type of cultural or gender biases.
Scientific Backing
Research-based personality tests are the real deal. They should be based on validated psychological theory. This will not only ensure test reliability but also increase legal defence.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical practice is essential for personality test development. Data privacy and protection should be the topmost priority. Moreover, users must know who will access their results.
To avoid any misconduct, follow data laws like GDPR or HIPAA, depending on the use case.
FAQ
Q. How much does it cost to develop a personality test?
The cost for developing personality tests varies depending on your requirements. It can go up to a hundred thousand dollars for custom, high-complexity tests.
Q. Are personality tests 100% accurate?
No personality test is 100% accurate. They offer valuable insights into personalities, however, it’s best not to fully rely on them.
Q. Can personality tests predict behavior accurately?
Most personality tests don’t predict specific behavior in humans. However, they can provide insights into general behavioral tendencies.
Conclusion
That’s all on how are personality tests made. While such tests are prevalent worldwide, not many people are aware of their development process. A lot goes behind developing a well-established and validated personality test. It all starts with deciding on a trusted and efficient framework.
The process can be very time-consuming. From writing personalized items to prototyping and conducting statistical analysis, there is a lot to do. Despite the lengthy process, this foundational work is the key to developing a well-designed and robust personality test!
