Kate Purdue
Unit 6 DB: Big Five Personality Testing
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The developers of the IPIP-BFFM break down the Big Five Personality Test into five different factors. The first factor is extraversion, typically characterized by an individual’s tendency to seek out social interaction and stimulation, enthusiasm, and assertiveness in social situations. The second factor is emotional stability; those who score high are characterized as emotionally resilient, calm, and even-tempered. They tend to have better mental and physical health outcomes. The third factor is agreeableness, linked to various outcomes, including interpersonal relationships, job performance, and mental health. Those who score high in this category are considered warm, kind, and considerate. Factor four is conscientiousness; high scores are characterized as reliable, hardworking, and efficient. These individuals engage in health-promoting behaviors, such as exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet. The final factor of the five factors is openness to experience. Individuals who scored high in this category are imaginative, curious, and open to new ideas and experiences. They tend to be intellectually curious and enjoy exploring new concepts and ideas.
I scored the highest in the conscientiousness category. I agree with that result because I am reliable, hardworking, and efficient, which are the three characteristics listed for that trait. I participate in regular exercise and make steady gains in a healthy diet. One drawback I am aware of is that I am excessively conscientious in my work performance, which causes me to be overly perfectionistic and rigid when others cannot produce the same results. I have set a very high standard of proper landscaping, and very few can hit that mark. On the other hand, this higher standard continues to set me apart from most other landscapers and presents me greater opportunities than my coworkers or peers in the same industry.
Psychological assessments and tests are invaluable tools when someone’s mental health is affecting their home life or work performance. They provide us with a deeper understanding of ourselves, help us receive a diagnosis, empower us to maximize our strengths, and guide us towards the proper treatment. For instance, my little sister, who developed schizophrenia due to excessive drug use, is now under close monitoring to ensure she receives the best support through medication and various therapies for her particular diagnosis.
“When interpreting assessment results, including automated interpretations, psychologists take into account the purpose of the assessment as well as the various test factors, test-taking abilities, and other characteristics of the person being assessed, such as situational, personal, linguistic, and cultural differences, that might affect psychologists’ judgments or reduce the accuracy of their interpretations” (APA, 2017). Additionally, “When obtaining informed consent for treatment for which generally recognized techniques and procedures have not been established, psychologists inform their clients/patients of the developing nature of the treatment, the potential risks involved, alternative treatments that may be available, and the voluntary nature of their participation” (APA, 2017). I would include the Ethical Standards contained in the APA Manual.
Self-reporting testing, like the Big Five Personality Test, presents challenges. These include answering questions to make a good impression, misunderstanding a question, exaggerating answers and outcomes, or personal circumstances that can affect the results. It’s important to be aware of these potential biases when interpreting the results of such tests.
Reference
American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct.